That's simple. Feed him cake and pay him lots of money.

Seriously --- it's a good question. Not so seriously--- click here for advice on how you and your farrier can endear yourselves to each other.....

OK, so you're back from reading the funny stuff. There are reasonable things you should do to keep your farrier happy. And there are nice things you can do to keep your farrier happy without spoiling him/her too much. Some spoiling is a good idea. :-)

Keeping a good client/farrier relationship is good for both parties. Clients are happy because they have a farrier they can rely on. A worry free relationship with your farrier can be priceless. Farriers benefit because good clients are just as reliable as good farriers. Reliable clients mean peace of mind to the farrier (and a paid mortgage).

Things you should do to keep your farrier happy:

 

1.	Make and keep appointments on a regular schedule dependent on the growth pattern of our horses' feet. Follow your farrier's recommendations about this.
2.	Arrive a bit early for appointments to make sure your horse is caught, reasonably clean (spotless is not necessary) , dry (please do not hose off that mud, scrape and brush it off) and sprayed with fly spray when needed.
3.	Provide a safe, clean quiet place to work. It should have a level floor (dirt is fine, asphalt or concrete is better), plenty of room (at least 12' x 15'), be free of obstacles (wheelbarrows, bicycles, farm equipment, hoses, extension cords etc.) anyone could get hurt on, and be out of the weather. It should be easily accessible to your farrier's rig in all weather. It should have easy access to water and electricity and it should have good ventilation.
4.	Make sure your horse is safe to work on. If your horse has a problem with farriers, let your farrier know and work to solve the problem. If he pulls back, make sure there is someone to hold the horse for the farrier. Remember--- if a farrier gets hurt, he can't work. If he can't work, he doesn't eat.
5.	Keep children and pets (especially dogs) out from under foot. Greedy pooches trying to steal a tidbit of hoof out of the farrier's nippers can get a farrier hurt and the dog killed. Rambunctious children can get themselves and the farrier hurt as well.
6.	Pay your farrier bill on time. If you are there for the appointment, make sure your check book is too. If your farrier bills you, pay it within 30 days, or better yet, as soon as it arrives. Pay with a good check.
7.	Don't complain about the cost of farriery. It's rude and disrespectful. If the cost is truly getting to be a problem, talk to your farrier about it in a reasonable manner. He works incredibly hard for his money. If you don't believe that, ask him to teach you how to pull a shoe. You will acquire a totally different view of the profession.
8.	Keep your farrier informed of any problems, lamenesses or loose shoes (before they come off if possible).
9.	If you have a lost or loose shoe, be conscious of your farrier's time and schedule. If he is a good farrier, he will try get there as soon as possible, but he may not be able to get there that day. Be reasonable, not a pushover nor overly demanding. If you have a true emergency, like founder, a shoe hanging off dangerously, or a shoe off just before you leave for a big show, you have a right to expect emergency service, but, as with a vet, expect to pay extra for it.
10.	And most important of all, respect your farrier as a professional.

Nice things you can do to keep your farrier happy (but don't have to):

1.	Tips are nice but not necessary. If you feel you need to tip your farrier, a better idea might be to suggest he raise his prices a bit. (This is a rare one.) But if a horse gives your farrier a hard time, or he performs some unusual service---like showing up at 6:30 in the morning to put a shoe back on your horse before you go to the Big Show---a tip may be in order. So is a big Thank You.
2.	Offer a cold drink if it's hot and a hot one if it's cold.
3.	If your farrier calls to ask if he can reschedule your appointment, work with him if you can. Maybe someday you might need to do the same.
4.	When your farrier is working at the anvil, it's a nice touch to sweep up the hoof trimmings under your horse.
5.	If your horse takes a dump, clean it up before it gets stepped in.
6.	If it's late in the day and your farrier looks really beat, you might offer to change your appointment to another day.
7.	Take your farrier to lunch now and then, or invite him to dinner.
8.	Invite your farrier to go riding with you.
9.	Thank you cards and notes are wonderful.
10.	So are the words "Thank you."

Spoiling your farrier---should you or shouldn't you?

Some spoiling can be quite self serving for the crafty horse owner. The rule of thumb is "The best customers get the best service". If you make a point of being a "best customer" you should expect "best customer" service when you need it. Don't abuse the privilege or you will likely lose it. Instead, cultivate it, and use it when you truly need it. A good farrier will recognize the equity of the trade and be happy to reciprocate.