Posted by Patty Stiller on September 30, 2003 at 15:26:56:
In Reply to: Re: How do I find out what the going rate for a trim is? posted by John Barney on September 30, 2003 at 12:57:09:
: : : : : I had kind of an interesting situation this afternoon, my horseshoer(who I think does a good job) came and trimmed my two horses. The going rate had been $20 per horse. I have them trimmed every 8-10 weeks. They are not problem horses. In the past when horseshoers I have had have raised their rates they say so, but when I handed him the check he said, Oh I have been charging $25 a horse for over a year now. I told him "no" I have been paying $20 per horse. He said well that is ok, but next time it will be more. Am I getting taken advantage of here? I am checking with other friends who have other horse shoers but haven't heard back from them yet. I just want to know what is appropriate. Thanks for helping.
: : : : : linda
: : : : For letting them go at least 10 weeks ,then the price should be closer to $45.00 ahead. Thats what I charge on horses that long. It turns out to be much more work that people think. Because of the fact the hoof has grown out so much more, and it's not just a matter of trimming off a inch of hoof ,the whole foot has widened in most cases and it would be much better to not go longer than 8 weeks! Good Luck and if your guy works for $20.00 remember to take care of him or her,ie, good work place,cold drink or whatever and pay him right then and there! JMO, Gary
: : : Your farrier is not taking advantage of you, sounds likea fair and honest person to me. The going rate in my area is $25.00 to $45.00 for trims. $20.00 is low, considering the price of fuel and the extra wear on the vehicle and tools. There is wear on tools, rasps get dull after about 10 horses and they cost around $15.00 ea.
: : : Phil
: : thanks for the info!
: I don't know your area but I have been at 25.00 a head for two years and I'm going to raise prices the first of the year. I think I'm in the middle of the scale here in central MO. Maybe it was a oversight that your farrier didn't tell you before( think of the money you saved), if he does good work and your horses stay sound stick with him. It may be harder than you think to find a good farrier. I agree with the others about going that long between trims. I'll trim excessivly long or neglegted feet once for a new client at the basic price but if they don't keep up whith regular maintenence it will cost more.
: JB
The rate here is from 25 to 30 a head. In urban California where moved from it was from 25 to 45,average was 30. When I raise my prices I give one shoeing period notice just like your farrier did. It sounds like he had been allowing you a bargain the last year, so feel lucky. Think about the the hourly rate your auto mechanic charges, or an electrician or plumber. They get sixty to ninety bucks an hour. Your farrier is probably grossing about $75 an hour, figuring three trims an hour.That is before subtracting wear and tear and gas on the truck to get there, wearing out a rasp every twentyfive horses or so, health insurance, life insurance, liability insurance, care and custody insurance, as well as the risk of injury with no disability coverage. Patty