What do you get your farrier for Christmas

Pebble101

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My farrier is new to me (only been once for regular shoeing) but he really put himself our on his first visit which was to sort out an abscess.

I don't know him and have no idea what to get him - please help me out :)
 
I normally give him a selection of bacon/sausages/pork from one of our Gloucester Old Spots that we do for Christmas.

A bit odd (well we are!) but it seems to go down well :)
 
Mines really put himself for me this year so ive got him a personalised starbucks mug and some chocolate coins for his kids.

Farriers all love a cup of tea/coffee !
 
ours is relatively new, too, so I'm not quite sure what his likes/dislikes are.
I got him a bottle of booze and then a toy and treat each for both of his dogs.
 
I'm obviously a horrible customer because I've never got him anything!

and he really put himself out for me, with abscesses, coming out at 9pm because the horse was in so much pain and standing around for hours with the vet for xrays etc!! and now to make things worse I'm not even using him because my horse is having to self trim his own feet!! agggghhh now I'm feeling really horrible
 
Nothing! I really don't get the whole buying presents for my 'suppliers', yeah I like them as people but I am paying them for their services, they're not doing it for free or at mates rates.
 
I make mine a Christmas cake. He always offers to pay for it but we usually settle on a free trim or two for my unshod one.
 
Nothing! I really don't get the whole buying presents for my 'suppliers', yeah I like them as people but I am paying them for their services, they're not doing it for free or at mates rates.

Whilst this is true.

My farrier comes at 7.15am to do my horses before work, so I can be there.

Will come quickly, when I have a problem / issue / lost shoe.

This year, he has shod my horses on both Saturday (came out), Sunday (I boxed to him) before competitions when I had a loose or lost shoe.

These things arent easy to put a price on. A good, responsive farrier is vital to being able to compete / train / outings etc.
And if you are a working full time (so not very flexible), DIY 1 / 2 / 3 horse owner (so not a big customer) whose horse is a fair drive from your farrier (not that cost effective for one shoe), you are reliant on good will for quick responses.
 
Whilst this is true.

My farrier comes at 7.15am to do my horses before work, so I can be there.

Will come quickly, when I have a problem / issue / lost shoe.

This year, he has shod my horses on both Saturday (came out), Sunday (I boxed to him) before competitions when I had a loose or lost shoe.

These things arent easy to put a price on. A good, responsive farrier is vital to being able to compete / train / outings etc.
And if you are a working full time (so not very flexible), DIY 1 / 2 / 3 horse owner (so not a big customer) whose horse is a fair drive from your farrier (not that cost effective for one shoe), you are reliant on good will for quick responses.

Yes I agree in these circumstances a thank you gift would be nice, I don't ask for anything like this from my suppliers though so think it's a fair deal
 
Exactly. I have never tipped my hair dresser either :-D

I wouldn't tip the hairdresser but would the apprentice on minimum wage who was washing my hair ;)

Re: the farrier - well he's my dad so :p BUT I will say anything is appreciated, it's not expected but it definitely helps build the good will when you lose a shoe overnight and are leaving for a competition early the next morning :)
 
Nothing. He does a good job and if my horse looses a shoe he comes back out to put it back on but, I pay a decent amount for his expertise. I don't really see the need for tipping?
 
Anothing from me either! I pay him enough through the year, if he comes to my place very early he gets a bacon sandwich and coffee.

I spoil my farrier by ensuring that my horse is in, with clean dry legs and feet well before he arrives, I pay him on the day and make my next booking on the day
 
I spoil my farrier by ensuring that my horse is in, with clean dry legs and feet well before he arrives, I pay him on the day and make my next booking on the day

I think this is probably very appreciated, I always make sure my horse is clean and as well behaved as possible.

My friend even gives our local farmer whisky for supplying the hay!! I mean, where do you draw the line?! But I'm like this in every day life too, I don't buy for many, just immediate family as it gets out of control

Sorry I'm very grinchy!!
 
Nothing, I paid well for a service, always provided coffee and cake. Think that's enough. I also don't buy for the vet, dentist, feed supplier etc etc.
 
Nothing, I paid well for a service, always provided coffee and cake. Think that's enough. I also don't buy for the vet, dentist, feed supplier etc etc.

A lot of people don't provide coffee and cake (again always appreciated), some don't provide a clean horse and a surprising amount won't even bother to get the horse in...
 
A lot of people don't provide coffee and cake (again always appreciated), some don't provide a clean horse and a surprising amount won't even bother to get the horse in...

Really that's bad!! The reason I didn't see my chap last time is I arranged for pony to be left on the yard so that he was clean and dry and farrier made him his first call. Otherwise he would have been a wet muddy mess
 
I always get my farrier a present - but then I do livery on his yard and he is a friend! However, I am not putting what I'm getting on him on here in case his missus reads it and tells him! But I will probably get him some sweets as well to keep in his van - not that they will last more than 30 seconds. What he really needs is an alarm clock with a 200db setting - he can sleep through anything!
 
I always offer sex, but he always refuses, which is fine by me, as we are both blokes and neither of us are gay, then 12 months free of worrying until next xmas..
 
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