Poll: Do you tip your farrier?

[KitKat987]

Title says it all. Just curious. I do sometimes, but I'm never sure if I should every time or not.

[Cloverbarley]

No I don't tip my farrier - just as my horse customers do not tip me. I wouldn't even consider tipping my farrier, or the vet, or equine dentist or any other equine professional.

My farriers earns over a $1,000 from me every 6 weeks. He's doing his job (and damn fine job it is too :)) for which he is paid.

[skykingismybaby1]

Well I only get a 40$ trim every 6 wks and tip him at the holidays, usually and extra 40.

[Valentina_32926]

Can't vote (can barely type in this block) cause of some stupid IE pop-up - but I never tip my farrier.

[Ponyclubrocks]

Normally I only tip workers who do not own their own business. For example, restaurant servers, hairdressers etc. I do give holiday gifts or bonuses to service people (even if they do own their business) as a gesture of appreciation, but I don't view this the same as tipping.

[Lori B]

Nope, but I give a little holiday gift, and make an effort to always be a good customer (don't miss appts., pay on the spot instead of waiting for a bill, etc.). I think the point about most farriers owning their own businesses is pertinent here as well.

[amastrike]

Nope. He names his price. If he wants more money, he can tell me a different amount to pay. And I help him with pulling shoes whenever I can, so it works out.

[winfieldfarm]

I tip at the holiday with a gift of my homemade chocolates. I could never tip enough to adequately compensate what my fine farrier is truly worth! So the heartfelt token of a homemade goody at christmas certainly doesn't help his bank account or his waistline but it tells him I appreciate him and value his services. I send a goody basket to our vet and dentist as well and give our clients and employees yummies too. Nothing big just a pound or two of good old fashion homemade chocolate barks. My employees get a small gift of extra cash too.

I find being a good customer year round goes farther than what pittance of cash I can float them extra. What I could afford to give extra would be a drop in the bucket for them professionally.

[goeslikestink]

farriers offer a service at a price - you pay for that service
same as you would any other service so no need to tip

[babecakes]

I pay cash :D

And I always find a useful thoughtful Xmas idea.

My farrier charges very fairly and is always on time, and never complains about coming to reset a thrown shoe, always works me in. And is the absolute best for diagnosing lameness.

[PNWjumper]

I tip $20-$30 on my $450+ shoeing bill for my "herd." Often times I'll throw in a $20 bill with my check covering the actual bill. He drives 100 miles to get to me and only has a handful of clients out here. I figure the least I can do is give him a little "gas money" :)

[Trevelyan96]

No tipping, but I will give him a christmas gift. His fees are about 40% higher than other farriers in the area and I don't quibble about his fees, he's worth it, but I'm pretty sure his yearly income is double mine. I did offer to pay extra when new horse acted like a total butthead the first few times, as I feel its my responsibility to have a well mannered horse for the vet and farrier.

[mvp]

I reserved tipping for employees commonly thought to be a bit underpaid-- grooms for example. I don't tip well-paid pros or business owners who, presumably, have set the prices that make the job worthwhile for them.

And Cloverbarley-- What do you get done for A stinkin' GRAND every six weeks? Where are you? Just curious. You win for the most expensive shoeing job I have ever heard of.

[ExJumper]

I've always gone by the rule that if the service professional owns the business (i.e. sets his/her own prices) you do not tip.

For example, I met my hairdresser at a big salon. I tipped her there. Now she has left for her own little room in one of those independent salon-type places. I no longer tip her.

A little something (monetary or otherwise) around the holidays or something I don't consider tipping.

[Bluey]

We add a little every time for "gas money", since he has to come from far off.

[Gloria]

No. I never tip my trimmer or farrier or chiropractor, or anyone that is self-employed. They are their own boss and they are free to raise fee if they want to. Now holiday gifts are a complete different matter though.

[KPF]

I used to, since I had a good farrier that would come to me for only 2-3 horses. Paid in cash every time too and gave him a good chunk extra every single time. It apparently made no difference to him when he decided not to show up for an appointment and not return phone calls for 2 weeks. :mad: I found a new farrier and now he gets paid what he charges, by check. I will pay him in cash if I happen to have it on me, but I'm not making any extra effort. Since I had two farriers basically disappear on me before him that I paid extra (and cash) I now figure it doesn't make a difference to them anyway, why not keep my money. Guess I learned the hard way.

I do, however, still tip or gift at Xmas.

[Bogie]

I don't tip my farrier with cash but I do put audio books on her ipod. I have many that I bought from audible.com. I know she's in her truck all the time and she appreciates them.

