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Lisa Brand (Trouble)
| | Posted on Friday, Feb 22, 2002 - 3:41 pm: |   |
Hi, everyone,
Is it common or expected to "tip" the farrier?
If so, how much?
I have recently started "tipping" the farrier an additional $5.00 per horse for a trim costing $20.00 (the last set of shoes cost $60.00) I only have two horses and they generally are barefoot most of the time, but occasionally I will put shoes on.
I am pleased with him overall and it is definitely not easy to find an experienced farrier in my area who will take on new clients.
Also, I have checked with others in my area and his charges are very reasonable in comparison.
I am just curious if anyone else does this and if I am tipping enough.
Thanks for the input.
Lisa |
ANN COLLIER (Dres)
| | Posted on Friday, Feb 22, 2002 - 9:06 pm: | |
i don't tip as the farrier is working for himself and sets his own prices.. that being said... i do provide ice water or ice tea in the summer, and hot coffee or hot chocolate in the winter... i also have my horses ready in the barn with legs and hoofs clean..a safe area to work in with electricty if needed... and i always hold my horses...
i think that is 'tip' enough...
ann |
Elizabeth Donahue (Paul303)
| | Posted on Saturday, Feb 23, 2002 - 1:18 am: | |
I do tip my farrier. His work is superior, and he keeps up with new technology. I have a mare with navicular syndrome with whom he works magic. Like Ann, I feed and coffee or soda my farrier, make sure he has a sheltered area to work, and I'm there with clean - footed horses that I hold while he works. I've seen some lousey farriers over the years, and I've seen some very good ones that are no-shows. When you get a really talented one who shows up or calls in advance if the appointment needs changing......someone who checks back in three days to see if the slight adjustment he made to the mare's front feet is working out...a person who will work willingly with your vet and who will bump you to the head of the line in an emergency...you hang on to them. Their career is a tough and demanding one and it's rough on their backs. I think your tip is fine, and I think you're farrier will not hesitate to bend over backwards for you in an emergency ( which hopefully will never arise ). |
Cheryl Kallenbach (Cheryl)
| | Posted on Saturday, Feb 23, 2002 - 8:49 am: | |
Because my previous farrier failed to show for three appointments in a row, most of the front wall of my TB's mare's hoof broke loose. She had a fungus infection, and ended up with white line in three of her four feet.
The first time James saw my mare is the only time I've heard him curse. He stood there looking at her foot, finally said "Well s*&#! ! !" Then he went to work. He was here every two weeks and finally every four weeks, and now every six weeks.
Since James started working with her, she has been barefoot. First time since I bought her 15 years ago. Right after he started with the TB, my Walker foundered from effects from EPM. Two years later, there is a very slight dish in her front left hoof.
He doesn't charge for the trims he does on the TB, just the shoeing he does on the Walker.
Do I tip him? You bet. If he says the charge is $60 - he gets $80 - and it's usually cash. We're getting ready to move and I'm trying to figure a way to pack him along with the horses ! ! !
Cheryl |
Karen Blan (Starzmom)
| | Posted on Saturday, Feb 23, 2002 - 7:09 pm: | |
I have tipped when not in a boarding situation. I had a fabulous farrier who would come and do my horse while I was at work and then turn her out for me afterwards. He did great work and always showed up when he said he was. I can appreciate that coming out for a single horse was a lot more effort than being able to stay at a large boarding barn and shoe all day, so I would leave him $5-10 extra for a $60 job. Also, would leave water and gatorade and a clean towel. It was worth it to me to "encourage" him to keep doing my horse. Otherwise I would have had to take a day off from work every time my horse needed her feet done. Plus reliability is important to me.
Just my two cents. |
Imogen Bertin (Imogen)
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 24, 2002 - 6:07 am: | |
I regard my farrier as a professional on a par with a vet. I simply ask him how much I owe each time so that if he needs an opportunity to ask for an increased fee then he has one.
This particular farrier drives a Merc, charges more than other local farriers, and expects his customers to behave professionally too. Horses must not be muddy, stable with flat floor and good light must be available, also someone to hold the horse. You have to be there ready within half an hour of him calling to say he is on his way. Otherwise he won't have you as a customer!
I actually think he would be insulted if he was tipped because it would be treating him as a "tradesman" rather than a professional. Just my personal opinion, and of course things vary from farrier to farrier and country to country...
