Every farrier’s dream client is likely a lot like eventing competitor Savannah “Woodge” Fulton. As the daughter of farrier Steven Fulton, the 23-year-old rider experienced firsthand the relationship between farriers and clients when she was growing up. On more than one occasion, she witnessed a family meal being interrupted or a holiday celebration being put on hold for an emergency.

“Because of that,” she says, “I have the mindset that farriers are good at what they do and I let them do their job.”

She knows the difference between a good foot and a bad one, and how to distinguish between a well-done or poorly done job. And she has high expectations. But when it comes to her horses, she leaves the job to the experts.

If only all clients were as hands-off as Fulton. There are some days you have to be a mind reader to know what your client is thinking, a teacher to explain why a specific approach will or will not work and often a servant who is willing to rush out for an emergency. Farrier work in itself is challenging — from correcting foot pathology to convincing…