I am lucky too I suppose because I have a wonderful farrier as well. I have lived in 3 different states and all 3 farriers have been great. My mode of operation is to go to 2 or 3 very high end barns and ask them who they use and for them to describe their demenor and techniques. There are a few things when/if I hear them I will automatically cross them off my list but other than those things, I will start with one and see how it goes from there giving them a chance of course. I am very forgiving myself. Anyway, first guy I tried here I gave 2 trims to see what he was like, his demeanor around the horses etc... decided to try #2 and he stuck... will stick til he's DEAD! LOL! I adore him. I let him do his job with out question. When I have a foot/leg problem, I call him, not my vet. Anyway... I think going to the high end barns (I chose barns with both gaited and non gaited horses and I chose teaching barns) is a good way to start.
"By endurance we conquer" - Ernest Shackleton
