Farrier recommendations, etc.
We've used Ben Schumacher twice; we only have trims done. He's very young (don't know--20 or so?), but a polite, nice guy, and he shows up on time and brings his appointment book, and he will call you back, or email you back. His family owns a stable near St. Mary's Lake - he's used to horses, it's been his life, I guess, so I think he's pretty knowledgable. I mention the "shows up on time" because I had a really bad experience with a young guy who started, then quit, soon after...can't recall his name, but someone else probably does. I'd leave work, be out in the yard waiting for an hour, go back in the house, THEN he'd call and say he couldn't make it for some reason. And blew off my phone calls ALL the time, etc. etc. Anyhow. Ben was trained at whatever class they have so I give him some points for not just assuming he could pick up the trade w/o any professional training. I'd go with someone more experienced if you have a special needs, but then again - he's got the time, he wants to learn, I bet he'd be up to the challenge. Anyone else used him before? He charges $30 per trim - that's up there. We used Dave Stauffer for a long time. Wasn't dissatisfied but it could be frustrating because he had no phone, we'd have to pick up, drive back, etc. but got used to that and he was cheaper for trims - $20, I think? But paying the $30 is worth it simply for saving time.