Skybreaker THF June jumper show 2014
I cannot tell you how many times I have witnessed this sort of client versus veterinarian scenario. A vet examines a horse and the owner seems positively sure that her vet must be incorrect in his diagnosis, advice, or his response. Obviously the individual who did not spend grueling hours studying for years on end must have the correct answer, and the pathetic vet who spends his or her day researching and learning must be incorrect. Yes, I believe this must be reality…not!
Not to mention, I think there’s a specific reason why many vets and farriers seem slightly despondent at the end of the day, or week, or month; either because they had to suffer through hours of agonizing dialogue with their rude clients, perhaps they never got paid, perhaps they were kicked, or perhaps they showed up at the barn with no client or horse in sight.
Whatever the reason, these vets do not have an easy job in my opinion. Here are some ways we can keep our veterinarians happy!
Be mindful and respectful: Even though most horse people think they know it all, or claim they have all the answers and solutions, guess what? We don’t have all the answers, so get over yourself and your ego!
When we hire a professional, we are placing our trust in that individual to accomplish a certain task. We are seeking help and therefore must be mindful and respectful when it comes to dealing with our vets.
Pay your vet in a timely fashion. Even though this should go without saying, most, if not all vets would like to be paid upon receipt. Correction, all vets would like to be paid. There are no special or extenuating circumstances that would permit anyone to not pay their vet. If you would like your vet to return for any future visits, paying him or her would be in your best interest.
Be at the barn and on time! Okay, perhaps not all vets have shown up at your barn when they said they would. Perhaps they are ritually thirty minutes late. Just wait it out! It’s far worse for you to not show up and have your horse ready and waiting, then it is for your vet to be late.
Often, your vet might be traveling from some other farm where his last horse possibly needed more attention than he anticipated. It’s like going to the doctor’s office, and waiting for your doctor to finally walk into the room.
Lastly, have your horse clean and ready. If your vet is to examine your horse, perhaps you ought to have your horse inside the barn, waiting in a stall, clean and dry. I’m sure vets do not appreciate working on, or dealing with a horse covered in mud from head to toe. Have you horse clean and ready for your vet.
So, what would you like to add to the list?
