What to expect from me :
1) I will arrive ready to work, at the place we agree on, at the time we decide works best for both of us.
I will usually arrive + or - 20 mins from the time we settle on. However, equine emergencies, weather, traffic, sudden illness and the behavior of the horse at the place I was working before I came to you are all factors beyond my control.
Having said that, I strive to make it to the appointment early and in good spirits every time. If, for some reason, I am delayed, I will call. We can decide then if we need to reschedule.
2) On our first visit, I will talk to you about your horses history, the work your horse is being asked to do, and perform an analysis of your horses conformation. In some circumstances I may ask to longe the horse. In most cases, I can see what I need to see by watching the horse as it walks to me. I will also ask about the conditions the horse is usually stabled in, his turnout conditions, and the terrain the horse does it's job in. Then I will develop a plan of action, which we will agree upon together. Your input is the key to our success. I welcome all your questions, I am there to help !
3) I will be stocked with what we need to shoe your horse for it's needs. In extremely rare circumstances, if it is our first appointment together, I may need to special order something, which would require rescheduling. But again, that's the rarest of occurrences, and it would only ever occur on the first visit.
4) Your time is your time, and I know how angry owners get when the farrier doesn't show up, and doesn't call. Those are 2 of the top reasons I get new clients. Your time is more valuable to me than my time. Period. I promise you now, I will not be part of that. I schedule 4-6 weeks ahead, and I give you a card with the date and time of my return visit, at the end of our visit. I do not hurry through my appointments. If the horse is nervous, I slow down to a speed that horse can handle. Each one is different.
5) If something happens, a thrown shoe, abscess, or some other issue, I will usually be there that day. If not that day, than the next day at the latest.
6) I will return your phone calls with unparalleled speed. If you call and leave a message on my cellphone, and I havent returned your call within 2-4 hours, call and leave another message. My carrier is Verizon, and they do drop calls and messages from time to time. Don't feel like you are bothering me.... call me again !
7) I am super laid back, down to earth, and love what I do. I like to laugh and joke my way through the day, share stories, all that good stuff. I try to have fun while I work. I really enjoy the friendships I have formed with my clients over the years. You can talk to me about anything you like, and I will be happy to answer your question. There are a lot of reasons horses feet do what they do. I'm very happy to get you, the owner, up to speed on whats going on with your horse, if you need me to.