Imogen |
Dawn Friesen (Dartanyn)
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 24, 2002 - 11:37 am: | |
My own experience has led me to tip as a situation dictates - I've done a combination of all the above posts. When my horse was requiring a special shoeing situation that was difficult to price since the hours spent as opposed to the hazard posed really couldn't be gauged very well from shoeing to shoeing; I tipped - the more dangerous, the more I padded his payment. Since then, I go with the price he quotes, but because his work is with my equine friend, I share homemade cookies, jams, box of chocolates and such with him; always offer cool or warm drink(s) depending on weather - but then I do not have a lighted barn for him to work in. TIP = "To Insure Promptness", to be sure that is what it can do when hard times and difficult circumstances arise; the farrier will be more motivated to see you through it; rather than abandon you. Just my thought, Dawn  |
Joni Pasko (3rsatsmf)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2002 - 10:37 am: | |
Here's a new one... I always have something homemade for my farrier. He loves it! Cookies, cakes, soup, red beans & rice.. whatever I'm concocting that week. And, I'm always there with my horse to handle him. Plus, I do tip cash - sort of a "naughty horse tip" if my 3yo Friesian (with extra big feet that he doesn't charge extra for)gives him a hard time.
Give someone something homemade once, and they remember you forever! Some MAY consider it bribery but I'm above nothing for my guy.
Regards,
Joni |
Lisa Brand (Trouble)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2002 - 11:23 am: | |
Thanks, everyone!
I really appreciate your input. I will continue to "tip" my farrier as I think it's an extra incentive to keep me on his "good" list.
I also liked the idea of the homemade goodies and stuff. I'm sure it's nice to have cookies or munchies when you're on the road as much as they are.
Thanks again, Lisa |
Christine C. Mills (Chrism)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2002 - 11:48 am: | |
My mare is in a boarding situation. I pay the day of service, make sure she stands quietly and give him a Christmas bonus. He calles me or emails me if there is a problem, as I don't need to be there.
My coming 2 yo is a little more fractious - I work with her and hold her for her farrier. (She is at a different farm.) I've not been using this farrier for long, so haven't paid a year end bonus.
I view the farrier as I do my vet and riding instructor. I don't "tip" any of them. However, I do pay promptly and give small gifts or bonus at year end.
Depending on the person, I've had a lot of appreciation when I give someone a Border's gift card. They can buy music or books and I figure they actually get something for themselves rather than cash going into the "pay the bills" fund.
Years ago, I used to give my riding instructor in Germany a bottle of Courvasier (spelling?) VSOP brandy, ;O) That was a hit.
From what I've seen, farriers like a good, safe, dry place to work, a responsible someone on site to fetch horses and hold if needed, well behaved horses, prompt payment, reasonably clean feet.
Anything beyond that is pure gravy, ;O) |
B L Craig (Jessie)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2002 - 1:32 pm: | |
I have a wonderful farrier who will come out just to visit our farm if he is in the area - and always asks how our horses are doing and if he needs to check anything. In my opinion the best tip I can give him is to have well behaved horses to work on. I've seen him struggle with one of my horses and with others and I worked hard to make sure my horse now behaves. And I also do not get angry or upset if he has to reprimand my guys - it's the farrier's safety at risk, not mine. I have also on occasion given him monetary tips of $5-10 per horse depending on what was done. The payoff is superb farrier service, anytime I need it and a special bonus - he made halter hooks for all the boarders out of their horses' old shoes. I dread the day when he will not be able to work on my guys. |
Elizabeth Donahue (Paul303)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2002 - 10:40 pm: | |
I'm reading through these posts and getting a chuckle.....Imogen, here in the states, Merc, usually means "Mercury" and I'm seeing a prissy, prima-donna, tyrannical hairdresser-type guy driving around in a mid-price family sedan snapping sharp orders at his terrified clients. Then I realized that "Merc" meant "Mercedes".
