What do you give your farrier for Christmas?

[Root Beer]

Ugh, I must be getting old. It's not even Halloween; and I've already started Christmas shopping.

My three daughters- done and done.
My five grandkids- done and done.
The SO- ARRRGGGHHHH! What do you get the guy that has everything?:eek:

Last year I gave my farriers (yes, I have two; they work as a team) Christmas cards with cash. I'm wondering if I should do the same this year. Is cash always welcome, or would a Visa/Mastercard giftcard be more "gifty"?

I love my farriers. They are very professional, never miss an appointment. They call the night before they're scheduled to come to confirm the appointment, and call the morning of the appointment to let me know exactly when to expect them. After two and a half years I'm still in the "Pinch me, I'm dreaming!" faze after dealing with numerous farriers not showing up, not answering the phone, ect. for years in the past.

They have given me and my horses superb services and I want my Christmas gift to reflect my appreciation.

Should I give them:

1. cash
2. giftcard
3. something else? Like a real present-thingy?

C'mon, fess up; what do you give to the person that pedicures your horsies?

[Gatorsgirl]

Bump...

My farrier is wonderful. Doesn't accept new clients but has done my horse for many years and loves him. When he became mine, he accepted me (much to my vets surprise) as a new client. I want to keep him happy so I too want to know the best Christmas gift for a farrier!

[Aardvark@X]

I always give money. Gifts may go unused. Giftcards assume they like a particular store...
Cash always seems welcome in my experience.

[atr]

Expensive Scotch. The sort I know he'd never in a million years spend that much on because his wife would kill him... And I know he hides it in his workshop :)

[FatPalomino]

LOL.
Mine got a very expensive bottle of Tequila last year. He said they liked the less expensive stuff better (they are that truthful), so this year, he'll get a few bottles of tequila ;)
Although, I do joke that he needs a few shots after dealing with me and my horses's issues !

[Watermark Farm]

Here you go. These are simply gorgeous and this is what my farrier gave herself and our vet for Christmas last year. She bought beautiful loop knives. Frank Ringel in Montana.

http://www.ringelcustomknives.com/

[dbadaro]

Here you go. These are simply gorgeous and this is what my farrier gave herself and our vet for Christmas last year. She bought beautiful loop knives. Frank Ringel in Montana.

http://www.ringelcustomknives.com/

those are nice! but i wouldn't even know where to start on which one to order.

idk if my farrier likes to drink. suppose i'll have to ask him.

i would like some ideas too!

[Iron Horse Farm]

$$$$$:D

[TRNasty]

Last year boarders all pitched in and our farrier received a gift card to a local restaraunt, Gander Mountain, and a plate of home made Christmas Cookies.

[eventgroupie2]

The first year I made him a stained glass suncatcher of a farrier at work. Since then, I make him a nice sized equine stained glass panel each year.

[analise]

I would say if you're going to go the gift card route, to give him one of those gift cards that works like a debit card and can be used anywhere. It makes it basically the same as cash but the fact you went through the effort to get a card feels more "gifty" to me.

[cloudyandcallie]

Cash. (Green is a color always in good taste.)
I tried gift cards with people, but always worried that the amt would not be given to them, so I was always telling them how much the amt was anyway. When I was growing up it was considered gauche to give cash, now it is wonderful and necessary.

If every horse owner gave cash, the farrier (and any one else) could buy what he wants or needs. (Giving cookies or candy in addition is OK, but not in lieu of cold hard cash.)

And the cash is given not from me, but from the horse. I loved it when people had to go thank Cloudy and Callie, now it is just Cloudy. Like today he gave the BO's daughter cash for her birthday.

[Lori B]

I gave my farrier a well-received box of Godiva chocolates. And the gift of always paying on the day he does Katy's shoes (except the couple of times I couldn't be there and mailed the check that day!)

[BigMick]

Homebrew!

[msj]

Gift certificate to Land's End usually. Oh, and a plate of Rum Balls! :D Since he does my horses first thing in the morning, I do warn him NOT to eat them on his rounds or people WILL think he's been drinking. :lol:

[paintlady]

I give my farrier cash... always a good gift that everyone likes. :)

[Root Beer]

Lots of good ideas here! As both my farriers are Ladiez, I think I'll go with the Christmas card/cash route and a box of Godiva chocolates. Hmmm, I might get the farriers a box of chocolates, too.:winkgrin:

[Not So Practical Horse(WO)man]

Eh, I don't like the cash route for a farrier. Maybe thats just because I pay mine in cash so it would just feel to me like I'm paying him.

Alcohol is great. Cookies are adored. I always get mine a cheesy little singing doo-dah from Hallmark or somewhere and he likes to thoroughly freak out the horses with it lol :)

[SkipChange]

Another vote for cash. Those cards that work like debit cards often have hidden fees and they start taking money off the card if you don't spend it quickly. Homemade cookies, chocolate, or alcohol sounds like a nice addition.

