Farrier search

Kathy · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:51 pm Post subject: Farrier search

I have searched the internet, put messages on my sister-in-laws board at work, talked, called, cried......and now, I am about to go nuts trying to find a farrier here in south central Iowa. Confused

I am located about 45 minutes south of Des Moines, anyone out there that knows the area, please tell me who you use for a farrier and is taking on new clients. PLEASE!!!

Mine moved.......... Crying or Very sad

Thanks.

Kathy
_________________
Horses = Sanity...ok ok, sometimes insanity, but for the most part....semi-sanity.

bullsie · Active Member Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 200

check out all stables, racetracks, etc. in your area. if this doesn't produce results, then pick up some breed magazines. check out the breeders in your state and give each a call.

hope you find someone.

Rebecca B · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:

Kathy, did you try asking the good horse vet(s) in
your area? And isn't there a vet school in Iowa?
Or a big ag school? Their large animal clinic would
probably know. The AFA has a Find A Farrier link
on their site http://www.americanfarriers.org/
Good luck with it.

Kathy · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:02 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the tips.

I guess it is kind of a price we pay to be out in the middle of no where. The closest college/vet school would be over 2 hours away, and the best one is even farther.

We had a great farrier who came to our place, did his job, got paid and I couldn't have been happier.., then he moved....I just didn't want to have to load them up to haul them someplace for trims if I didn't have too.

I have tried the searches on the interent, farrier association searches and found one person about 30 miles away, quite a few around, but not close. I have not heard back from them yet on if they will come this far or take on new clients. We have some great names that are recommended around here, but they are full and looking to lighten their list, not add to it.

If we were a little closer to Des Moines, I think farriers would come out this way, but we are just over that "line" of how far they want to drive, and we understand that time is money, and for a farrier, they could be making money instead of driving to my place.

We are going to put an ad in the local farming paper, that should find anyone that is looking for work.......here's hoping!
_________________
Horses = Sanity...ok ok, sometimes insanity, but for the most part....semi-sanity.

Green Hills · Member Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 83 Location: New York

Shannon · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 5:25 pm Post subject:

We run into the same thing here, only it is not distance, just too many horses in the area. I have deceided to go take my farrier course this September so hopefully I can take some load off the otheres and also save myself some money by doing all my own myself.

Kathy · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:05 pm Post subject:

I thought about seeing if my husband would go take the classes and get certified, but between working full time, farm upkeep..full time plus, and the family...well you know how that goes...more than full time, he wouldn't have time. I think we did find a good farrier to start with soon. I am waiting to hear back on a schedule. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Our mare that just foaled really needs hers done now. Within the last two weeks, I think I could actually see them grow Shocked

I am sure it is the extra grain we are giving her and limited moving space.

Thanks and good luck on your training!!

Kathy Very Happy

_________________
Horses = Sanity...ok ok, sometimes insanity, but for the most part....semi-sanity.

Hiddenview · Member Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 98

Hi Kathy,

I know what you're going through. I had a great farrier then he hurt his back and the next time I called to see if he'd come, his phone had been disconnected and I never heard another word from him. Did everything I could think of to find a new farrier, but like you, I was outside the "line" and couldn't get anyone. Ended up having a friend do a so-so job on them just to keep them from getting horribly long before I could find someone. Low and behold, that friend happened to be at a street dance and saw a guy wearing a jacket that said Farrier service on it. He talked to the guy and got his name and number and I've had him ever since. Anyway.... some friends of mine just got a new farrier. She (yes SHE) lives in Belmond but will travel (not sure exactly how far) and charges $10 if 30 miles outside Belmond. I don't think she's overly worked, and comes on YOUR schedule, not hers. I can get her name and number if you'd like and see if she'd drive that far....