max415•1mo ago

Can we talk about the client who wanted a 'quick trim' on a foundered horse

I was at a barn in Springfield last fall, and the owner pointed to a pony with a severe club foot and said, 'He's just a little off, can you just rasp it down a bit?' I explained the situation needed a vet and a full rehab plan, not just a trim. How do you even start that conversation without sounding like you're just trying to upsell?

3 comments

3 Comments

martin.felix1mo ago

Just a little off" sounds like you're downplaying a real problem that needs a vet.

seth68326d ago

Man, I had a buddy who learned this one the hard way. He had this older horse, started acting a little off, just like you said. He kept saying "eh, it's probably just stiff from the cold weather" and let it slide for like a week. Turned out the horse had a bad abscess that was really deep in the hoof, and by the time my friend finally called the vet, it was a much bigger deal than it needed to be. Cost him double in treatment and the horse was miserable for way longer than it had to be. So yeah, "just a little off" can be a real dangerous way to think, even if it feels awkward to say it out loud.

masonm701mo ago

You know, I used to worry about sounding like I was just pushing for more work. But how do you get past that fear when the animal is clearly in trouble? I mean, seeing a horse that bad off made me realize it's not about upselling, it's about being the one person who says this isn't okay. That conversation has to start with just stating what you see, even if it's awkward.