Posted by Kristine on October 27, 2003 at 14:59:10:
What’s the best way to switch farriers? I recently moved states & the first farrier I’ve had out here is just not doing a good job on my horses...they aren’t level, the angles are off, the hind toes are too long, flares aren’t being taken off, soles aren’t trimmed, et cetera. I put it down the first time to just being a new set of horses and not working in ideal conditions, but this second time all the problems seem to be worse. (Farther off of level, length of hooves is more disparate, etc) I’ve talked to several trainers & riders in the area and none of them like this guy. My question is: how do I tell him I don’t want him to do my horses any more? Do I just say that I’m going to have the new trainer’s farrier do them since they will be there anyway (true, but not the whole truth) or do I say his quality of work just doesn’t work on my mares (honest, but not very nice)? I like him as a person–he’s a nice guy & always right on time–but my horses’ soundness has to come first. (By the way, this is an older guy who has been doing this his whole life, not someone just learning)
Suggestions??
Thanks,
-Kristine
PS
I’m still wondering what the appropriate ‘standard’ tip is for a farrier? What about for special things like thrown shoes, a ‘fidget’ day, etc? I want my farrier to be happy to work on my horses whenever things come up!