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"Firing" a farrier?

8K views 25 replies 19 participants last post by  Rachel1786 
#1 ·
I thought starting a new thread might get more responses than just asking in my current hoof thread, hopefully no one minds! :)


Anyway, so apparently my trimmer is basically doing no good for my horse. I had planned on just talking to her about it but then I realized that she could "fix" whatever the obvious issue is (aka Lacey's ouchiness) with the next trim but there's always the possibility that she'll slip back to her current ways by the next trim. So basically, just talking to her is going to allow her at least 2 more trims on my $$, whether or not she's doing it right.
She's been trimming Lacey for 3+ years which I'm thinking means she doesn't really have a leg to stand on since she should KNOW how my horse needs to be trimmed for optimal optimal-ness, right?



But, now we have the issues: last trim I thought I'd be nice and pay her ahead for this next trim. So, instead of just paying her $35, I paid her $70. So, she has $35 extra "of mine" that I won't be getting back most likely. I'm inclined to just chalk it up to the price of a lesson learned but the frugal side of me says "get your money's worth! Or get your money back!" but I'm thinking that's pretty rude to be all like "I won't be requiring your services anymore, by the way, can you give me my money back?"
I'm thinking that unless she offers, I'll just let her have it as a kind of "thank you" for being a reliable horse person back when I was really ignorant.

Also, this woman and I are friends. Of course, it's not like I hang out with her or anything, I'd never see her again once she's not my trimmer but since I think of her as a friend, how do I tell her that I don't want/need her trimming for me anymore?
Even not as a friend, how do you tell someone that without being a jerk?


How do/would you fire your farrier? Preferably nicely, but really, is there a nice way to say that? I schedule my appointments ahead so it's not like I can just not schedule an appointment....

Thank you!


On the "new farrier" front, I've found 3 new guys that are all jostling each other for the chance to have another client, all come highly recommended by internet people, so fingers crossed.
 
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#2 ·
Farriers have a wide range of skills, opinions, and techniques so even though you may think she's not right for your horse, the next one may be worse. I would just not schedule an appointment while you try someone else and compare. As hard as it can be to find a farrier, I would not burn any bridges.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
Oh yeah, no worries, I'm not going to actually "get rid" of her before I know I've found someone better. :)
I like to think things through for a rather long time before making any major decision, that's why I'm asking now. I want to have a plan in my head.

I'm thinking I mighthave a different farrier come look/possibly trim, if he trims, push my current trimmers appointment out, and see what you guys/Lacey thinks of the new guy. Only then, upon approval from you guys, will I do anything ore drastic. :)



ETA: I aldready have an appointment set with my current gal. We always schedule the next appointment before she leaves after trimming. So "just not calling" isn't an option. I wish it were!!
 
#6 ·
Oh yeah, no worries, I'm not going to actually "get rid" of her before I know I've found someone better. :)
I like to think things through for a rather long time before making any major decision, that's why I'm asking now. I want to have a plan in my head.

I'm thinking I mighthave a different farrier come look/possibly trim, if he trims, push my current trimmers appointment out, and see what you guys/Lacey thinks of the new guy. Only then, upon approval from you guys, will I do any firing. :)\



ETA: I aldready have an appointment set with my current gal. We always schedule ahead. So "just not calling" isn't an option. I wish it were!!
Just remain mindful that all trimmers will like a little different angle on the trim.

To much of a change will lead to lameness.
 
#7 ·
Here's a novel idea. Try being honest about the situation. In example...

"Hi. I appreciate the service you've provided me over the years but I need to give someone else a chance to help this horse. As you know, the horse has had some ongoing lameness issues that seem worse immediately post-trim and that haven't improved over the last few cycles. I need to see if another practitioner can bring something different to the table that may help. No hard feelings and if this doesn't work out I'd like to think I could call on you again for service in the future."

As to the advance payment you made, leave it an integrity test. If she willingly returns the payment without being asked (she should), it speaks well of her business integrity and personal character. If she doesn't, the cost revealed something about her ethics that was just as important to know.

When the new farrier arrives, watch carefully how he/she evaluates the horse. If asked, offer only that the horse has a history of minor lameness which seems to worsen immediately after a trim. Don't try to offer diagnostic interpretation or instruction. If the practitioner is worth their salt, they'll do a quick workup on the animal and tell you what they think will best meet its needs BEFORE actually doing anything.

I always make it a point, particularly for first time visits, to explain what I think needs to be done AND to ask if the owner has any questions before I begin work. That's the time to ask for any specifics, estimated cost and if warranted, any alternatives you should consider.