[LauraKY]

OK, so mine don't drink and one is diabetic. They are good old country boys and I think they would be embarrassed with cash or gift card. Gave them cookies every year until one was diagnosed with diabetes. They really enjoyed the cookies. It's a dilemma.

[sidepasser]

LauireK - they make cookies for diabetics now - just google and there are tons of homemade treats out there. I know, I get my mom sweets at Christmas that are for diabetics as she was diagnosed a few years back. It's the only time I buy her sweets and I like to get the "good" ones - lol.

[camohn]

Money.....he has 6 kids...........

[Flipper]

So, for those of you who suggest giving $$$, how much to give??? Okay, you don't have to say exactly how much you give....how about what percent of a normal farrier bill do you give?
My farrier is probably the most expensive one around...but also the best. So, I don't really feel right giving him cash - it just feels like I'm adding onto the bill. I usually give a gift certif. to a local restaurant that I know he & his wife would like. It's a big chunk o' change, but since he often goes 'above & beyond' the call of duty, it's worth it.

[lisae]

OMG, I've had the same one for six years and have never gotten him anything. :o I guess I'm tacky. I've heard from a mutual friend that I do keep him (and his wife who sometimes rides with him) wildly entertained with my stories of animals and kids, although obviously that doesn't substitute for cash.

[Root Beer]

So, for those of you who suggest giving $$$, how much to give??? Okay, you don't have to say exactly how much you give....how about what percent of a normal farrier bill do you give?
My farrier is probably the most expensive one around...but also the best. So, I don't really feel right giving him cash - it just feels like I'm adding onto the bill. I usually give a gift certif. to a local restaurant that I know he & his wife would like. It's a big chunk o' change, but since he often goes 'above & beyond' the call of duty, it's worth it.

My farriers charge $40.00 apiece for a barefoot trim. I put $50.00 cash in the Christmas cards last year ( a seperate card for each).

However, I have a rather nasty mini-mare that takes two hours and three people to trim. Two to handle her, and one to take swipes with the nippers/rasp. After 2 1/2 years, I had hoped that she would take a shine to people messing with her feet, but she's a stubborn little thang. *sigh* We're still working on it.

[camohn]

So, for those of you who suggest giving $$$, how much to give??? Okay, you don't have to say exactly how much you give....how about what percent of a normal farrier bill do you give?
My farrier is probably the most expensive one around...but also the best. So, I don't really feel right giving him cash - it just feels like I'm adding onto the bill. I usually give a gift certif. to a local restaurant that I know he & his wife would like. It's a big chunk o' change, but since he often goes 'above & beyond' the call of duty, it's worth it.

The price of a shoeing for me.....
He is awful with returning phone calls but always manages to be there when you really need him on no notice (like throwing a shoe before a show, the horse that abcesses when he is REALLY busy, etc etc)

[tarynls]

From a different perspective...thinking about the last 2 Christmases (that's as far back as I can remember!)

BF has received many bottles of high-end alcohol (4 large bottles of Grey Goose still unopened in our house!), cash, homemade cookies & breads....

but a great gift was a gas card! Just make sure if your farrier has a diesel truck, you buy a card from a gas station that dispenses diesel as well as gas :)

Thanks guys! Any gift is much appreciated :)

[Fairview Horse Center]

Generally I give my farrier a hard time for/on Christmas :lol: :lol:

because he often shows up at my farm to shoe then. :eek: He gets bored and likes to do a bit of work, and he knows I will put up with it. He has been shoeing for me for over 30 years.

[billiebob]

Homemade cookies for the farrier (and the vet). I feel weird giving cash or a gift card or something they'd know the monetary value of. Maybe it's because I'm poor :lol:. My cookies were very well received last year (meaning they didn't make it out of the barn courtyard :)).

[saddleup]

I must be a terrible person, too, because I've never given either my vet or my farrier a Christmas present.

After 15 years wouldn't it be weird to start now?????

[SkipChange]

I must be a terrible person, too, because I've never given either my vet or my farrier a Christmas present.

After 15 years wouldn't it be weird to start now?????

Me neither honestly, I've only actually met my current vet twice (horsey is sound and I'm usually in class when he comes for shots/teeth, trainer supervises and since there's 60 horses at our barn my boy is just a drop in the bucket) so I just feel weird giving him a present.

Although, I doubt anyone objects to presents!

[Seal Harbor]

Me neither honestly, I've only actually met my current vet twice (horsey is sound and I'm usually in class when he comes for shots/teeth, trainer supervises and since there's 60 horses at our barn my boy is just a drop in the bucket) so I just feel weird giving him a present.

Although, I doubt anyone objects to presents!

