FROM STAFF REPORTS
Hot weather in the Southeast means more frequent hoof care appointments. We asked farriers on the Georgia Professional Farriers Association Facebook page what they’d like their clients to know about making appointments run more smoothly. This is what they said.
Here’s what they don’t like:
“Giving your horse treats and repeating ‘Shhhhh or whoa, whoa, whoa,’ thinking it’s doing something”
– Nick Starr, Powder Springs, Ga.
“Asking me to turn your horse out in the pasture a half
mile from the barn after I’m done is not OK. (If my
apprentice is with me, then of course it is OK. Would
you like him fed, groomed and blanketed, too?)”
– Chip Crumbly, Calhoun, Ga.
“Please don’t text at midnight that your horse lost a shoe … No I don’t run a 24-hour 7-day-a-week emergency service.” – Andy Jones, Athens, Ga.
Clients should also take these things into consideration:
“When your farrier asks, ‘How are you today?’ Bursting out in tears is not OK.”
– Chip Crumbly
“If the horse’s head is moving, assume the hooves are moving, making our job more difficult. That involves eating or getting away from a person rubbing the horse that doesn’t want to be rubbed. Sometimes it’s better to stand back if the horse ties.” – Lucas Gilleland, Snellville, Ga.
“If you have a 9 a.m. appointment, please have your horse in and ready … my day
consists of several stops, and if I get behind waiting on you, then I’m late to the next
stop.” – Caleb Ruiz, Ballground, Ga.
“Under no circumstances is it OK to bring me a wet horse you just finished bathing …” – Caleb Ruiz
