When you have a good client, you look forward to getting to that barn. They respect your investment in developing skill and knowledge, appreciate your work with their horses and — although it isn’t about the money — they pay on time, without commentary on the price.

No one looks forward to making the stop at a bad client. They aren’t a good match for many reasons. Regardless of whether you walk away or they tell you to stop coming to the barn, you’ve wasted time and effort without developing a mutually beneficial relationship. In hindsight, it might have been best to avoid working for them altogether.

Coshocton, Ohio, and Wellington, Fla., shoer Dave Farley has a process for taking on the clients that helps him avoid those who won’t make the cut and groom those who he will take on.

A Proven Process

This process evolved from lessons the past president of the American Association of Professional Farriers learned from his mentor, Ohio farrier Frank McGinnis. When a client contacts the practice, a team member will speak with the client and have a brief conversation regarding their needs.

“We’ve established a good business,” he says. “When someone calls, we let them know that we are very happy with our current clients, but we have a limited capability to take on a few horses.”