World's Greatest Farrier Strikes Again!

Thursday was farrier day.  I sort of introduced you to my farrier last month.  If you missed it, you can check that post out here.  
You may have noticed that I try not to use first names in this blog.  I know it might seem silly to refer to my pals as Cha Ching's Mom, Coach, or Baskin's Mom, but I don't know who reads this blog and I am sort of trying to protect the innocent.

I am mentioning this because Dealer's Mom took me to task for not SHRIEKING "our" farrier's name out to the world.  She loves his work so much that she wants the world to know who he is so that he can get the credit that he so rightfully deserves. And while I also think he is the World's Best Farrier, I was worried about protecting his privacy.  I have since discovered that in this case at least, it is not a concern.  And so ... today Mr. Jaime Osbrink, certified farrier, gets his first and last name mentioned in the blog.

When I say certified, I mean C-E-R-T-I-F-I-E-D.  He is very well credentialed and has the diplomas to back it up.  Just look at Speedy's feet.  That is an AWESOME shoe job!  Jaime is exceptionally skilled and takes great pride in a very clean and finished job.  I know the wet surface gives this photo a "shimmer," but when I saw Speedy's feet during his afternoon turnout, they really sparkled!

Here are a few things that Farrier Osbrink would no doubt like you to know:
1. Call more than four times a year.  Quarterly shoeing is not good horse care.  Just 'cause the shoes are still on doesn't mean they should be.  Horses need their feet looked after every 5 - 8 weeks, depending on the rate of growth of your particular horse's hooves and how he wears them.  Speedy's feet get done every 5 - 6 weeks.

2. Don't grab a farrier as he is finishing up with one client and expect him to "squeeze you in."  Call ahead and make an appointment.  These guys work hard and many keep a pretty tight schedule.  Jaime books Speedy's next appointment (May 9th) before he even leaves.

3. Pay your farrier on time.  Don't write him/her a bad check!  Again, they work hard and deserve to be compensated.  I mailed Jaime's check this morning, before he even arrived at the barn.

4. Be on time, or make sure the horse is available to be shod without you there.  I've seen Chad Turrentine sitting around doing nothing as he waits for a client who is late.  It's rude and a good way to get your farrier to quit.  Speedy's halter hangs on a hook outside his stall and Jaime shoes without me being there during the school year.  It's a loooooong story, but I prefer to let Jaime work without my stressed-out presence interfering with his mellow vibe!

and finally ...

5. Treat your farrier with courtesy and respect.  If you "know" more than he does about what he's trained and studied for and probably been doing for a number of years, you should just do the job yourself, or get a new farrier!

And hey, did I mention that he is also my Coach and Taz's Mom's farrier?  World's Best Farrier strikes again!

---