Conference noted::equitation

   I prefer baking a bunch of goodies and dole them out!

    I usually tip my farrier when she shoes my racehorse because of
    the time involved in her shoeing, bar shoes, pads, side clips and
    square toes behind.  The usual time for shoeing her is at least
    2 hours, since her prices are very reasonable and she does an
    excellent job, it's worth it!  I also thought about getting everyone
    from the barn together to get her a gift certificate to a restaurant
    for Christmas, since she's been really good to us all year.  Other
    than that, I feel the vets make money from farm calls etc. so I 
    think they're well paid.
    
    Linda  

    I always buy my farrier a nice Christmas gift.  I used to tip him, but
    I felt funny if I couldn't be there or someone else held my horse, etc.
    He is exceptionally punctual, he has NEVER not shown up and he is
    always at the barn before I am!  He actually was shoeing another
    clients horse and saw a shoe on my stall door and put it back on before
    I knew it was off!!
    
    I get him a gift certificate to a nice restaurant, another woman at the
    barn gets him gift certificates for a movie and popcorn.
    
    We usually (three of us) pitch in and by our instructor a nice gift.
    
    Karen

    
    I don't tipp my farrier.  I would never even condisder it.  The
    farrier is there to do her/his job.  Like I am here doing my job.
    I don't get tipped for a good presentation or a good travel
    arraingment.
    
    but I do give xmass cards, bday cards and gifts.  I have given gifts
    of a form of thankyou, like when my farrier found the nail in my
    horse hoof that no one knew about..etc...
    
    I live my farrier very  much, and I rather give her something 
    special from me - other then monatary.
    
    I send my vet cards to.
    
    Louisa

    I've generally done the same as Caroline...baked cookies!  I really
    dont feel monetary tipping is appropriate for a farrier.  They work
    (most) for themselves. I only tip in situations where the person
    performing the work is employed by someone else and the tip will be
    above and beyond their base pay.  I'm not comfortable giving personal
    gifts to my male, married farrier, but the cookies have always been
    appreciated and can be shared with his family.
    
    I only see my vet once a year (normally) for spring shots, so I dont
    really feel compelled to do anything extra in his case.
    
    Last Xmas, I *received* a card from my shaving supplier! It was signed
    personally by the woman who runs the feed store (and I only buy
    shavings from her, her hay/grain prices are out of sight) with a nice,
    personal note.  I thought it was a nice touch on their part!
    

    How about the help around the barn (for those of us who board)? 
    There's the person who cleans out the stall, the person who turns him
    out on weekends, and then the general barn manager?  
    
    I try to give each of them a little gift - usually a warm hat or scarf
    since everyone needs those in the winter.

In the most recent issue (Dec 1994 I think) of Smart Money (Kiplinger's 
financial magazine) their recommendation is that for the folks that you 
would normally tip during the year, an additional tip (they had some 
specific recommendations which I don't recall).

For the folks that you don't normally tip, a gift of some type (I'm sure 
cookies would work) are appropriate.

I also consider who the receipient is as well - even if you don't normally 
tip the barn help but they're younger adults, a cash gift might be 
appreciated (like a $10 or $20 bill in their card).  I wouldn't feel too 
much like this was a tip since it really wasn't made in conjunction with 
payment for service but I suspect the cash would be nice.

Perhaps another way to look at it... I don't expect a tip after a nice
presentation either... but some recognition of the additional effort that I
have spent on a specific customer (particularily over an extended period of
time) is appreciated (and no, I'd feel very uncomfortable with a cash gift,
but flowers or cookies or chocolate or ???? would provide the recognition 
and thanks that I'd appreciate without feeling too much like a buyoff or
tip :) 

    I have not praticed tipping these equine service folks, however, my
    friend does, and I was wondering if I should be tipping.  But like many
    have stated here, these folks work for themselves, and in general one
    may not tip a business owner even though he provided the service.
    
    I was especially concerned becasue my farrier bill it mega bucks
    anyway, so to tip on top of that would really break my pocket book.
    
    I usually bake cookies or cakes (I have a few specalties) and give
    those at christmas.  My barber (yes, I go to a barber to get my ends
    trimmed - real economical!) and estitician get wine - cause they both
    love it!
    
    I guess I feel better know I'm in the majority vs. the minority with
    tipping.  
    
    Thanks folks.....

    
    yes, if you go to the hair dresser/barber and the owner works on
    you - you are not required to tip!  My best freind is a hair
    dresser and she confirmed this.  If the owner of your fav' 
    restraunt waits on you - you do not tip either.
    
    Lou

    re:.9
    
    Someone swipped my dictionary, so I'll guess again...esthetician....a
    person who does skin care (facials).
    
    
    

    I am new to this notesfile and was just reading your question on
    tipping.  Although I don't own a horse at present, I have owned
    2 in the past.  With regard to tipping, I would think a basket
    of baked goods (cookies, breads, whatever your specialty) would
    be fine for your farrier/vet/etc.   It is a thoughtful gift
    without having to break the bank.   I would give the cash gifts
    however, to any of the kids that may help you out during the
    year around the barn.  (I always tip the paperboy at Christmas
    with cash).  I would think $10 in a card would be plenty.
    
    I take lessons over at Red Acre Farm in Stow, and will probably
    do the same (a basket of goodies) for my instructor.
    
    Gail