The first shoe I ever pulled off a horse took 45 minutes. My arms, hands, back and legs were screaming at me why are you doing this??? Beads of perspiration dripped into my eyes as my fingers gave their best death grip on tools that felt awkward and heavier with each passing second. Still, the shoe would not budge.
My farrier mentor, Rodd, read a magazine, occasionally asked if I wanted help, but otherwise left me alone. Grateful for his lack of pressure, and bewildered how he could have removed the other shoe in less than a minute , I was determined. This was my first test of many to come, and the instant the shoe came away from that patient old chestnut’s hoof, I beamed with pride and exhaustion.
Every day of my apprenticeship I was climbing a steep mountain. My physical, mental, and emotional limits were pushed to the brink. Each hoof I worked on felt like a whole new world of learning, and I would be sweating out of nerves before even touching a leg. I was terrified of hurting one of these noble beasts that had become so dear to me, and I knew that could easily happen with one swipe of my knife in the wrong place. There was also tremendous pressure from the human clients who hated the idea of a newbie working on their horses.
My hands and forearms were cut daily from my tools slipping, and burns dotted me like freckles from bits of red hot metal flying up while working at the forge. My shins seemed to be constantly in the way as the horse would jerk a leg back off the stand and collide with mine. My entire body had a constant ache as I forced it to readjust to a strange bent over position, wrestling with a creature ten times my size and strength, all the while attempting to do precise work with less than a millimetre margin of error.
Somehow, with great persistence, sheer stubbornness, and a drive to learn, I managed to stick with it. I had a great mentor who was patient and encouraging, forgiving and open minded clients, and some wonderful horses who put up with me. I can truly say I love my job. There is nothing more rewarding to me than knowing I am making a positive contribution to the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
Pulling a shoe now takes me about 30 seconds, and each time I give thanks to the years of torture it took to get me here.
How has life inspired you to persevere? Leave me a comment!
This is part of a continuing story, click HERE to start from the beginning.
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My Horse Heart 
That smile after pulling the shoe says it all!
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🤗🤗🤗
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Wonderful article! Knowing my boy is in your hands is so comforting!
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So kind, thank you Jan!!
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WOW
Look at you ❤
I especially love the short video at the end of this posting ~ seeing you in your element ~ and your glorious smile at the end of the clip 🤗💕😘
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Thank you!! 🤗
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Carmen, you write wonderfully. Each time I finish reading one, I look forward to the next. Congratulations!
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That means a lot coming from another writer – thank you so much, Doug! So happy you read them 😊
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Long way from you but closer than Tucson. Susie and I are moving to Oregon in late august. Be well. John
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That is wonderful news – so happy for you!
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Great post! Hugely inspiring… LOVE having this peephole into your process.
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Thank you!!😊
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You are absolutely amazing , and your smile says it all !
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Thank you very much!!😊
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You Go Girl!! 👏
I love reading your story!!
Inspiration to persevere…that would come from sweet Tango…after everything he’s been thru, and seeing the love he still has for (most) humans, dealing with MS is a breeze!
I’m so grateful to have that beasty handsome brat in my life! Lol ❤️🐴
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Thank you, Krys!
And thank you Tango for being a beautiful teacher and source of inspiration.
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Lovely article, Carmen! I feel privileged to have known you right from the very beginning of your horse career and have seen your professional growth. You and Rodd are a great team, but individually are both skilled farriers and wonderful people.
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Thank you so very much, Mel – I am grateful to have known you and Elvey through it all too😊
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You are a very determined person; I think you can climb any mountain you wish and accomplish anything you want to do. WOW, you have all my respect and admiration. Johanne
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Merci Johanne, that means a lot❤️
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