Ridgeland, Wis., farrier Justin Mundt also has scripts that he delivers to clients whom he must fire for one reason or another.

“I went to Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School back in the day,” he says, “and Bob Smith gave us some scripts to follow to help us break the news.”

Smith is adamant that farriers should fire clients in person and with cause.

“In this industry, we gain a reputation for not showing up and not answering our phones,” says the Hall Of Fame farrier. “I think that’s the way many farriers fire their clients. They want to avoid conflict, so they just ignore them, but that gives all farriers a horrible reputation. It’s a disservice to all farriers because clients will begin thinking there is something wrong with farriers and not with their horses or their pay.  Fire clients for cause, professionally and proactively. Never fire a client in anger.”

Here are some scenarios that Mundt has faced and how he fired the clients.

Ill-mannered horse. “Your horse is not well mannered, so I am unable to shoe him to my standards. I recommend that you train it to stand quietly for the farrier. Thank you for the opportunity to work for you. Please feel free to call me once the horse is properly trained.”

Poor pay. “My books are set up so that I require payment when the job is complete. I do not have a billing service. I am sorry that I can no longer service your…