Farrier trouble what would you do?

[joshes mum]

My farrier has been shoeing my horse for 2 years and my horse has always been a fidgit nothings changed.
Now after all this time the farrier has decided that hes dangerous hes to big for me and i should get rid of him.This is the second time he has said it and it has really wound me up,i was told when i bought him he can be a fidgit to shoe from behind. Sometimes he will try to snatch his back leg away and if his unbalanced hes worse, i have no problems with him otherwise and i know hes not to big for me its just the farrier sounding off.Also he is happier being shod outside rather than in the stable but cos of the weather farrier wanted to do him inside.Now im debating whether to change farriers my farrier is reliable and i know a lot of them are not.What would you do i need some good advice here.

[Trewsers]

Yes, I agree good reliable farriers are worth hanging on to. To be honest, I would take his grumbles with a pinch of salt, lets face it, if you're happy with the results and you know that your horse is ok for you and he's not too big I would be inclined to put up with him. Unless of course you know of another farrier who would be willing to come to you - recommend is best of course - what do your fellow liveries think? (assuming you're on a yard). Try not to let it upset you - sounds to me like the farrier just isn't particularly good with your horses fidgeting - also they can come across a bit abrupt if they're busy (sounds like I'm making excuses for him I know!).

[joshes mum]

The others have no probs probably because their horses dont fidgit.:o The thing is if he really thinks hes dangerous why doesnt he refuse to shoe him?

[Mary Poppins]

Just ignore his comments. There are lots of people in the horsey world who feel that they are justified to give others unwanted advice. I wouldn't even get into a conversation with him about it - just umm and ahh when he starts off. I agree that it is rude and inappropriate, but if he is a good farrier I would keep him.

[Julz]

perhaps one of his other clients wants a horse like yours..... and has mentioned to him....he's perhaps thought that your horse would do well with this person and by saying this, is wanting you to say he is for sale, so he can say..."oh i know someone who might be interested..." sort of like "putting the cat among the pidgeons" of sorts...... Ignore him...

[Trewsers]

The others have no probs probably because their horses dont fidgit.:o The thing is if he really thinks hes dangerous why doesnt he refuse to shoe him?


Cos he prob doesn't think he's dangerous - sounds like he'sjust sounding off - don't let it bother you! Farriers are a diverse breed - ours is just downright saucy!!! He'd never comment on a horses suitability - not in a serious way anyway, but we get plenty of cheek to make up for it:p:D

[Flony_Pony]

My farrier used to really upset me with some of the things he said! I mean i was 15/16 and by the time he left i used to cry he was so mean abotu my horses :( I have since struggled to find a farrier but now have a reliable one (who turns up early - what with that??) who has improved my horses feet, my youngsters behaviour and will come to call lol!! fabulous!!

Try looking for another farrier, maybe same as a friends? If not just ignore him and tell him to get over it lol

[joshes mum]

You lot have made me feel better already:) the girls who i share with are good friends and they've told me to ignore him but it does get to me.Maybe i should invest in some earplugs then i wont have to listen to him going on.:D

[*Lizzie*]

If he does a good job then just ignore him :)

[joshes mum]

He also calls my horse d**k head and various other names to that i forgot to mention. :mad:

[Joyscarer]

I wouldn't like that.

I use Tim Dunning and he has been great with Joy. Calls her 'Fluffy' in honour of the mother hen way I flap around my first horse :o

[joshes mum]

I wouldn't like that.

I use Tim Dunning and he has been great with Joy. Calls her 'Fluffy' in honour of the mother hen way I flap around my first horse :o

Is he a patient farrier thats what i need?

[chewitmonster]

As long as its just name calling (not condoning it!) and no physical abuse or a decrease in the quality of his work then I'd be inclined to leave it...but then I don't like confrontation. You could tell him to keep his thoughts to himself and do what hes paid to do!

[gl1]

OK: Advice from a Pro

He still turns up and shoes your horse = no problem.

If he gets impatient or physical with your horse = Get rid of him.

Please remember, farriers are a strange bunch - end off!

When he bends over, tell him he has a hairy butt - give as good as you get. But remember also, to make the tea and pat his dog.

[joshes mum]

He dont get tea but i always pat the dog. lol

[Joyscarer]

OK: Advice from a Pro

He still turns up and shoes your horse = no problem.

If he gets impatient or physical with your horse = Get rid of him.

Please remember, farriers are a strange bunch - end off!

When he bends over, tell him he has a hairy butt - give as good as you get. But remember also, to make the tea and pat his dog.


I agree with that 100% :D

Tim is great and very patient with all my questions. He does have a tendancey to be late (at which point I stick the kettle on to hurry him along!) and looking at the threads there have been on NR he is expensive. I pay £76 for natural balance shoes and road nails.

Having said that Joy was being shod by another farrier before I got her (£66 for natural balance but no road nails) and Tim trims her differently and her way of going has improved no end.

[joshes mum]

I agree with that 100% :D

Tim is great and very patient with all my questions. He does have a tendancey to be late (at which point I stick the kettle on to hurry him along!) and looking at the threads there have been on NR he is expensive. I pay £76 for natural balance shoes and road nails.

Having said that Joy was being shod by another farrier before I got her (£66 for natural balance but no road nails) and Tim trims her differently and her way of going has improved no end.

I pay £76 for ordinary shoes with road nails:eek:
My farrier has just gone vat registered so put all his prices up.