Herdswoman
10-03-2005, 09:41 AM
I am so frustrated with trying to find a good shoer in the Toledo, Ohio area. The shoer I've been using for the last year or so does a great job - when he shows up. I've had two appointments over the last three weeks and he's been a no-call, no-show both times. Voice mail messages are not returned.
Same story with the other shoer I had.
The one shoer who is well known, timely and well respected in the area is not taking any new clients.
When a shoer comes, I have my two horses waiting in their stalls. We have a simple but clean barn with cross ties and a rubber mat. I pay at the completion of the appointment with a good check every time. I do not leave the farrier alone, I correct my horses if they are wanting to lean, or are getting lazy and wanting to set a hind leg down. They do not kick. I bring a tall glass of ice water out in the summer and have offered lunch more than once.
It has now been nine weeks since my horse's were done.
The real rub comes in with my Walking horse. Due to health reasons on my part I'm not able to give him as much work as he wants and he is a horse who likes a job. So I am donating him to the US Army Third Infantry (The Old Guard) based near Arlington, Virginia. He will spend his time carrying around a pair of empty boots at military funerals as part of the Caisson Platoon and working with some of the most honorable people in the world. The Army has given preliminary approval and will come out to see him the end of Oct./first part Nov. I want to give this boy as much riding time as I can so he won't be a total lardbucket when he gets to boot camp. However, he's started walking with a really short step as he's coming out of his stall. He's tender on gravel and needs shoes with borium as we are in a fairly suburban area with lots of asphalt to cross. He loosens up in grassy areas, but I am concerned. His feet have not been trimmed in 15 weeks. (Nine weeks ago I was told that he didn't need trimmed at that time.) If he is not sound, the Army will not take him. I want to know that my horse is going to a place where he will receive excellent care. I would rather donate him than sell him as it gives me more control over where he goes....and I will be allowed first chance to have him back when he is ready to retire.
My 'no-show shoer' knows all of this, yet has not come at the two appointed times he has set and does not call.
I am told by most of the people I know in this area that this in normal for horseshoers and this won't change if I change shoers. Sigh.
I have called the timely, well-respected shoer, explained the cir***stances, begged shamelessly and offered to pay him double if he will come this one time for my Walker. I plan on spoiling the man rotten when he gets here and giving him a hefty tip in cash. Of course I will ask if he will take on my daughter's horse as a regular client...even though I am sure he'll turn me down. Her gelding has been standing in the same shoes for nine weeks now.
All I want is a shoer that will show up every six weeks, do a good job and take my money. Is that too much to ask?
Any other advice for me?
If a good, reliable shoer is out there and wants to make a fortune, the Toledo area needs you badly.
Same story with the other shoer I had.
The one shoer who is well known, timely and well respected in the area is not taking any new clients.
When a shoer comes, I have my two horses waiting in their stalls. We have a simple but clean barn with cross ties and a rubber mat. I pay at the completion of the appointment with a good check every time. I do not leave the farrier alone, I correct my horses if they are wanting to lean, or are getting lazy and wanting to set a hind leg down. They do not kick. I bring a tall glass of ice water out in the summer and have offered lunch more than once.
It has now been nine weeks since my horse's were done.
The real rub comes in with my Walking horse. Due to health reasons on my part I'm not able to give him as much work as he wants and he is a horse who likes a job. So I am donating him to the US Army Third Infantry (The Old Guard) based near Arlington, Virginia. He will spend his time carrying around a pair of empty boots at military funerals as part of the Caisson Platoon and working with some of the most honorable people in the world. The Army has given preliminary approval and will come out to see him the end of Oct./first part Nov. I want to give this boy as much riding time as I can so he won't be a total lardbucket when he gets to boot camp. However, he's started walking with a really short step as he's coming out of his stall. He's tender on gravel and needs shoes with borium as we are in a fairly suburban area with lots of asphalt to cross. He loosens up in grassy areas, but I am concerned. His feet have not been trimmed in 15 weeks. (Nine weeks ago I was told that he didn't need trimmed at that time.) If he is not sound, the Army will not take him. I want to know that my horse is going to a place where he will receive excellent care. I would rather donate him than sell him as it gives me more control over where he goes....and I will be allowed first chance to have him back when he is ready to retire.
My 'no-show shoer' knows all of this, yet has not come at the two appointed times he has set and does not call.
I am told by most of the people I know in this area that this in normal for horseshoers and this won't change if I change shoers. Sigh.
I have called the timely, well-respected shoer, explained the cir***stances, begged shamelessly and offered to pay him double if he will come this one time for my Walker. I plan on spoiling the man rotten when he gets here and giving him a hefty tip in cash. Of course I will ask if he will take on my daughter's horse as a regular client...even though I am sure he'll turn me down. Her gelding has been standing in the same shoes for nine weeks now.
All I want is a shoer that will show up every six weeks, do a good job and take my money. Is that too much to ask?
Any other advice for me?
If a good, reliable shoer is out there and wants to make a fortune, the Toledo area needs you badly.