And as for most of the rest of you guys, do you realize that we're probably all contributing to the creation of a nation of FAT FARRIERS? Good heavens! It's probably very possible that in the near future, when our cute little farriers bend over to pick up a hoof they're going to start looking like our plumbers! |
Maureen Mc Aree (Maureen)
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2002 - 10:47 pm: | |
I simply can't resist responding:
WARNING! CRACK ALERT
"It's probably very possible that in the near future, when our cute little farriers bend over to pick up a hoof they're going to start looking like our plumbers!" |
Jennifer Clinton (1roper)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 - 12:19 pm: | |
I don't tip my farrier, as he is a family friend. I do him one better, I get him every referral that I can. The trainer that I work for uses him, so all the horses that come in to our barn are shod by him. We have gotten him so business, he is about to have to quit his day job! We keep him in new clients all the time. And my vet has started recommending him for navicular/problem horses! I do though try to make sure that he always has something to drink, and if he comes during meal-times always have something to offer him. He is so great, he comes and shoes even if I am not there and I don't have to worry about it being done correctly. I wish every shoer was like him. And to add to the "Crack Alert" his wife must feed him good, b/c he does look like our plumbers! |
Lisa Brand (Trouble)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 - 1:29 pm: | |
Well now that I've started this, I hope I don't cause any of our farriers to be audited by the IRS for not claiming tip income!!
As far as I know, they have not figured a way to evaluate the "sweets and goodies".
Oh, well, I apologize to all the farriers in advance!
Lisa |
Shelley Wiley (Swiley)
| | Posted on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2002 - 6:20 pm: | |
I dont tip either, I have given the occasional gift. But. . . Im always on time with my horses ready to go.
I did however pay him for services he did not perform. Actually he broke his leg and was out of commision. I went ahead and paid him what I would have if he had been able to work, and my repalcement farrier gave him his fees also. Im so used to working for a big company that covers my butt no matter what happens. Cant imagine being so vunerable to your profession.
One more thing, . . . he is a classy guy, tall, thin, nicely tucked in shirt if you know what I mean.
I think Ill bake him some cookies next time. |
Fiona Farrell (Lala)
| | Posted on Thursday, Mar 7, 2002 - 11:02 pm: | |
So here it is very late at night of very long sleep deprived day, still to put wood in the furnace and do barn check on mare who may foal any day (that should read night) and have to post a note to this thread anyway because my farrier is coming tomorrow morning and he's getting a print out of this. I'm hoping it'll give him some chuckles. And oh yeah, good ideas re baking and drinks, he may not get brownies tomorrow but definitely a hot drink and clean feet(despite our wall to wall mud around here) and hopefully a yearling that behaves as well as he did last time! This was a great and entertaining discussion. |
Colleen Goolsby
Member
Username: Goolsby
Post Number: 32
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 1:29 pm: | |
I know this is an old post, but I enjoyed reading it and thought I would post anyway.
My farrier is a Mennonite and I feel it would be inappropriate to tip him. He tells me how much I owe him and I pay him. He is the type who doesn’t require a tip to be prompt or do the best possible job. He has gone up on his prices over the years, but is still cheaper than other farriers in this area. He is very good at what he does as he learned the trade from his father and has been doing it since he was a kid.
Homemade goodies are not an option for me, as the Mennonites are known for their baked goods. Their general stores are even a tourist attraction here. He has gotten older in the past 8 to 10 years so I keep a “chair-in-a-bag” and offer him a seat in-between horses. Sometimes I have to sit down too.
But Mennonites are peculiar breed. He won’t make a standing appointment. I call and leave a message with his wife. He calls me back the night before he is coming out usually 2 weeks after my call. I have to take off work on short notice, meet him at the barn with horses ready and hold them for him. If I can’t make it on the day and time he says, it might be another week or two. I really hate this, but have tried other farriers and always go back. He has two daughters now and a child on the way. I hope this one is a boy so there will be someone to take over his business, as female Mennonites are not permitted to do men’s work.
Imogen, I’m wondering if your farrier is a Mennonite because he sounds a lot like mine except he doesn’t drive a Mercedes.
I CANT BELIEVE YOU FOLKS LOOK AT THEIR BUTS WHEN THEY ARE BENT OVER! I OF COURSE LOOK AWAY AT THE FIRST SIGN OF HIS “FRUIT-OF-THE-LOOMS”.
|
MARTHA LIPTON
Member
Username: Erika
Post Number: 15
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 1:52 pm: | |
Like Imogene, it has never occurred to me to tip my farrier. I've always considered him a professional on the lines of my vet. I do give a holiday bonus and small gift, which he acts a little embarassed to get--sort of "aw..shucks..you don't have to do that."
