Breaking Up is Hard to Do
By Carole Herder
Changing Farriers is often difficult. Many of us hesitate for various reasons. Wondering if someone else would be any different; not wanting to hurt feelings; concerned about doing the wrong thing – we delay the inevitable.
One of the great parts of my job is that I get to hear some pretty interesting stories. I hear amazing accounts of horses’ transitions from shod to barefoot. I see photos of before and after. I hear the love and dedication in the voices and written words of the endless tales of rehabilitation. They tell me that their friends and family were against their choices to take their horse barefoot. They tell me they were often confused and had nowhere to turn. But over and over, they tell me that even with some struggle; they wouldn’t have it any other way. Barefoot is best.
A kind of funny thing keeps popping up. It is a question that so many struggle with. Any ideas what it could be?
Ok here is it: “How do I break up with my farrier?” They elaborate with variations like, “He’s been with me for 20 years…. He’s a family friend and means well, but he just won’t agree with the choice I’d like to make for my horse…. He tells me he knows what he’s doing and this barefoot thing is just a fad…. Horses have been shod for 1500 years! That’s the way we do things” Even though it was over 10 years ago, I still find my own story funny. After trying to have a barefoot discussion with Don, my then farrier, he said “You just get your little Tush in the saddle and ride. Leave the shoeing to me. You wouldn’t understand anyway. It’s a man’s job” Imagine!! It was almost laughable. Breaking up with him was, needless to say, easy.
There are so many farriers who understand the benefits of barefoot and will support you with your choice, but if you have to move on in order to really get what you want for your horse, there really is no option. You must do it.
And it can be very hard, we know. They don’t all make it easy like Don did. It’s like breaking up with your hairdresser, music, riding or yoga teacher…. or even your husband! I always suggest you call him up and kindly and simply say, as a matter of fact, “Thank you for all you have done. It has been much appreciated and now your services are no longer needed.” Too hard? Well if you just can’t do it, leave a message when you know he’s not home or just send him a text. Some say a text breakup is a chicken’s way out, but it’s the way we now communicate. You receive baby photos, good news, make dates, etc. all on text, so what’s wrong with a break up? Either way, just do it.
Surround yourself with people who are like minded and care for your horse the way you do. Take control, insist on getting what you want, take your power and never look back.