Farrier coming back in 5 1/2 weeks?

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Rachaelpink

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My farrier has put on my last bill the date he's coming back to re-shoe/ trim her (only front feet shod) and it's only 5 and a half weeks away. Her feet aren't that bad and with my last farrier she was done usually every 8 sometimes 7 weeks. I can't help but think he's just doing it to get more money out of me. Do you think I'm being unreasonable if I point out it's only 5 and a half weeks away and can it not be done the week after?
 
Rachaelpink said:
My farrier has put on my last bill the date he's coming back to re-shoe/ trim her (only front feet shod) and it's only 5 and a half weeks away. Her feet aren't that bad and with my last farrier she was done usually every 8 sometimes 7 weeks. I can't help but think he's just doing it to get more money out of me. Do you think I'm being unreasonable if I point out it's only 5 and a half weeks away and can it not be done the week after?
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I don't think you're being unreasonable as such, but I wouldn't immediately think your farrier is trying to rip you off. Mine are done every 6 weeks, and one of them only just makes it to the 6 week mark, so maybe that's just his experience with most of the other horses he shoes.

If yours can last to 8 weeks, then just call your farrier and tell him!
 
Perhaps ask your Farrier his reasons for his trim schedule? There may well be a good reason which is in the best interests of your horse. That's what is important. :)
If you don't ask you will be left making assumptions as to his thinking which isn't really fair imo. :)
 
I would ring your farrier and talk it through with him. he may have reasons for wanting to do them sooner - perhaps they aren't a particularly balanced shape and he wants to trim them little and often orperhaps he just isn't aware that yours can go so long between new shoes... it seems quite common these days for horses only to go 6 weeks... OR perhaps your farrier is going on holiday so wants to get them done before he goes away?
Just talk to him... I wouldn't automatically think he's a money grabbing wotsit!
 
Had to get my farrier out a week early, was hoping to get 7 weeks, but 6 weeks an they really needed doing, nails sticking out bad, must be time of year as I have got away with 7 weeks in the past.
 
ring your farrier, you are not being unreasonable, there maybe a reason they need doing sooner. Some horses feet grow quickly when spring grass is coming. maybe thefarrier is away so can only do it then as after it would be to long, but all you can do to find out is ring, and tell him you usually go 8weeks and never have any problems.
 
It might be an idea to look at it from the farrier's point of view too.

My farrier is excellent, worth his weight in gold, and I have several horses so I book him for the following six weeks when he is here because there is always something needs doing.

But he has told me that in order to keep everyone happy he has to book everyone in advance, and keep to the same order/pattern of bookings, simply because he so busy it totally disrupts his forward planned schedules to change or try and fit people in on demand or differently.

I have actually found this to be true, as throughout the really bad snow etc he missed 2 appointments because he couldn't physically get here....and what a job we had trying to get it back into a routine again.

Leaving trying to book a good farrier until your horse's shoes are dropping off, clenches up, or feet too long is not good management and not fair on the farrier either....possibly why your's is dictating the routine?
 
Mine always go 8 weeks, if the old girl goes a bit longer my blacksmith is never annoyed, like he says, as long as she's not rocked back on her feet and uncomfortable or falling over her toes, the less often she has to stand on 3 legs, the better.

But if you have a history of leaving them too long he could be trying to make a point or he may be booked up around then.
 
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