I then offer that should the owner have any questions while I'm working, to feel free to ask.

Cheers,
Mark
 
#18 ·
Here's a novel idea. Try being honest about the situation.
100% agreed, here. Honesty, metered with kindness, is ALWAYS appreciated, personally. Even if the truth "stings" a bit, after one has the chance to think it through, I believe most people prefer to be clear regarding what they did and did not do correctly to serve their clientele.

I have also found that when it seems a problem exists for which there is no solution, sometimes, an honest, though professional, "heart to heart" can at the very least provide clarity for both parties, and ensure neither person leaves the situation feeling confused, frustrated, or stifled. Especially if you KNOW you are making your comments in good faith, i.e. telling the farrier why she didn't work out for you-- with examples-- and not trying to hurt her/upset her because YOU are hurt/angry/upset.

Most professionals will be relieved not be left hanging, wondering, "Why are my clients leaving me?" I think "just don't call" is a cruel idea. No offense intended to those who suggested this, as I get it is much easier/no confrontation! But as the wife of a small business owner, EACH client is important to him/us. To have even just one not be satisfied (obviously that would be the case if they don't call back) and not tell him/us why would be fodder for DAYS of second guessing his craftsmanship and whether something was said or done incorrectly, inadvertently.

This only applies, of course, if the person CARES about their profession/craft. If they don't, then I would not have had them TOUCHING MY horse in the first place, (if I had a horse, that is!:wink:) and this whole issue would be nil.

Best of luck! ~~Tammy~~
 
#8 ·
I tend to be chicken about it... I simple phone call that something has come up and you need to reschedule, but you are going to have to get back to her about the new apt. This has worked just fine for me for the last two farriers I 'fired'. Never heard from them again. No uncomfortable discussions.
 
#9 ·
I have this problem too often. After moving I have yet to find a farrier that I like enough to ask back for a second time. The last guy (and advertised as most experienced) turned out to be the worst. My problem seems to be finding a patient farrier that is laid back. The ones I have seen around here get VERY agitated and even sometimes /rude/. The last guy was so agitated he began cursing at the horse and refused to finish his back hooves because the gelding took a minute to get completely still.

I will never call him back. My gelding is a rescue and needs a little understanding as it is. I don't need a farrier making situations worse.
 
#13 ·
i would have the farrier do the last trim and tell her you will call her instead of setting a date then.
 
#14 ·
Just a suggestion,

Keep apt. w/ said farrier that has been paid in advance. Make clear the problems your having as well as your concerns, in as nice a way as possible.

Use the time between now and next apt to get on the books of another farrier/trimmer, may take a while if they are any good.

If your "chicken" ,as another poster put it, don't reschedual another apt citing whatever excuse you want.

After confirming a new apt w/ a new farrier, send a "thank you" card to old trimmer/farrier letting them know you appreciate the work they did for you but you weren't entirely satisfied and are using a new one.

Trimmers/farriers have feelings to and if said trimmer/farrier believes they are doing a good job, letting them know why you "quit" them may well urge them to do a better job down the road and improve themselves.

Won't help you ,but may help some horses later on.

Owners don't like farriers that quit them by not showing up and not taking their calls. That's the chiken sh!t way out. Same goes for owners.
 
#16 · (Edited)
I switched farrier (I hate saying fired...) recently. Background for those who don't know me.. I am in New Zealand. Horse is in Maryland, USA. So I couldn't do it in person, I'm a day ahead, and couldn't get a hold of him on the phone. I am not a chicken.

Here is my email I sent to him (with names blotted out.)

Hey _____,

I sent your check, sorry it's so late!

I've had another farrier come have a second look at Sky's feet and he's got a really good plan in place to fix the thrush and other problems that Sky is experiencing.

I think for the time I am away, I really want a farrier that I can communicate with and can keep me more updated on Sky's feet since I'm not there to do it myself. You have been so wonderful and I thank you for everything you have done and both Sky and I. You have helped him get through a lot.

I would call but it's rather late there and I don't want to play phone tag again. But thank you for your services. Have a wonderful week :)

______
While working with this farrier I really liked him and how he worked with Sky and explained things to me.. but then he stopped keeping me informed (I called him, emailed him.. nada) about a month before I left and yes there was negligence involved with an arrangement I made for Sky (let's not get into that.. grr) but he continued not to communicate, didn't notice Sky had extreme thrush problems (and didn't tell me,) told me about the bruising and apparently missed an abscess.. not to mention trimmed Sky's feet pre-shoe ready without my permission and again.. without telling me.

