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Farrier Woes

For anyone that follows me on Instagram, they probably have already seen this, but unfortunately my farrier passed away suddenly last weekend. Needless to say, I am utterly devastated.


I don't have really any great photos of my farrier, but he was one of the kindest people that I have ever met. Someone said it well on his Facebook page, "Mike never met a stranger". And he really didn't! He was the guy that would walk up to your first appointment and just start chatting with you like you'd been friends for years. I know that because that is exactly what he did at my first appointment with him.


Mike always walked up with a twinkle in his eye, a never ending smile, and a skip in his step. His joy was infectious & his laughter filled the room. Charmer has typical, crappy thoroughbred feet and Mike always kept him wonderfully sound.

Mike looked like the very typical old cowboy when he walked up and he always had this gentle, confident way about him. He would talk to you and/or your horse throughout the whole appointment. I don't think I ever saw him shoe a horse that didn't look relaxed after an appointment or two with him. Charmer would literally fall asleep in half of his appointments and constantly beg for cuddles from Mike. It was obvious that the horses appreciated his gentleness.


To top it all off, the last appointment he did for me was right before my wedding. I wasn't able to be home for it, but he came out anyway and did their feet. I didn't leave a check out for him, and so obviously when I saw their feet were done, I quickly sent him a text and asked how much I owed him! He simply kept telling me "don't worry about it" accompanied with a winky face emoji. The appointment should have been about $275 (both horses got full sets of shoes + Banner was drilled & tapped), and he did it for free as a wedding present. Just the kind of awesome guy that he was.

I will desperately miss his kind nature and the fact I won't see him again. And on top of it, I am just horrified about having to find a new farrier.


I thought I had about a week and a half to figure out who I am going to bring in to get their feet done. But of course Charmer decided this was the perfect time to throw a shoe early so now I'm in a scramble trying to find someone who will squeeze me in.

Thank your farriers guys. A good farrier is worth their weight in gold. The position I am in right now is one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Comments

  1. I can't imagine losing my farrier, especially so suddenly. Good farriers are so hard to find! So sorry to hear about his passing.

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