The last time my farrier came to the barn to shoe my horses, we got into an interesting conversation. We were talking about how so many people don’t know what to do before a farrier arrives, but there aren’t actually rules to go by. He said his customers range from those who have their horses cleaned and standing quietly tied to those who don’t even catch their horses until he knocks on the door. There are some things you can do to help your farrier no matter their likes or dislikes. Farriers work hard and a great one is worth his/her weight in gold. We should remember to treat them right and help them out when we can. This will help them to do their best for our horses. After talking about the things my farrier likes to have done, things he doesn’t like, and things that should be done for every farrier I decided to make a list.

• Have your horses caught and tied in a dry, flat area before the farrier arrives. You set an appointment and if you expect the farrier to be on time you should be expected to have the horses ready at that time.
• Clean your horses off. Your farrier doesn’t expect show ring quality clean, but at least brush all of the mud from your horse’s legs.
• If possible, have your horse’s trained to pick up their feet when asked. Every farrier I have ever talked to has many a horror story to tell about an ornery horse that wouldn’t pick up its feet.
• When holding your horse while the farrier works try keeping its head straight. If the horse’s head is moving around its weight is shifting, making it harder on the farrier to hold up a leg.

These are just a few things that will help keep your farrier happy. The best thing to do is to talk to your farrier about the things he or she likes. You are the paying customer, but it can’t hurt to be courteous.