02/01/2023
Speaking of farriers and trimming, we often see posts for people who cannot keep a farrier. Sometimes this is due to their location, but many times it's because they have unreasonable expectations.
There are a few things that will make your farrier want to stick around.
1) PAY ON TIME. Your farrier is a small business and lacks the ability to float everyone on their route a personal loan. If you pay on time for years, and you have an issue, that relationship may garner you some leeway, but you should NEVER expect it.
2) TRAIN YOUR HORSES. Horse training costs extra. Period. Your farrier is not there to provide that service. However, when farriers know you will work with your furballs, they will be more tolerant with the new-to-you horse or baby who is a bit out there until you can get that sorted.
4) DRUG WHEN NEEDED. Your farrier is self-employed and really can't afford to get hurt. Everyone else's horse is depending on them too, so spend the money for the $30 tube of dormosedan to reduce the likelihood of an ER bill whenever needed. I keep a few tubes on hand just in case.
5) STICK TO A 6-8 WEEK SCHEDULE. Your farrier has to put in a LOT more physical effort to trim down overgrown hooves, not to mention that the added stress on your horse's ligaments can lead to problems that would never have happened if you stayed on a schedule. Wild horses usually only live until an average of about 12 years old before they die due to injury, predation, or illness. To keep your horse healthy until 30, you HAVE to keep up on that trimming. Failure to do so leads to all sorts of joint issues later in life.
Keep in mind, if your farrier has to double the work on each horse's hooves they may trim in a day because they're a bit long, you're talking an extra 400 mins (20 horses x 4 hooves x 5 mins per hoof) which is 6 HOURS of work on a day they trim 20 horses. I have seen a good farrier trim 20 horses in a single barn on a good day....and still have time for lunch, but no one was overgrown.
6) PROVIDE REFRESHMENTS (and a bathroom). Farriers work in all weather. If you can provide cold drinks on warm days, warm drinks on cold days, and a couple snacks....those small gestures make their lives much easier....and your horses get trimmed faster. Also, while every single farrier has peed in a stall, a bathroom with a place to wash up is a luxury most are very grateful for.
7) COMMUNICATE RESPECTFULLY. Your farrier went to school or apprenticed for years to learn how to do this. If you and your vet have a treatment plan, communicate with your farrier like the professional they are, and explain the problem along with why your vet wants a certain solution. Your farrier can bring an additional level of expertise, and may want to speak with your vet to confirm certain things.
Don't act like your farrier is an idiot. Even if they don't know the specifics about the injury or problem, they likely still know more than you and have prior experience that warns them against doing certain things.
If you want to keep your farrier, do not take them for granted. The above things should be considered basics....if you can't meet those requirements, don't be shocked if your farrier "leaves for greener pastures".