Our trainer's wife organizes the farrier and vet Christmas gifts. We all chip in. If there has been some restaurant they enjoyed or something they get a gift certificate there. One time was tickets to something they had wanted to go see. Along with a bottle of something. One year we got the vet "Mexico in a Box", he loves going to Mexico and wasn't going to be able to that winter. It had stupid stuff in it like a sombrero and of course tortilla chips, margarita stuff, a bottle of Tequila, stuff like that.

[msj]

I must be a terrible person, too, because I've never given either my vet or my farrier a Christmas present.

After 15 years wouldn't it be weird to start now?????

No, it's not too weird to start at any time. Hey, I didn't start until I got a new job at work and got a really great raise.

If money is tight (and in today's economy that's not unusual) I don't think either your vet or farrier will mind one bit if you only say thank you for a good year. :)

[jeano]

I know my farrier has his own horses and dogs and a country place so I got him a gift card for Tractor Supply--he was thrilled, said he could always use something from TSC.

[TheJenners]

Heh heh. I read the title of this thread to my BF, who's a cowboy and good friends with our farrier (who is also, surprise, a cowboy). He said, "Uh, I don't. Do people actually do that?" He then said, "Tell them to get their farriers a rasp. Those things are expensive and they go through one a month, I bet."

So, there ya go. "Words from the cowboy."

[4Martini]

I increase my check by the cost of a ski lift ticket to Vail for Christmas. I know my farrier loves to ski so I tell him that Martin (my horse) wanted him to get a day of skiing for Christmas. He always shakes his head and says it's too much- but he is a great farrier and I really value him shoeing my horse (I gave less one year when things were tight and he was just as thankful!) He's an all around great guy and an awesome and incredibly reliable farrier (he was out at 9am on Sat when he doesn't work weekends usually to tack a shoe on for me this past week.) To me it's worth it for the headaches he saves me from!

[sid]

I usually assemble a 6 pack of specialty beers that Total Wine has available during the Christmas season. You can mix the six pack with all different varieties of ales and lagers that are only available during the season from small breweries.

[Saidapal]

I must be a terrible person, too, because I've never given either my vet or my farrier a Christmas present.

After 15 years wouldn't it be weird to start now?????

Neither have I. I rarely see him. He shows up while I'm at work, trims the hoofsies, and leaves a bill on my gate, and I send him a check. I can honestly say I haven't seen him in over a year. Just trimmed hoofs and hoof trimmings in the stalls lets me know he's been there.

[tnscvaga]

Here you go. These are simply gorgeous and this is what my farrier gave herself and our vet for Christmas last year. She bought beautiful loop knives. Frank Ringel in Montana.

http://www.ringelcustomknives.com/


Those are just beautiful .... thanks

[chai]

Last year it was $100. This year it will have to be $50.

[FancyFree]

My farriers charge $40.00 apiece for a barefoot trim. I put $50.00 cash in the Christmas cards last year ( a seperate card for each).

Mine charges that amount too. I'm going to do the same, fifty dollars in a Christmas card. This is my first Christmas with him and I do want to let him know how much I appreciate him. He does a great job, is always reliable and pretty inexpensive comparably speaking. I've heard such horror stories with farriers as well that I feel really lucky to have him.

[Lori T]

I have an incredible farrier who travels to my end of the world just for me and the clients I have managed to get him to make it worth his while..he comes from near Ocala to northeast of Orlando. His first stop, they make him and his apprentice breakfast. I serve him lunch. Usually Tijuana Flats. I bake them cookies and fudge ( I make the most amazing fudge, if I do say so myself!). Last year, Kevin adopted a 4 year old boy, so I also gave him presents for Zach. And since he hunts, I give him a gift card to Bass Pro Shop. Usually for about $25.

[cloudyandcallie]

So, for those of you who suggest giving $$$, how much to give??? Okay, you don't have to say exactly how much you give....how about what percent of a normal farrier bill do you give?
My farrier is probably the most expensive one around...but also the best. So, I don't really feel right giving him cash - it just feels like I'm adding onto the bill. I usually give a gift certif. to a local restaurant that I know he & his wife would like. It's a big chunk o' change, but since he often goes 'above & beyond' the call of duty, it's worth it.

When Callie was still alive, she and Cloudy EACH gave $20 to the farrier. Now that it is just Cloudy, he gives $50 because of inflation.
But even $10 would be good, can you imagine if each horse gave his/her farrier $10 or $20? Vacation time or pay off bills or buy gas or, etc.
And my horses don't pay for cards either, better to put that few dollars into cash. Plain envelope, with tannenbaum drawn on it, and "Merry Christmas" from the horse(s). And a personal note from each horse, thanking farrier for individual care for hoof problems.

