uh oh think I have offended my farrier

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toomanyhorses26

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My farrier in recent weeks has cancelled twice on me at really short notice (less than a couple of hours before he is due) both different reasons that couldn't be helped. My horse has typical crappy tb feet and needs to be done every 5 weeks otherise they splay,crack,chip etc etc . He was due to be done weds of last week when I was cancelled (by this time nearly two weeks overdue) on again and I was competing at the weekend so in a fit of panic and to some extent frustraion as I had to really limit my riding in the past week because of the shoes I booked him in with another farrier . So shoes on ,got to go out competing - all good so far . However now my farrier won't return my calls or answer text messages - I don't particulary want to move farriers as he is good at what he does but equally I need my horses feet done when they are meant to be done . Do you think that copious amount sof hot tea and doughnuts will fix this ?? :)
 
Do you think that copious amount sof hot tea and doughnuts will fix this ??
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What for you or for him??

I would imagine that he knows very well that your horse would need to be shod by someone else - and if he has got the hump, sack him.
 
Did the new farrier do a good job? I can't stand being messed around and if you are competing regularly you need someone who is reliable. I suppose you could say this to your old farrier, if he doesn't like it stick with the new one. Good luck
 
Personally i wouldnt want to fix the relationship - i would try to find a more reliable farrier!
 
Was thinking for him but am partial to some myself :) It wasn't my intention at all to make him all huffy but like you say the horse needed shoes. The other farrier does have space on his books for me if needed as well so all is not lost if the cold shoulder continues
 
Ah this is a hard one!! I keep my farrier sweet with always being there on time with clean horses and coffee. There is shelter from the good/bad weather and there is cash every time. I take his advice and trust him implicitly. I always rebook straight after he has shod, ready for next time.

In 7 years he has let me down once. He is never late. He once was stuck in a jam follwing an RTA and phoned me to ssay he would be late.

So I wouldn't want to annoy him!!

One of mine also has bad feet so I know how you feel. I did used to have a less than reliable farrier, and his work was very variable. So I changed. Is the new farrier any good?

I would phone the old one from a different number - he may pick up!! And tell him you managed to get your horse done, but that you want to stay with him as in your opinion he is the better farrier, you were just desperate as he had unfortunately had to cancel a couple of times. Hopefully that will do the trick. If he's still being stroppy and the other farrier is good I would change.
 
toomanyhorses26 said:
Do you think that copious amount sof hot tea and doughnuts will fix this ?? :)
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Knowing most farriers, I suspect a skimpy low-cut top might have more effect than the tea and doughnuts!

Will the other farrier you used be willing to continue shoeing your horse, if refreshments and cleavage fail with the old one?
 
Maybe the cakes will do it.
What was your relationship with him like before all this. Is your horse easy enough to do or could there be a reason that he is looking to cut you loose? Not being cheeky but i find it strange that he would take offence if he knows your horse needs regular care. Obviously you had to get your horses feet done and if he wasn't making himself available then you had to do something. I would text him and just say that you need to see him.
 
If he'd already cancelled you twice, maybe he was actually trying to ditch you and that is why he hasn't returned your calls.
 
TGM said:
Knowing most farriers, I suspect a skimpy low-cut top might have more effect than the tea and doughnuts!

Will the other farrier you used be willing to continue shoeing your horse, if refreshments and cleavage fail with the old one?
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Oh yes that option ALWAYS works, though does rely on you actually seeing him. Maybe you could text a pic......;)

(joking..)
 
Yep looks to be good - will see how long they last :) He does a good line in shoe removal - bloody thing :) New farrier is quite newly qualified (been on the register about 9 months I think) and seems to be quite professional - text message reminders about when appointment is etc etc little bit more expensive but I think porbably worth it in terms of reliability
 
This has also gone through my mind - not so much in terms of this horse but my other project is a bit of a sod when being shod . I did actually say to him a couple of shoeings ago if he didn't wnt to do the project I wouldn't be offended so maybe he has actaully taken me at my word - would be nice to be told though. The horse in my op is generally v good ,falls asleep when being shod - he does have an issue with people walking directly towards him though (god know why?) but he has been like this for the last three years and when you approach him from the side and pick a leg up he is quite happy for you to do this .
 
I'd stick with the new one, stuff him

My farrier is brilliant, farrier never lets me down, if he is running late he always contacts me
 
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