Thank you for taking the time to read this letter!
I've written this letter to help communicate expectations -- both what you can expect of me as a professional farrier, and some tips that can help our appointments be safe, efficient, and productive.
Farrier expectations:
- On time and ready to work
- Communication
- Dedication to continued education
- Dedication to high quality work
- Clean, professional appearance
- Accurate and timely scheduling
- Well stocked inventory
- Respect for your property and time
Client expectations:
- Safe, well mannered horse
- Clean, dry, horse
- Safe, clutter-free work area
- Flat, level work area
- Shelter from rain or sun
- Communication about change in work load or lameness
- Lunged or worked before hand ("pre-flight check" just as if you were riding)
- Pain meds on board ... if needed
- Their favorite buddy ...if needed
- Please feed your horses well before our appointment time.
Customer service is important to me. I keep my schedule at about 80 percent capacity so that I can maintain high quality service to my clients; for example: lost shoes, coordinating with your vet., sudden lameness, ect.
I'm very commited to continued education and hold myself to the high standard my clients expect from a professional farrier.
Communication is paramount. You can expect me to take the time needed to communicate about your horse's feet. I welcome questions, feedback, and concerns. You, as the horse owner, know your horse best. Your feedback is valuable to me! If you ever have a concern, please let me know, so we can work on a solution.
Punctuality is important to me. I will always be on time for the first appointment of the day. If I am ahead of schedule or running late I will text you with an ETA.
Scheduling ahead of time. Always feel free to schedule as far in advance as you would like. We can schedule multiple appointments in advance to get you the days you want.
Being prepared for appointments. I will always arrive ready to work, patient, and adaptable. Unfortunetly, horses don't always do the same. Please have your horse ready, fed, and clean. If needed; please have them exercised, stretched, or have pain meds on board if there are pain issues. If they need their best friend with them, please have them tied near by.
A confident handler is someone who knows the horse, understands dangerous behaviour, and knows how to correct dangerous or difficult behaviour. I'm more than happy to work with new horse owners, fearful horses, and especially senior horses. If possible, let me know ahead of time of any special requirements so that I can schedule enough time to accomodate.
Work environment. A clean, flat, level, and safe work area is critical. Horses don't always want to stand on sharp gravel. Stray tools, wheelbarrows, ect. create hazards. Loose hay is a fire hazard. If the ground is not level or flat, a balanced hoof is more difficult to achieve.
If we ever have to stop work because of a horse's behavior, it doesn't mean that I'm not willing to come back to work on the horse. We can discuss how to train the horse or make it a better situation.
If we have to stop work in the middle of a trim, the cost will be the price of a trim. If I start shaping front shoes, but am forced to stop; the cost will be for a half set of shoes. If I start shaping the 2nd set of shoes and have to stop; the cost will be for a full set of shoes.
I don't expect perfection and the world is not perfect. But if there is anything that can be done to make our appointments go more smoothly; this is a benefit for everyone.
2024 prices:
$65 Trim
$130 Half set
$195 Full set
$55 pads
$75 bar shoes
$130 draft trim
Any other services, please expect rates to be based on $130 per hour. (This can include training, therapeutic or remedial shoeing, overgrown hooves, ect.)
Payment is due at time of service.
Most forms of payment are acceptable.
I accept Venmo @areanellis
If all the above info sounds good to you and falls in line with what you're looking for in a farrier, I'd be happy to chat with you about your horses!
Thank you!
-Arean Ellis
530.354.3122
areanellis@gmail.com
(Veneta, Oregon)