[Blugal]

Sometimes, in the form of cookies (which they always appreciate!). There have been times when farriers were thin on the ground, and making the journey to the farm to only do 2 horses seemed like it could be a good excuse to drop me as a client.

I also give "danger pay" if any of my horses misbehave. I don't want the farrier to regret coming, or to have second thoughts about me as a client.

[LauraKY]

We tip with food. My guys do a lot of the big racing and polo barns and like the change of our 5 horses. I usually have something for them to eat and drink and always something at Christmas. They usually hang around for a while just to talk. Love my guys!

[Cloverbarley]

And Cloverbarley-- What do you get done for A stinkin' GRAND every six weeks? Where are you? Just curious. You win for the most expensive shoeing job I have ever heard of.
It's actually quite a bit more than a grand, but I digress, my farriers charges are very reasonable :). Having 50 horses is the reason, hence my handsome 6 weekly payout to my wonderful farrier.

[Ibex]

My farrier has his own business and makes more than I do, so no! :lol:

[Rhyadawn]

No tipping, but a holiday gift of some sweets or something of that variety. Maybe a gift card if I happen to know their favourite restuarant.

The popular a couple years ago was TimHorton's gift cards

[flshgordon]

I voted "sometimes" and that sometimes is Christmas. That's the only time I tip him--mostly because he's AWESOME and I want him to know how much he is appreciated!:D

[kellyb]

I do not tip him but I do give extra around the holidays to let them know I appreciate it!

[Liberty]

I voted "every time" because my farrier works out of a top-notch farrier shop rather than being totally self-employed. Payment is a check written to the shop, so I include a $20 bill for him to do with as he pleases (gas, lunch, etc.).

Of the farriers in this shop, only a couple travel to clients; the majority of the clients have to haul in. As it's over an hour away, I want to keep this guy happy with making the trek. :)

He's always punctual, does a great job, and is open to my ideas and explaining everything I ask about. He also schedules the next visit before he leaves, and calls when he's running late.

My previous farrier was on his own, and I didn't tip him except for something extra around Christmas (along with some homebaked goods, which I also give my current farrier).

[Showjumper28]

No I do not tip my farrier, although I do bring him breakfast when he has to come out to put a shoe back on. I started this after the 3rd time he came out in less than 2 weeks. He is an awesome farrier and doesn't charge me no matter how many times he has to come out, so I figure he deserves it.

[Lady Counselor]

No, I don't tip him.
I do, however, pay him cash on the barrelhead whenever he comes out. No charging, no nickel and dime trying to get something for nothing out of him. The horses are all handled and trained to not give him crap. The work space is clean, matted, well lighted and out of the elements. I buy him coffee, or offer cold drinks in hot weather. I am there and waiting for him. And I give him a gift at Christmas.
He's a great guy. I am really lucky to have him and have had him for over 10 years now.

[KitKat987]

Thanks for all the opinions. I do want to keep my farrier happy, as he comes out for my two boys only and is nice and reliable and really good with my youngsters. I don't tip every time, but when he comes out on short notice or does something 'extra' I do like to throw something extra in myself. I also give him something at Christmas.

I didn't want to end up being the only client not tipping him every time though so I thought I'd ask just to be safe!

[Cataluna]

Always. She charges a little less than $35 for trimming my two horses, and I always give her $40. It's not a lot, but it adds up.

I know I'm a valued customer in a very competitive market. There are more horses to trim in a day then there are farriers, and I know for a fact that farriers here drop the customers they're impartial to. I have a really great relationship with one of the best farriers in my area, and I will continue to secure my position with her in every way I can (even if I don't have to!). :)

[Gray Horse H/J]

Like others have said, I've never tipped my farrier. He sets his own prices - if he feels he's not charging enough he can raise his rates. Though I really hope he doesn't!

[BellaLuna]

I don't tip, but I will throw a little extra in if he makes a special trip to put a shoe back on. I will also bring out coffee in the chilly mornings, cold lemonade or ice tea in the heat. I also remember him at Christmas with a gift certificate to his favorite Christian Bookstore.

[LLDM]

Never - he might die of shock!

I do provide him with fresh coffee (or Gatorade when it's really hot) every single time. He has a very comfortable place to work with a dedicated fan in the summer, fairly warm, out of the weather and drafts spot in the winter, that is flat with good light - and he can pull his truck right up to it.

There is always a very competent handler to fetch horses, hold them if required and put them away when done.

I share whatever munchies are in the barn.

I never recommend him to someone who has not been screened - so no deadbeats, crazies or "why can't you trim my horse on the side of the highway at night in the driving rain" types.

We always manage to get him something personal and relevant to his interests for Christmas every year. And I pay him by check at the time of service - always.

