To get the best shoeing results, the Farrier and Customer have to work together in a cooperative effort.  The following is a list of
Respective Responsibilities that will help enhance our working relationship.


Scheduling:

  1. Everyone benefits from developing a consistent shoeing and trimming maintenance schedule.  It allows for accuracy in
    planning, record keeping and provides the optimum results.
  2. Before  leaving the barn, I will schedule your next appointment at an appropriate interval.
  3. I do not normally work on weekends except for when traveling for lameness and laminitic/foundered horse emergencies.
  4. When working out my schedule, I try to allow enough time to deal with unforeseen circumstances for all of my customers.
  5. I ask for your cooperation with scheduling.
  6. You will be notified if I'm going to be more than 15 minutes late for our appointment.
  7. You must notify me if you will be late for our appointment or unable to make our appointment.
  8. Please show up early to your appointment in order to have your horse ready and available by the scheduled appointment time.


Farrier Work Conditions and Horse Evaluation Procedures:

  1. The scope of Farrier work is vast.  In order for me to work comprehensively, it's important for you to recognize your ownership
    responsibilities.  As the horse owner, you are the primary care provider.  Your frequent cleaning and inspection of the horse's
    feet and legs, and following the Farrier's recommendations will help make the trimming and shoeing process effective.
  2. An appropriate place must be provided to trim and shoe your horse.  The place must be located inside (not outside), free of
    manure and mud, well lighted, flat and safe.  Safety for the horse and the Farrier is a joint responsibility.
  3. The horse is my primary client and the needs of the horse are my first concern.
  4. Have your horse ready, available, reasonably clean, dry and well mannered by the scheduled appointment time.
  5. If our appointment is during feeding times, please do not feed other horses while I'm working on your horse.  This only serves
    as a distraction to your horse and a hungry horse does not stand well.
  6. Do not apply hoof dressings just before I arrive for our appointment.
  7. I do not routinely refit the work of other Farriers.
  8. I may ask to observe the horse in motion (Walk and/or trot).  This will help me to evaluate your horse's way of going, make
    needed corrections, assess lameness, etc.

Horse Behavior:

  1. The horse will stand better and I'll be able to work better, if you do not tie your horse up for an extended time period.
  2. If your horse is too energetic, I recommend that you lunge your horse before your appointment.
  3. It is your responsibility to discipline your horse if the horse is not behaving.
  4. I work with every horse patiently.  I do not employ brutality.  The horse may smell or nuzzle me, but I draw the line at them trying
    to eat me.
  5. In the event a horse may aggressively bite, kick or strike at me, I may have to open hand slap the horse in order to teach the
    horse that such behaviors are unacceptable.
  6. If the Farrier work cannot be finished due to the horse's behavior, then you will need to call in a Veterinarian to sedate your
    horse.  This may result in re scheduling your appointment to another day.


Fees and Billing Procedures:

  1. Any expected changes in fees will be discussed before the Farrier work is started.
  2. Fee variations are due to horse's behavior, time, type and degree of corrections.
  3. PAYMENT IS DUE UPON COMPLETION OF WORK.  If for some unforeseen reason that payment is not received, a net 10
    day account will be established and a billing payment fee of $25.00 will be added to the bill.  A 1.5 % service charge plus a
    $25.00 administrative fee will be applicable on all accounts for every 10      days past due.  Payment in full must be made
    before the next appointment.  It is important to know that it is my policy that I DO NOT normally bill for service.  We except post
    dated checks.  A  $2.00 a/day finance charge will be added to the bill for each day up to the post date                                
  4. FOR OUT OF STATE OR COUNTRY CUSTOMERS.  TRAVEL EXPENSES (Transportation fees,parking fees, etc.), ARE
    DUE UPON BOOKING OF APPOINTMENT or one week in advance for current regular customers..  I do not bill for this service.
  5. Return check charges are $50.00.
  6. I accept cash, checks and credit cards.
  7. I will replace a lost shoe (can't be found) or a cast shoe (shoe that is found) as soon as possible.  Except for foundered or
    certain seriously injured horses, a lost or cast shoe is not an emergency.  I ask that you notify me at the earliest opportunity.



And......

I encourage you as the client to get involved, to learn, to ask and share any thoughts about the trimming and shoeing process.  There
is a considerable amount of knowledge and experience that we may share.  

I have dedicated myself to this profession in order to provide the best service for your horse(s) and you.  During your appointment, I
try to make time to address all of your concerns or questions, but if you have additional concerns or questions please ask, e mail or
call me.

Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF
Esco Buff's Professional Farrier Service, LLC


Respective Responsibilities