Ask a dissatisfied horse owner what their biggest frustration is about their farrier and you might get an extensive list. Ask an unhappy farrier what their biggest frustration is about their clients and you might hear an even longer list. Occasionally, farriers and horse owners don’t see eye-to-eye and it can be an aggravating experience for both parties. Unfortunately, the horse is caught in the middle.

The best working relationships between farrier and horse owner are symbiotic. A symbiosis in science usually refers to two dissimilar organisms working together for a common satisfactory result. It can also be used to describe any mutually beneficial relationship. Horse owners expect to receive quality work in a timely manner from the farrier. Farriers expect to receive a good work environment and payment from the horse owner. Both the horse owner and farrier are satisfied by the exchange if the other has done his or her job. The ultimate result is a happier horse!

How can farriers and horse owners better understand each other’s expectations in order to help each other as well as the horse? Appreciating and taking time to realize the other’s point of view is a good place to start.

What does a horse owner expect from the farrier?

When horse owners are asked what attribute they want most in their farriers, an overwhelming number of them respond, “someone who will show up when they say they will.” Too many horse owners are disillusioned that farriers just don’t keep appointments or they don’t show up on time. Farriers can improve this misconception by keeping their word. If an appointment is set for 10:00am, the farrier should make sure they are there and ready to work by 10:00am. If unforeseen circumstances arise, and the farrier realizes that they won’t make it on time, they should call the horse owner and tell them what time they expect to be there. Horse owners have better things to do than to wait around all day for the farrier.

Along these same lines, horse owners appreciate a farrier who can get the work done in a timely manner. Not that the farrier needs to rush through the job for the sake of time, but they should continuously be looking for ways to make the job more efficient. Horses are less likely to get impatient and restless when the farrier gets the job done quickly. If the horse stays happy, the horse owner is usually happy.

Horse owners expect the farrier to know the ins and outs of horses’ feet. Horse owners rightfully assume that because the farrier is working on the feet, he or she should know what is going on inside the feet. Horse owners would also like a farrier who is able to communicate and completely answer their questions regarding anatomy, conformation, potential unsoundnesses, foot diseases and even nutrition or other horse related subjects. Horse owners not only appreciate a farrier who can verbally communicate ideas but also one who can write clearly and draw diagrams to convey information regarding their horse’s welfare. In order for farriers to meet this expectation for their clients, they will have to spend time studying and internalizing this subject matter. Good farriers know this is a lifetime pursuit.

What does a farrier expect from the horse owner?

Farriers want to have a good work environment when coming to trim or shoe the horse. Good work environment can refer to the physical location as well as the working atmosphere the farrier enjoys with the horse owner.

Courteous horse owners will catch the horse before the farrier arrives and offer to hold the horse or tie the horse in an acceptable work space. Ideally, the work space will be well-lighted, out of the weather and have a level floor. Few things are more frustrating to the farrier than having to work on a horse that is standing in mud.

As well as the physical environment, the farrier should be able to enjoy a professional work environment. The farrier would like the horse owner to trust him or her. This, of course, has to be earned and most of the time will be if the farrier has done his or her part to learn the craft. But occasionally, the farrier is doubted by clients who have not spent the time to learn the craft like the farrier, but instead perused a few blogs or videos on the internet. It is maddening to the good farrier –who knows what does and doesn’t work – to be held at the mercy of a horse owner that insists that he or she try the latest fad. A farrier should expect horse owners to bring up honest concerns and the farrier should address those concerns without insulting the horse owner. Farriers would like the horse owner to trust in their experience and accept that they are doing what they believe is best for the horse.

Farriers are professionals and expect to be treated as such. They want to help the horse to be comfortable and reach its potential. For these services they expect to be fairly compensated. Farriery is hard work and the price of a shoeing or trimming job is a reflection of this. Horse owners shouldn’t try to negotiate a lower price. It is insulting to the farrier. Farriers expect to be paid as soon as the job is done. Horse owners should pay on time and have the farrier schedule the next appointment right then. This is a good way to keep both parties happy.

Conclusion

Understanding the other’s point a of view and expectations helps to make the working relationship between the farrier and client a symbiotic or mutually satisfactory association. When both parties are happy, the horse will be the ultimate beneficiary.