I'll have to ask him if he would like to trade any of that in for tips next time he comes out. I'll let you know what he says. :winkgrin:

PS - He's been my farrier for almost 15 years now.

SCFarm

[Nanerpus]

Yes. I always tip at least 10 bucks, and give a christmas present (gift card of $50 or so). My farrier is awesome and works his butt off and I've been friends with him for a long time.

[pony89]

I almost always try to. He charges 30 dollars for a trim, which I think is a steal. My horse was a former delinquent, with the occasional flashback, and he is above and beyond patient with her, and has helped me learn how to get her to act her best. He is the one that referred me to the best trainer ever! If she gets off cycle from the rest of the horses, he will make a special trip out to take care of her, for one measly little trim. When we discovered a past mild founder (not acute), he made a special emergency trip the next afternoon (just for her), studied the x-rays for me, trimmed them to minimize any continuing damage, taught me how to care for them between visits, and talked me down off of my ledge;):lol:. After all that, he still only wanted to charge me 30 dollars. I paid him 60 that time:lol:

Usually, I round up to 35, and if he made a special trip just for her, I try to make it more like 40. Gas is so expensive, and I know that many farriers don't like to make special trips for single trims, but he has always encouraged me to call and have him out if she needs anything. I want him to know that I appreciate it.

[katarine]

no, he's a gem, and I pay same day and always have beverages ready and horses, too.

My SO is an electrical contractor. Ain't nobody tippin' him, so I'm not about to turn around and tip a horsehoof contractor :)

But I will get him a nice Christmas goody this year. Because he's also a good friend.

[DancingAppy]

I tip for these situations:

It's a new farrier, he did a good job and I like him. (ie, please come back)

If he's done an particularly excellent job.

If my horse was particularly naughty.

If he's come out for an emergency.

I tip around $5-$10 for a $40 trim.

Otherwise, I pay a his set fee. My farrier has my mare on a different schedule than other horses so he's only coming out for her.

[Yip]

I never tip the farrier - or the vet, or the chiro, etc. They own their own businesses and set their prices.

If one comes out close to Christmas, I give a tip or buy a gift, like a giant bag of Apple Wafers, etc.

[Iwantapony]

I have to pay my farrier partly in cash so my DH won't know how much it really costs. It's so expensive I can't even round it up... $250 for 4 plain shoes. Add the pads & such & it's generally $330 or so every 6 -7 weeks. Ouch. So, no tipping, but I'm a great client & always pay in full at the time of service so he doesn't have to bill me. (No paper trail for my husband to discover!)

[equineartworks]

I sometimes tip, especially if there is an "issue" like Katie's first visit with him or like when the horses came back to our care tender from bad trims. But I also give him little things here and there because he is so awesome. Mostly homemade wine, things like that. But he travels a ways to get to us and is truly a gift to us for the care that he gives...simply above and beyond most farriers. He's worth a gift or tip here and there :D

[trubandloki]

Nope. It is his business he sets the price I pay the price. In cash. I provide cold/hot drinks and snacks and give him something every year at Christmas. No tips though.

[Bogie]

Wow - my farrier is $160 for four plain shoes ($180 including front pads). I know she's not the most expensive farrier around (I know some people who pay about $200) but remind me not to move to California. I thought Boston was expensive!

I have to pay my farrier partly in cash so my DH won't know how much it really costs. It's so expensive I can't even round it up... $250 for 4 plain shoes. Add the pads & such & it's generally $330 or so every 6 -7 weeks. Ouch. So, no tipping, but I'm a great client & always pay in full at the time of service so he doesn't have to bill me. (No paper trail for my husband to discover!)

[ExJumper]

I have to pay my farrier partly in cash so my DH won't know how much it really costs. It's so expensive I can't even round it up... $250 for 4 plain shoes. Add the pads & such & it's generally $330 or so every 6 -7 weeks. Ouch. So, no tipping, but I'm a great client & always pay in full at the time of service so he doesn't have to bill me. (No paper trail for my husband to discover!)

I'm so happy that I'm not the only one who does things like this.

Do you have things shipped to your office so that he doesn't know you're ordering them, too?

:)

[equineartworks]

I sneak too...

Another reason why I dread my husband being home for the winter. All those smartpak boxes and "extras" that I sneak in under the radar now have to be delivered elsewhere for the winter and I don't get that "Yippee!!!! There is a box on the porch!" goodness I get all spring, summer and fall. :(

[LuvMyTB]

Yep--every single time. He charges $65 for a trim & front shoes and I always tip $10.

He travels outside his usual "zone" for just my one horse, does a phenomenal job, dealt with my mare who always leaned on him, hasn't raised my rates in almost 4 years, and always hangs out to shoot the $hit afterwards. He is awesome and I consider him a friend.

