Backyard horses are a part of most farrier practices. Sometimes there is a need to part ways with these clients, either through unacceptable conditions or a desire to improve the bottom line.

It doesn’t matter what level or discipline of horses you work with, sooner or later you are going to part ways with some clients. It works both ways — sometimes you are the one being fired, other times you are letting the client go.

When you end the business relationship with the client, the reasons behind the departure may have differing circumstances. Do these differ with backyard clients, and how do you properly manage firing a client?

The Cost Of Business

You can summarize why a farrier would move on from any client with this statement: The cost of doing business with that client exceeds the benefits gained. This generalization holds true in almost any case in which a farrier fires a client. The cost of business goes beyond money and time investments. It can cover issues like poor personalities and unsafe environments.

For example, what if the horse is dangerous or the working conditions aren’t safe? If the client is unwilling to do anything about either issue, you may choose to not work with that client in the future. You are saying that the danger — or cost — is more than what you earn from working with that horse and client. The potential for lost income or career far outweighs what your gross income is from…