After reading all this, I wonder if I'm the only one around who doesn't tip! I agree, though that keeping appointments, clean feet, good work area, and paying the bill right away go a long way to keeping him satisfied. Never have trouble getting him for an emergency visit. By the way, he's in the "nice view" category. Wouldn't take the chocolates I offered! |
Shirley A. Johnson
Member
Username: Shirl
Post Number: 59
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 1:58 pm: | |
Martha, no you're not the only one! I rarely do, as my ferrier, tho very good with my mare, is always late, talks too much, takes too much time, so I figure that's his "tip", me putting up with it!! In the Fruit of the Loom dept., no comment!
Shirl |
Sue Grimm
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 21
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 2:31 pm: | |
I've never tipped any of my farriers and have never heard of anyone up here who does. I have an amazing farrier who is a true artist (he's judged the North American Championships and the World Championships several times and travels all over the world giving clinics). He is expensive but I willingly pay as his work is unbelievable and I know my horse is shod correctly (my gelding is a challenge to shoe as he is massive and a very big mover). He won't do trims so I use another farrier for my broodmares and young stock. I think that they might be offended if I offered a tip - just a guess. As with everyone else, I make sure that they are never kept waiting and that the horses and work area are clean. Can't afford to lose either one of them!
My guess is if I offered a tip he'd be offended. |
Sandra Ross
Member
Username: Sross
Post Number: 64
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 5:39 pm: | |
I've never tipped my farrier (whom I love and adore) either. The other day he got a message (via his wife) that "Sandy" had called about a horse throwing a shoe. Since I was the only Sandy he could think of, he just came by the barn, checked out the horses, all shoes intact, and went on his merry way. A farrier who shows up even when I don't call! (nice thighs too)  |
Katrina Turner
Member
Username: Kthorse
Post Number: 68
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 5:52 pm: | |
Hi I tip $5- $10. only because I am a hairdresser and my horse is barefoot. It is really hard to find someone to come all the way out for a trim. Its my way of giving him an incentive. I dont know if you are supposed to or not. |
Julie Masner
Member
Username: Juliem
Post Number: 45
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 9:07 pm: | |
I tip my farrier, but for $120.00 worth of work, usually only about $5.00. He's good to come sooner than scheduled if I need him to, to go by the vet's and look at radiographs if necessary, to come by and put the hoof testers on, etc., with no charge. I feel I probably should be tipping him more actually, like about five or ten percent, but he is one of the higher priced farriers in my area. He doesn't charge me a "farm call" fee, just the cost of the work. A dry, shaded work area and a compliant horse are certainly the owners responsibility. |
Elizabeth Donahue
Member
Username: Paul303
Post Number: 358
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 10:44 pm: | |
Well, I'll continue to tip - the view itself is worth it. And Coleen, DON'T SHOW THIS THREAD TO YOUR MENNONITE FARRIER!!! |
Colleen Goolsby
Member
Username: Goolsby
Post Number: 33
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 23, 2003 - 10:50 pm: | |
I suspose others like this post as well,as there have been several reponses to an old post. It seems we have all had our experiences with farriers.
As for my experience with farriers, hats off to thoses who have them come out at the drop of a hat and when not expected. I wish I were so lucky. Although my farrier is great at what he does, I wish he were more accomidating. All said,
I think we should have a national farriers day (US) to show our apprication. I know I could never do what they do and they sure are great to have when you need them.
|
Sharon M Roboski
Member
Username: Roboski
Post Number: 164
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2003 - 8:25 am: | |
OK,
Since I'm married to a plumber I feel obligated to spring to his defense ; the view is just fine and never any need for "Crack Alert"! And you know, the peeking works both ways. A former farrier always glanced when I picked out feet, LOL! As far as tipping, I do if I think the farrier's gone above and beyond. Like showing up for an emergency at a moment's notice or wresting with my unruly 3 year old. I'd forgotten this thread ; ya'll are crazy! |
Eleanor Leo
Member
Username: Skye
Post Number: 28
Registered: 5-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Jul 5, 2003 - 10:59 am: | |
I asked my farrier about tipping; she said if your farrier charges a reasonable rate and does a good job and is punctual, a tip would not offend him or her. If, however, your farrier charges a high fee for excellent work, a tip is not expected. It is, so to speak, built into the high fee and excellent work. |
Holly Z.