ETA: you know the farriers do talk (farrier gossip is always interesting) but they also gossip about Christmas gifts, like the alcohol given to a farrier here (he doesn't drink) and the children's size farm logo sweatshirts given to elderly farrier and his single with-no-children assistant (given by the biggest barn around here).

[Penthilisea]

Food or gift card to a resteraunt. But I know my farrier isn't diabetic, and has a girlfriend, so they can go to a nice resteraunt for a date or something. Melting Pot is always nicem or Cheesecake Factory (wish one was closer!) or Dave & Busters, depending on your farrier's taste and general maturity. ;)

[Green Acres]

I either give my farrier a visa gift card ($50) or a gift card (for $50) to a restuarant. The one I get for the restaurant can be used at 1 of 6 different resturants. I know he likes that as Chili's is on their and he told me his wife loves Chili's.

I haven't read this whole thread...but does anyone give a gift to the farrier's assistant? My farrier's cousin helps him but I haven't given anything to him in the past. Wonder if I should???

[matryoshka]

I don't expect gifts, but it is always nice to receive them.

Some of my favorites:
cookies
fudge
blank cards with farrier pics on them--have used them for thank-you's through the year
money
treats for my own horses
truffles (that one was especially nice on a cold day)
hand warmers for my pockets
a hat made from alpaca hair

For clients I've had for a few years, I often make them little gifts, too. Something horsey. One year I gave out ornaments I made from wire and beads--they took a long time but it was worth it.

Before I started trimming, I'd put extra in the check at Christmas. Plus, I'd listen to them talk and figure out what they'd like to have and try to get that for them in addition to the cash. Also, I make some delicious gourmet cookies and would give those--gotta find out what they like, though.

I'd only give alcohol if I know what they like.

[Tamara in TN]

C'mon, fess up; what do you give to the person that pedicures your horsies?



a fruit and candies basket

containing small bottles of peach schnapps,muscadine wine,apple korn, barenjager,baileys,creme de mint and kaluha

and some heavy baked pastry to help wash it down ;)

best

[michaleenflynn]

Money is usually universally appreciated lol.

But it can be fun to give and recieve a one-of-kind farrier-themed collectible - especially if your farrier is <ahem> well-fixed, as one I know is ;)

Something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/Large-Huge-Vtg-PAUL-DETLEFSEN-Blacksmith-ORIGINAL-PRINT_W0QQitemZ360200472938QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_ Prints?hash=item53dd9f096a

or a two or three of these together in a frame http://www.oldpostcards.com/blacksmith.html

or, if your farrier is a woman - how neat is this
?http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SILVER-ENGRAVED-BLACKSMITH-AT-WORK-Charm-Opens_W0QQitemZ280410865776QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_J ewellery_Watches_FineJewellery_CA?hash=item4149ca4 070
...actually I might bid on that last one myself lol, it's too unusual and precious to pass up!

[Gray Horse H/J]

Another vote for cash. Those cards that work like debit cards often have hidden fees and they start taking money off the card if you don't spend it quickly.

And they can expire. I work in retail part-time, and was ringing up a customer one day who wanted to use an American Express gift card. Turns out the thing was only good for 3 months! After that you were just out the money.

[equineartworks]

This is my first Christmas with my most amazing farrier so I am looking forward to showing him how much we appreciate the care he gives our crew.

I know they enjoy our homemade wines and cordials so those will be included but I am leaning toward a nice card with cash too. And some treats for his horse and his dog too.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Mmm. I've never given my farrier a gift directly either. I used to board at a training/lesson barn and never even met the farrier(s) there. I'd never heard of it from anyone until I read this thread--now I feel tacky!

I currently have two farriers. The one who comes to the farm and trims my barefoot mare and the one I currently haul my riding gelding to at the vet's (ultimately I hope the other farrier who travels can take over). I've used the one who comes to the farm about 3 times now and the one I haul to only twice. . .what would be appropriate?

[Trevelyan96]

I've never given my farriers gifts before, but I think I will with this new one, LOL, which is amusing since he's about 100% more $$$ than any farrier I've ever had.

But he's also reliable, professional, patient with my horses and has worked wonders, so I think he deserves a bonus!

Since he has a herd of kids, cash and a tin of home made cookies will probably be the way to go for me.

[LostFarmer]

A heart felt thank you and a horse that will stand and not lean on him. LF

[2DogsFarm]

In the past I've sent mailorder cookies or fruit baskets to their homes (Dad & son come to my place just to trim my 2).
Last year times were tough, so each got a $10 gift card for Mickey D - kind of a "it's the thought that counts" but I know they were used, if only for a quick coffee warmup in the bitter cold.

I gift them all year when the garden is producing - apples, pears, peaches,
This year I may ask if they'd like eggs, since my chickens are gifting me with near 3doz a week.
And I keep bottled water & sodas to offer them in the small barn fridge.