1. I cover the South Jersey area. Im more than happy to head out to care for your horses as soon as it is possible!
2. Im always educating my clients, sending them interesting articles, posts, videos and research studies. I always encourage owners to dig deeper into horse and hoofcare and to educate themselves. I always have tons or books, videos, channels and podcasts that I recommend on a daily bases to all owners. I believe that continuing education is key to achieve proper hoof and horse health.
3. I schedule trimming appointments the same day or the following days. Sometimes clients don't know when they are available for the next appointment. I understand that because things in life happen and we all have to prioritize things, but despite that I prefer clients telling me at least a week before they want me to come out since I do have a lot of clients and a tight schedule.
4. I send out reminders to people the day before we have an appointment. I always try to be on time. Sometimes unexpected things occur on the road or on my other stops and I end up late to the appointment. I always try to warn people if i'm arriving late and what time i'll be there and I always appreciate my clients' patience!
5. I will work with horses that are not fond of farriers. Although I work with dangerous horses, I will tell the owner if the situation becomes unsafe and discuss with the owner how we can calm the horse down in order for me to trim or shoe.
6. I have a full stock of Fit Kit Easycare Gloves and Equine Fusion boots that I use to measure hoof boot sizes. I also do therapeutic glue-on composite shoeing when applicable.
7. I am more than happy to educate you how to maintain your horses feet between my trims (if the horse needs it). I do not provide the owners with rasps or any other hoof trimming equipment.
8. Im more than happy to take a look at the radiographs, body and hoof pictures before coming to a new client for the trims.
9. Im always available to consult over the phone for certain periods of time. They can be long or short periods of time (depending on my schedule).
10. All of my clients know how much I prioritize a healthy diet, since that's one of the keys to healthy hooves. Im more than happy to talk with the owner about the diet recommendations I give and things to consider when switching.
1. I prefer for all my clients' horses to stay on a 4-6 week trim cycle. A schedule beyond that will not be idea for the health of your horse. If there is certain pathologies present in your horses feet, they need to be managed using shoes or trims on a short trimming cycle in order to improve the overall health of the feet and not chasing the issue in a circle. Plus, note that it's much more difficult and labor intensive to trim an overdue hoof. Every case is different and this will be discussed privately but in most cases I will tell the owner to make an appointment every 4-6 weeks.
2. Unfortunately, I do not work weekends unless it is an emergency farm call. All appointments are planned during the week. I take phone calls based on my schedule or if it was discussed prior with the owner.
3. If you are not able to come to the barn to hold the horse and be there during the trims, I feel comfortable trimming by myself IF the horse has good manners, is caught and I have a safe, shaded, protected, dry area to work.
4. Given that everyone's time is precious, I need the horses to be caught before I arrive. I understand if the horse is green or doesn't like to be caught, but I CANT wait all day for the owner to catch the horse. It takes up time that I can spend on doing more productive things.
5. As mentioned, in order for me to trim I need a dry place to work with good lighting. Unfortunately I won't be able to trim in conditions such as 1) standing in manure filled paddocks or stalls 2)while standing outside in the pouring rain 3) standing outside while its snowing 4)standing in the full sunlight when its scorching hot outside. For boot fitting there has to be a dry place with firm ground and plenty of lighting. For composite shoe application I WILL need a handler and the things mentioned above.
6. I cannot sedate horses ( physically nor legally since i'm not a veterinarian) that are not able to stand still. I will try to work with a horse that is not trained or doesn't like the farrier but it is the CLIENTS responsibility to train the horse. I am NOT a trainer, i'm a farrier, and I'm NOT there to train the horse. Dealing with horses can be dangerous, especially with those that don't stand well , so im not willing to risk my life in extreme situations.
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