Choosing to fire a client can be a difficult decision. On top of losing business, farriers risk damaging relationships with surrounding clients. American Farriers Journal recently asked farriers why and how they go about firing clients. The most common reasons for taking that leap include unsafe working conditions and negative owner relationships. 

Behavioral issues and improperly trained horses can put farriers in danger quickly and unexpectedly. Many poll respondents saw the warning signs, had a close call or had already been injured before letting a client go. 

Illinois farrier Jennifer Rosenthal takes a slightly different approach, opting to work with the owner before firing them, granted they respond appropriately. 

“Let’s face it, we work with horses’ hooves,” she says. “We get kicked throughout our career. It’s how the owner reacts and responds that determines if I will continue to put myself in danger. If the owner acknowledges the horse has a problem and is more concerned with my safety, I will continue to try to work with the horse. When the owner shows no concern that I just got injured, I immediately stop, pack up and inform them I am done and am never returning. I usually find out who the next farrier is, and I strongly warn them as well.” 

Several farriers stated they felt they were misinformed or misled about the horse’s behavior before shoeing. Illinois farrier Dusty Kreider urged his former client to be honest with the next farrier for everyone’s safety. Many respondents who worked with…