It made me question his professionalism and I found someone that has a game plan to tackle Sky's feet so we'll see how it goes. He was also highly recommended by a well known farrier in the same state (though she's moved too far to work with us...)

Woops rambling..

Point is you just have to be honest, but in a way that won't burn bridges as waresbear suggests. And in your case since you pre paid, I think you should follow what Loosie suggested and see what she chooses to do with it.

Hope one of the 3 guys is the right one for Lacey! (Weird phrase..)
 
#17 ·
Where I live the horse community is pretty small. Everyone in my area knows everyone. I was pretty honest with my trimmer when I let her go. I wanted her to hear it from me, and not secondhand from someone else.
 
#20 ·
I have a question, Wallaby: in the earlier topic or thread you initiated about Lacey's lameness, it was brought up that the lameness could be caused by other factors; Horseman56 mentioned a possible hairline fracture of the distal phalanx, I think a couple of people, myself included, mentioned the possibility of a potential structural problem, and I'm making a reference to the videos by holistic horse works as an example, of how lameness can be caused by a subluxation, rib out, etc. Have you ruled out investigating those possibilities?

Lacey is also 27 years old, and you mentioned her pasture area is on a steep slope. That may also factor into her condition if she is "out" anywhere structurally (not implying you can do anything about the pasture but just taking note of what you've been describing - she may benefit from some regular stretches and such to improve her comfort).

Even the best farrier in the universe isn't going to make Lacey sound if the crux of the problem isn't the hoof, or even in the best trim or farrier work, and I know money doesn't grow on trees lol, but that you mentioned x-rays are too spendy. However, if you continue to chalk up the costs of farrier work and Lacey continues to be lame on her left fore, that may only wind up (a) prolonging her discomfort, (b) frustrating both owner and farrier(s) and (c) costing as much if not more and never resolving the issue.

I think a truly good farrier will probably recommend exploring other avenues of approach such as x-rays, chiro or other bodywork if after a period of working on Lacey the lameness persists, and will tell you the same thing.

From what I'm gathering, Lacey has been lame after every trim for quite some time now, and it may in fact have little to do with the skills of the farrier you've been using, so hopefully whatever farrier you decide to use isn't going to use the band-aid approach and take your money. And not all farriers are going to know about or recommend other approaches or modalities, so that one is in your ball park.
 
#21 ·
I'm all for the honest direct approach. Any true professional is going to listen to your concerns and give you honest feedback. The good ones will be able to answer your questions and provide a new way to address the problem. The hacks will be easy to spot and they don't deserve your money anyway. If for whatever reason, a good farrier cannot fix a problem, they don't take it personally if you want to go in a different direction. It's a business.
 
#22 ·
Oh man, I hate firing farriers! My sister fired one farrier who caused her horse to be sore for three days after every trim; lying down sore, and it did not go well. Then the farrier bought the house next door to her, and it took several years before they spoke to each other. It is so hard not to have someone whose work you like; when you have it, they are worth their weight in gold.
 
#23 ·
I always thought my farrier was a little on the odd ball side but he has transformed one of our horses hoofs. Last year she had an injury to her rear hoof where the bottom part was literally sliced off. Ever since that happened her hoof had grown out wrong and to the side (hard to explain what it looked like) and no farrier we ever had out here could do anything to fix it. They always told us she would never be rideable and to just deal with having a lawn ornament. We had an appointment with the person who couldn't seem to fix her hoof and he never showed up. Got a hold of another one recommended by a friend and within a few trimmings her hoof is in such good condition you can't even tell it was ever injured or grew wrong. He told us exactly what he was doing, WHY he was doing it, what should happen within a few weeks and then immediately set another appointment to do a check up. He may seem weird and tells the strangest darn stories but I am so thankful for what he has done for our girl. It wasn't easy finding him either and I'd rather listen to him talk for almost 2 hours while assisting our three horses than see one guy for 30 minutes with a crappy attitude.
 
#25 ·
I always thought my farrier was a little on the odd ball side
On the "odd ball side"? Yep, that's a farrier prerequisite. No normal thinking person is going to do this for a living!

Wallaby said:
... She always says "Well, you do have some mud down there in the field and it is the spring, all horses are a little tender in the spring"...
Wallaby, you are NOT allowed to write this kind of thing without at least some advance warning to readers!

Spewing coffee out my nose is a particularly unpleasant experience!

You give this person real money!?

You're letting them come back!?!? :shock:

Okay... I get it. You're just pulling our chain.

Cheers,
Mark
 
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