There are times I feel like I am so far in the weeds, I can't find time to come up for air! Summer is always a time when I feel like I'm just rushing from one trim cycle to the next and before I know it, it's time to go see horses that I feel like I JUST trimmed again. And I'm always amazed at how much they grow in 5 short weeks!
I have been making some changes to the way I run my business in order to keep me safe, healthy and enjoying my job. This year I made a really simple change that made a world of difference - I simply made sure that when I sent my reminder email that I send every week to all my clients for the week with the schedule to ask them to make sure to have FLY SPRAY and/or a FAN on hand to keep me safe while working on their horses. I do keep some with me but as all horse owners know, it's not cheap and for 10-12 horses a day, that would add up.
Not only is it expensive for me, it could potentially cause me to be injured. I feel more at risk for injury by a horse that is being pestered by flies and other biting insects than I do trimming in inclement weather. Neither is ideal, but I'd take trimming in a snow storm over trying to trim a horse who is stomping and even worse KICKING at flies any day.
I have been amazed at the compliance I've seen. There are always a few who forget or just don't have any but for the most part, people will end up having both just because I asked! I imagine people just assume we're used to dealing with it and as soon as they hear it's threatening my safety, they hop to it. There is no gesture sweeter than a fan for your farrier/trimmer on a hot day. I certainly don't expect it but man is it nice when it's there :)
Nothing earth shattering today, just a simple reminder that our job is tough and summer months can really take a toll on us. Be kind to your hoof care provider and they will be able to keep taking care of your horse!
I have been making some changes to the way I run my business in order to keep me safe, healthy and enjoying my job. This year I made a really simple change that made a world of difference - I simply made sure that when I sent my reminder email that I send every week to all my clients for the week with the schedule to ask them to make sure to have FLY SPRAY and/or a FAN on hand to keep me safe while working on their horses. I do keep some with me but as all horse owners know, it's not cheap and for 10-12 horses a day, that would add up.
Not only is it expensive for me, it could potentially cause me to be injured. I feel more at risk for injury by a horse that is being pestered by flies and other biting insects than I do trimming in inclement weather. Neither is ideal, but I'd take trimming in a snow storm over trying to trim a horse who is stomping and even worse KICKING at flies any day.
I have been amazed at the compliance I've seen. There are always a few who forget or just don't have any but for the most part, people will end up having both just because I asked! I imagine people just assume we're used to dealing with it and as soon as they hear it's threatening my safety, they hop to it. There is no gesture sweeter than a fan for your farrier/trimmer on a hot day. I certainly don't expect it but man is it nice when it's there :)
Nothing earth shattering today, just a simple reminder that our job is tough and summer months can really take a toll on us. Be kind to your hoof care provider and they will be able to keep taking care of your horse!
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