What a Good Farrier–Client Relationship Looks Like

Good hoof care isn’t just about skill with a rasp or hammer — it’s about communication, trust, and teamwork between horse owners and their farrier. When both sides work together, horses benefit the most.

At Mathews Equine, we believe a strong farrier–client relationship is the foundation for consistent, reliable hoof care. Here’s what makes that partnership successful.

1️⃣ Clear Communication

The best relationships start with open, honest communication. Your farrier should understand your horse’s history, workload, and any behavioral quirks. In turn, you should feel comfortable sharing what you notice between visits — whether it’s a new chip, tenderness, or changes in how your horse moves.

Pro Tip: Keep notes or photos of hoof issues between visits. Small changes can give your farrier valuable insights before the next trim or shoeing.

2️⃣ Consistent Scheduling

Horses thrive on routine, and so does good hoof care. Setting your farrier visits on a regular 6–8 week schedule helps maintain balance and prevents problems from building up.

Last-minute calls often mean waiting longer for availability, and by then, hooves may already be overdue. Consistent scheduling = consistent results.

3️⃣ Preparation Before Each Visit

A clean, safe, and ready environment makes farrier visits smoother for everyone. Ideally, horses are caught, clean, and standing in a well-lit, dry area. It saves time, reduces stress, and allows your farrier to focus entirely on the work.

A few quick tips before your appointment:

• Have horses haltered and ready.

• Sweep or clear the work area of clutter.

• Keep dogs and distractions away during the trim or shoeing.

4️⃣ Respect & Professional Courtesy

Your farrier is a trained professional balancing safety, skill, and your horse’s well-being. A respectful partnership goes a long way. That means honoring appointment times, giving notice if something changes, and trusting your farrier’s judgment on what’s best for your horse’s feet.

Mutual respect = long-term success for both your horses and your farrier relationship.

5️⃣ Shared Goal: The Horse’s Comfort

At the end of the day, both owner and farrier share the same goal — keeping the horse comfortable, balanced, and sound. When everyone is on the same page, it’s easier to catch issues early, maintain healthy growth, and support the horse’s long-term performance.

Why It Matters

A good farrier–client relationship is about more than just shoes and trims. It’s about partnership and consistency. The stronger the relationship, the better the results for your horse’s health.

At Mathews Equine, we take pride in building lasting relationships based on reliability, clear communication, and genuine care. Whether you have one horse or a barn full, you can count on us to treat each hoof — and each client — with professionalism and respect.

📲 Ready to schedule your next visit? Contact us today to join the growing family of horse owners who trust Mathews Equine for dependable, quality hoof care.