We have done business with the Amish community in Arthur, IL (about 1 hour's drive from us) since 1985, when we first got horses. For the most part, they do exceptionally crafted work, except for some of their businesses that are start-ups. I understand that they don't pay OUR taxes, so they can afford to charge less for some items, though they do VERY well with the sales of other items and services. We have ALL of our tack repairs done by the Amish. I finally got myself an Amish farrier a few years back, and now, I KNOW that he won't quit. When you get to know them, you can start to see those that become disenchanted, and they leave their church ( but not their community) and become Mennonites. These are the ones who drive trucks! If I can afford to buy a certain 1 year old filly, I'll have my farrier break her to drive. His ten year old son tacks up their driving horses, and I don't think that there ARE better gentled driving horses. A lot of people don't understand their horse needs. Arthur has paved all of the streets/roads that the Amish drive on. The cement and asphalt jars their bones and their legs wear out prematurely. Just thought you'd like to know...
