Bryan-Swift-left-and-Logan-Lovett-right.jpg

The new farrier, such as Bryan Swift, left, and mentor, such as Logan Lovett, right, must receive a return on their investments. The apprentice or associate must gain knowledge while gaining practical experience. The mentor receives work and assistance in return.

Successful Hoof-Care Work Relationships Rely on Establishing Mutual Expectations

Clearly defined written agreement provides farrier mentors and mentees with a map for success

Farrier Takeaways

  • Clearly defined mutual expectations ensure both people are on the same page and working toward mutual goals.
  • Mutual expectations allow both people a chance to be heard and understood.
  • Signing and keeping your mutual expectations in the truck enables accountability of both parties.

Expectations are part of life and are inescapable. We have expectations for ourselves, as well as for those we share personal and working relationships

When was the last time you sat down and talked about mutual expectations with a personal or working relationship? These conversations do not happen often enough. Most relationship behavioral patterns avoid talking about what could be potentially awkward and difficult. However, avoiding these conversations could be detrimental to those relationships and stunt personal and professional growth opportunities.

Adam Wynbrandt has been in the farrier industry for 30 years — first as a farrier and now as owner of The Horseshoe Barn. His customers have become like family. As with most families, they have deep discussions on how to solve world problems and issues within the farrier industry. Over the past few years, Wynbrandt has heard several established farriers and their apprentices/associates complain about how their situations are not working out. The common root problem in their stories was a lack of clearly laid out expectations from both parties. What used to be the simple but clear expectation from employers of, “show up to work and work hard,” seems to be over, as a solid work ethic is in short supply in…

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Adamwynbrandt

Adam Wynbrandt

Adam Wynbrandt, APF-I, is the owner of The Horseshoe Barn in Sacramento, Calif., and past president of the International Association of Profes­sion­al Farriers.
Tiffany gardner

Tiffany Gardner CJF, APF-I

Tiffany Gardner, CJF, APF operates Gardners Equine farrier service in Arlington, Texas. She’s a graduate of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif.

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