I get myself in the truck and get back to the horse to see if I did something to it or if it is rider error. If it is rider error, I charge for the trip back to the farm.
—Bill Schmidt

I had this very thing happen to me years ago. The day after the horse was shod, it came in three—legged lame. I kept my cool on the phone and made a trip to the farm asap. Upon examination, I found a fencing staple stuck in the frog. No one had bothered to examine the foot, they just assumed the farrier had lamed the horse since it was shod the day before. My advice is to remain calm and polite. Make the trip to the farm and examine the horse. If you feel you may have trimmed too short or might have a close nail....own up to it and do what you can to make the situation right. If after a careful examination of the shoeing, nothing is found in the shoeing job that can be related to the lameness, then suggest that a veterinarian be called for further examination. Never lose your cool. Always remain objective and honest.
—Mark

I go to see why he is sore. If he is sore because of to short. I put on shoes & pads with no charge.
—John J. Borucki

I'd respond with what I did to the horse (trimmed/shod it for correctness and balance of that particular hoof and horse) and then I'd probe the client with some questions such as, did you take him on a long ride on new or rough terrain, has the horse been worked in any way out of it's normal routine, and whatever else I could think of at the time, and then I'd go take a look. Unfortunately for us, we're usually the first to catch blame for anything and everything that'll go wrong with a horse...gotta love it!
—Jdmcla

No Charge, your trip is worth YOUR REP... Find why/? aaaaa, find out as much as you can.. the (what.. where)... was the foot work the problem /? Before ya get there...if it is an RIDER blunder... charge your Min.... trim rate and keep the custermore... I pend on RETURN work, not fly by Nights... They should offer...
—James

I get back ASAP and examine to see if I made a boo boo. I had a case last week. I shod the horse; they rode 2 days at home and went away. While they were gone, the horse went lame. When they returned, I went to see him. The hooves were fine, but when I did a flexion test on the sore leg, he was dead off. I recomended they call the vet, and he pulled a ligaminet in the stifle. We all were happy, and I was golden for finding the issue. Stay cool go look and smile.
—JJ

My first response is to tell the customer I am on the way to look at the problem. It could be a close nail with a delayed reaction but several other problems could cause it too. No charge no matter what the cause.
—Bob Sudderth

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