Do you tip your farrier?

I understand that tipping is optional and not to be taken for granted, but anyone not having the money to pay their farrier on them finishing are taking the p**s, it's not like you don't know how much it's going to be FFS, and if your that strapped for money you shouldn't be having a horse in the first place, plus it's only good manners to have your horse in ready with clean feet before he gets there, it's not a farriers job to fetch in clean up the horse before he does his job, unless you are prepared to pay extra.
 
Mine has her hooves washed and a quick groom when ours is coming. I habitually groom before anyone comes to see her (vet/ dentist/ farrier), it's just what we've always done. Now I think of it, I tend to make him a cuppa even if it's not my horse he's visiting. The owners aren't always there and it looks like damn hot, hard work to me!

Agree with paying on the day - it's never occurred to me not to.
 
Pedantic said:
I understand that tipping is optional and not to be taken for granted, but anyone not having the money to pay their farrier on them finishing are taking the p**s, it's not like you don't know how much it's going to be FFS, and if your that strapped for money you shouldn't be having a horse in the first place, plus it's only good manners to have your horse in ready with clean feet before he gets there, it's not a farriers job to fetch in clean up the horse before he does his job, unless you are prepared to pay extra.
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You would be surprised-the latest thing is people who want to pay into the bank account-then need endless reminding to actually do it. Most people do pay but there are a few who try it on.
 
Can't afford to pay extra but I always give mine a bottle at Christmas and if ever he comes to the rescue re a lost shoe I leave him a bottle next time he comes - one good turn and all that!
 
I'm with the 99% of non tippers! I think tipping is very patronising and very much had its day. Farriers provide a service for which they get paid the amount they believe is right for the job, that's what I pay. Pretty simple really.
 
I think our farrier would be offended if I tried to tip him! Plenty of coffee and a few fags, lunch occasionaly and always pay and book the next appointment as he leaves. This has worked well for over twenty years.
 
A cup of tea and a Bacon Buttie - he comes in at 7am to trim mine. Pay on the day - book for six weeks before he leaves - horse clean and dry for him to work with. Sheltered area to work in. But no actual tip - I pay enough for the service - but he gets goodies at Easter and Xmas - he likes Chocolate!
 
No - he's also our YO and a mate and, as such, gives us mates' rates anyway so tipping would be a bit pointless.

We always make him a coffee and, because he's got a very sweet tooth, he sometimes has a bag of Haribo to keep his energy levels up :) However, I agree in principle with those that say you are paying for a professional service and I would not expect to tip someone who earns more than I do! I would, however, tip a waiter or waitress for good service as pay levels are low and it's hard work - I know, I've done it!
 
No, we do not tip the farrier. He is a well-trained professional who charges an appropriate fee for his good service, which we then pay in cash before he leaves. We do our best to have the horses clean and ready and we always provide tea and bacon sandwiches, as well as offering a gift of wine or other at Christmas.
 
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