He is going to be invited to my wedding next year! :lol:

[ExJumper]

He is going to be invited to my wedding next year! :lol:

My farrier came to my wedding, too!

[Mosey_2003]

I'm so happy that I'm not the only one who does things like this.

Do you have things shipped to your office so that he doesn't know you're ordering them, too?

I do this too! :lol: Except for me it's not a husband yet, but mother... I figure it's good practice for when I get married, right?

I've never tipped my farriers (have only had two), but they are very close to where I live/where I've kept my horse. I DO try to be a good customer though and schedule on days where I'm not the only one needing done and have my horse ready to go before he arrives.

[goldponies]

I missed the poll but wanted to say that I have a great farrier and I don't tip but once a month (he comes every week to my barn) or so I give him gift cards for gas or restaurant. Sometimes just a card on his truck seat telling him he's a gem.

[KnKShowmom]

Have never "tipped" our farrier, but

Always have a fan and cold water in the summer and offer a hot drink in the winter - brought him some food once when his buddy ate all of his!

Always there to hold the horses and make sure they behave -

Always give him clean horses to work on -

Thought about him when we put rubber mats in the aisleway -

And always give him a good referral!

[AnotherRound]

No. I pay him.

[msj]

While I indicated in the poll that I never tip, I do give him a gift certificate to Land's End every year for Christmas. Last year I increased it from $50 to $65 because for the last 3 yrs he's raised a lot of other people's trim costs but has left mine the same. And, besides that, he's really eye candy too! :D

[wiscgirl]

I tip at the holiday as I appreciate he drives to my house for two horses only.

[pds]

I tip my farrier each and every time. He is prompt, does great work, will bring in the horses and start on the easy trims if I'm late getting to the barn from work. He never complains and is quick to respond to a thrown shoe, etc.

[Kaoh14]

And, besides that, he's really eye candy too! :D

I used to live in Rochester, and I do believe I know who you are talking about :D

[Noctis]

Not in cash, but I do feed him, bake him cookies, and have clean, dry feet for him!

[War Admiral]

I most definitely tipped HRH Avery's old farrier every time. He was the busiest & best guy around and would go WAY out of his way to come and take care of my one oldster with feet issues - he would come out on, like, Sundays and Thanksgiving and holidays. Sadly he doesn't travel to where Q lives now. But I'm used to paying Big H/J Barn prices and he only ever charged me $40 no matter when he came, and I felt so guilty I would always tack on $10 - b/c realistically $40 barely paid for his gas to drive out here from town.

[BeastieSlave]

I don't tip my farrier, but I do give Christmas gifts and share farm bounty (peaches, squash, pecans, etc.).

[paintlady]

Not usually - only give him a Christmas "tip."

[theoldgreymare]

I usually only give my farrier a tip at Christmas. Nothing says "I appreciate you" more than a nice bit of cash to a young married guy with a new baby and new mortgage payments! I also tip when he makes an unscheduled call to tack a shoe back on or the like. While I tip for the whole barn, I also encourage my clients to send him a little "thank you" during the holidays.

[scpezold]

I always tip my farrier, my vet, my dentist. It is hard to find a good farrier in my area. I have three guys at home and one tends to be a bit difficult (that is putting it nicely). We started sedating him about a year ago and it has been no problem for the farrier.

My farrier has another job and recently decided he did not want to shoe horses full time. He kept me and two others as regular clients. I have drinks on hand for him throughout the year and he will come out no questions asked if I have an issue.

All the people who service my horses are very important to me and I show that by giving them a little extra:yes:

[LEL]

I tip at least $5 every time. Mostly because she tolerates a lot of nonsense from Gus.

[barrelchick00]

I always tip $5 or more if I have the money. He's a good farrier that comes to do only my horse and he has taught me so much over the last two years. I think he deserves the extra even if it isn't much.

[avezan]

I voted never, but there were 2 times when I tipped my farrier. One time was when he trimmed my EPM ravaged mare. I knew that if we couldn't get her trimmed, it was the end of the line. We leaned her up against a wall and he had to squeeze between the wall and the horse to get the feet on that side. The wall helped, but the farrier was still carrying much of her weight as he trimmed. We got her trimmed that day and I finally had hope that the mare might beat this! She did recover from that episode. I paid my farrier double that day, although it probably should have been more. The other time I tipped him was when we had to work on a foal with crooked legs. We waited on the vet for sedation (and waited, and waited) then waited while the vet took x-rays. Then he spent several hours working on the foal. When he handed me the bill, it was ridiculously low. I gave him a big tip that day too. I also try to get him a nice Christmas gift each year. My farrier is phenomenal.