A trainer in the industry recently asked GoHorseShow if we could help them find out if it was the norm to tip banders, braiders, farriers and vets. If you go to a hair stylist or restaurant, it is understood that tipping is expected. As far as tipping for equine-related services, it appears to be more of a gray area and personal choice. We asked trainers and exhibitors if they normally tip for these services. Do you?
Kim Reynolds–In my opinion, tipping is not necessary. As self-employed horse trainers, we don’t get tips. We charge for the services we provide and the money comes directly to us. I feel it is the same for them. The only time I might consider a tip is if they had to change their schedule or something to accommodate my needs.
Katy Jo Zuidema–We take great care of those who take care of us! Of course, it’s never a requirement, but I will say that after a long show if our customers want to tip our help, we tell them they are welcome to do that. I think it’s smart for clients to do that if they want somebody to go the extra mile for them. I also think it’s awesome to reward good work. It depends on how much they charge and how much work I have for them. If I hire one person to braid all my horses and they are great to work with, then absolutely. Also, if I have to call on them for something extra then for sure. However, normally, if somebody tells me how much they charge then I make sure they get a check and that it cashes. I think that’s enough.
Tina Freeland–As a professional bander/braider, I never expect tips but they are always appreciated. Some of my clients usually do tip me and others do not. It is a nice gesture especially if I do a specialty job or the mane keeps the length of a whole week long show when others might normally need re-banding. Personally, I do not tip my vet or my farrier on a regular basis because they usually have itemized bills with charges for supplies, procedures, and trip charges. I occasionally do tip them, especially for holidays or if they go out of their way for an emergency trip. I do this to show appreciation for their hard work. I think tips are a great bonus but not expected.
Lainie DeBoer–I don’t tip my bander, braider, farrier, or vet. I do tip my grooms and barn managers both at the horse shows and the ones that stay home and keep the barn so beautiful while we are on the road. If I get a bonus, for example Wrangler money for World Championships won, I split the money with my road manager Brad Foss. I feel that he is my second half and my success is his success.
Eric Mendrysa–We always tip our banders and braiders, and sometimes tip them more than usual if we add more horses on our list last minute or forget to have one banded the night before it shows. I would almost compare it to getting your hair cut, you always tip your hair-dresser, and the friendships are even similar. I find it hard to not want to go above and beyond for someone who goes the extra mile for me. We are very fortunate to have great vets and farriers that work for us. I think that for vets, and farriers, being a loyal customer and always making sure yourself and your barn is caught up on their bills, goes farther for them than receiving a tip.
Beckie Peskin–I don’t generally tip any of these other than maybe a braider or bander – but even those are generally just put on my bill for the trainer. I think a lot of this might be because we have horses in training, so we don’t see these folks on a regular basis. But I really don’t remember tipping them when I did have my horses at home. I used to band and braid a lot, and I rarely got tips.
Shannon Gillespie–Shannon Gillespie–I don’t feel there is a right or wrong answer to this. I truly feel in our industry it runs on a case by case basis. We have tipped on occasion when someone goes above and beyond or far exceeds our expectations. Also, many of our customers tip our barn help and assistants at the world shows, etc…I don’t feel that it should be an expectation-but it’s a nice incentive to really go the extra mile.
Anne Shafer–We don’t do any tipping. Everyone sets their price and we leave it at that. But my clients will tip the barn help once in awhile, and I don’t mind that at all as long as they don’t play favorites among the horses.
Amy Smith–I usually consider myself a good tipper but when asked this question I thought, hmmm, I don’t normally tip any of those people on a regular basis! At Congress, I tipped my braider and we always get our trainers Christmas gifts. We hold an annual Christmas party for our barn staff, vet and and give bonuses as well. Most of the people in the equine fields set their own fees, so we generally just pay what we are billed.
Liz Hay–I do all the banding in the barn, so I wish banders were tipped, just kidding! I think that banders, braiders, farriers and vets all charge normal amounts. I do not think they require a tip. I do think it would be okay for customers to give a tip to an assistant trainer or possibly a “catch rider” if they do not win money.