Member
Username: Cowgrl
Post Number: 10
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 22, 2004 - 3:41 pm: | |
I really resent the fact that people are expected to tip for services that the provider is being paid for. It seems there is no end - hair stylist, wait staff, delivery person, bell hop, car wash attendant, and now the farrier?! Everyone seems to have their hand out. My husband shoes our own horses and I know exactly how much it costs to shoe one horse and it is a lot less than what you are being charged.
Holly |
Rose J. DeFalco
Member
Username: Rose1
Post Number: 34
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 29, 2004 - 1:00 pm: | |
Holly,
I think this was said above but I'm going to repeat it. One does not tip the owner of a business. Employees should be tipped based on the service and a persons ability to do so.
I'm a good customer, I think. I always call in advance so John can schedule me along with people in my area. I groom my horses the night before. I leave clean dry towels when with weather will be wet. He works in my shed which is dry but just in case. Most important, my check always clears.
My farrier owns his business so I do not tip him.
Regards,
Rose
PS: I also don't tip the guys at the feed store who bring the feed out to your truck. "Those guys take forever!" I thank them politely. |
Terri Haynie
Member
Username: Terrilyn
Post Number: 113
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 29, 2004 - 1:35 pm: | |
I think in this day and age, some of the old etiquette rules don't always apply....and I don't know any farriers who DON'T own their business....regardless, I tip when I feel I have received outstanding service. My farrier consistently exceeds the standard and I appreciate it. I don't tip at every visit, but I do tip at Christmas, and he responds with a sincere thank you and continued excellent service throughout the year. He will come to my barn with no one home, trim each of three horses by himself, and then turn them out. He is friendly, prompt, will call me if I forget to call him, and is always professional. I think it's fine to let him know that I appreciate a job well done through tipping. He does too. |
Little King Ranch
Member
Username: Eoeo
Post Number: 39
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 29, 2004 - 6:12 pm: | |
I don't tip per se, however, if one gives him more trouble than he should, I will pay for an extra trim depending how much extra time he took. He always does a nice job, is patient and that is worth the extra to me once in while. EO |
ANN COLLIER
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 331
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Mar 29, 2004 - 8:02 pm: | |
as i posted above i don't tip BUT.. lately with the gas prices going up.. i have been throwing 'gas' money $10 spot .. he has not raised my costs either..
.. he is going to a new barn to do my horse that is in training... i will have a sandwitch and soda ready for his troubles..and of course extra gas money..
he is always available for me.. when doing the young horses, some of them just need to be 'cleaned up' he does not charge me for that...
we have a good working relationship.. but no tipping? guess you could say i do tip..??
Ann |
Jerre R
Member
Username: Jerre
Post Number: 101
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 12:15 pm: | |
My farrier was just here this morning -- 15 minutes early, as always. He's gentle with my horses, patient with my yearling, who likes to try to shake him off. He comes way out to the boonies to just trim. He never cancels. Today my horses weren't "bad" bad, but were more restless than I like. I added $10 as a fine to myself for not preparing my horses better. He demurred, but not with any great conviction. I also give a gift certificate to the tack store or feed store for Christmas.
I don't tip every time, but if he's had extra work due to something I could have prepared for, I feel like I should.
Jerre |
Sherri L. Hueser
Member
Username: Tangoh
Post Number: 423
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 1:41 pm: | |
I never have tipped, but after not being able to coordinate a time when we could be there with him, he took it upon himself to just go on his own. What a nice surprise when we showed up to do chores one evening and noticed all 3 horses were trimmed. He didn't have to do that, but he does know our horses well, they are all easy to catch, but even so, we thought that was above the call of duty. I'll tip him happily next time when we pay him for the last service rendered. |
Rose J. DeFalco
Member
Username: Rose1
Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 1:47 pm: | |
Terri,
We must agree to disagree on this one.
Ann,
You make an excellent point about gas prices. I normally leave my Farrier a blank check. Next time is one of the few times during the year I will see him. I will add some extra if he does not.
Regards,
Rose
|
Terri Haynie
Member
Username: Terrilyn
Post Number: 125
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Apr 1, 2004 - 2:18 pm: | |
And that is one of the charming things about this site, that we can agree to disagree. |
