The Morning Debate

It was a beautiful fall morning, the kind that makes you grateful for the work you do, even when it's hard. I found myself debating whether to stop for breakfast. Time is often of the essence in this job, but today, I listened to my gut—literally. I stopped at Frisch's Big Boy, and it turns out, the universe had my back. My client texted me; the horses weren't ready. So there I was, savoring my breakfast, unknowingly buying time.

The Smooth Start

The first stop was a dream—great horses, a well-kept stable, and a client who knows the drill. It's days like this that make you think, "I've got the best job in the world."

The No-Show

I texted my next client to let them know I was on my way. Silence. It's unusual for them, but it's not the first time. They have a farm in Kentucky, and I suspect the horses are there, not here. It's a hiccup, but it's part of the job.

The Emotional Toll

The last stop was heavy. I've been working with this client and her horse for years. Seeing them both in bad shape was like a punch to the gut. It's the part of the job nobody talks about—the emotional toll it takes when you're not just losing a client, but a friend.
The Decompression

Now, I'm here at my favorite burrito shop, taking a moment to decompress. It's been a day of highs and lows, but that's the life of a farrier. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.