Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Finding a good farrier is hard, no matter where you live.  If you are in a 
more secluded area the search is even more difficult.  I've been fortunate 
and in the last 6 years have had 2 farriers, both I trust completely.  Left 
one because I moved out of his area, found a great one by referral from 
another distance rider.  Lost him because I moved out of his area and ended 
up back with my first one.  My only complaint with both of them was lack of 
communication.  When I moved and they felt it was too far for them, they did 
not communicate that to me.  They just simply didn't return my phone calls.  
The first time it happened, I was very angry.  The next time, I called him 
left a message that I realized I was probably too far away and could he 
please recommend someone closer to my area.  I received a call back that 
night with recommendations.  This is not a blanket statement, so farriers 
please don't take offense.  Lack of communication on the farriers part seems 
to be part of the problem.  I know you are busy, you are running a business 
and are in great demand, however, your customers trust you and rely on your 
opinion.  If you don't return calls or offer alternatives we are left in the 
dark feeling very frustrated.  It is akin to moving and having to find a new 
dentist, ob/gyn or daycare.  We may have just been a customer to you, but 
you were so much more to us.

Your comment about your farrier just never showing up again, more than 
likely had nothing to do with your horses behavior.  It is more to do with 
them growing their business, getting more clients than they know what do 
with and not knowing how to handle culling clients.  Maybe that should be a 
class in farrier school ~ how to cut an existing client lose?  It can be 
done and for the farrier that knows how to do it properly, they will provide 
you with numbers of other farriers in your area.

So, I didn't help you find a new farrier.  However, I wish you the best of 
luck.  Remember, if you aren't getting a call back, leave a message with 
what you think may be wrong...travel distance and ask for referrals.  You 
should be pleasantly surprised.







> From: KristinSchuma@xxxxxxx
> To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [RC]   Farriers
> Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 13:12:48 EST
>
> Where/how in the world do you find a farrier that you can trust?  I live in
> North Central Wisconsin- there are a few farriers up here- but many of them 
> I
> do not trust to trim their fingernails let alone my horses feet.  The 
> latest
> farrier I tried had a hard time pulling the shoes off of my gelding that 
> had
> toe clips on them.  When I told her that, in the summer, I have the farrier
> out at least every 6 weeks to reset (road riding really takes it's toll on
> steel) I think she almost fainted.  The last person I had was great- then 
> for
> some reason he just never showed up again (my horses are well behaved-  I 
> do
> have 1 that really didn't like him but he never did anything stupid- like
> kick the farrier).
> Any suggestions on finding a good one?  My other option is to haul a couple
> of hours away to an endurance rider that is also a farrier (that option is
> looking pretty good right now).
> Thanks for the help!
> Kristin
> Noon, Whispor, and Sugar


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