What I see coming for most of us in equine medical treatment, is more and more haul in clinics. Veternarians have more patients on their books as the number of vets declines, making driving around the countryside unsustainable.

I have already heard from friends that there are no equine vets in their area, though some local small animal vets will come out for shots/coggins. Those vets won't come in an emergency at all. They haul several hours to have their horses seen.

I don't think the haul in farrier clinic is going to rise quite as fast as the haul in vet clinic. I do think that with fewer younger farriers availible to take on whatever clients they can get as they build a clientel, owners with difficut horses are going to find it harder and harder to get someone to do their horse.

Owning a boarding barn is is often a thankless job. There are long hours, in all manner of weather, and on every holiday. When horses need treatment, or stall rest, it is often assumed that the barn owner/manager can just pitch in and handle at least part of the care. After all, they are already there.

While many of them are fine to help out, it isn't their job to teach your horse to behave or risk getting hurt over the treatment.

As barn owners get older, and their land becomes more valuable, convienient boarding locations are sold to developers every day. Getting injured medicating or caring for a horse speeds this process up.