Bob Smith (Plymouth, Calif.)
It was a meeting of chance. I just withdrew my horse Alex from the show jumping phase of our combined training event and must have had a look of utter defeat when a woman that I was stabled next to offered her sympathy. I explained that I had been battling severe quarter cracks on both fronts and had tried everything from soliciting the advice of numerous vets and farriers, feeding every type of supplement known to man, rubbing different concoctions on the cornet band; I even spoke to Alex’s feet wishing them to be healthy. After the cross country phase of the event, I noticed one of the cracks had spread and was bleeding. I pretty much decided right then and there that this was the end of Alex’s eventing career.
So when she suggested I connect with Bob Smith, owner of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School, I was grateful, intended to follow through with the suggestion, but I can’t say that I was very hopeful. Bob always has a group of aspiring farriers at his facility and used the opportunity to evaluate Alex as a teaching tool for his students.
Alex’s new fancy shoes
The thing I remember most about that first meeting was the confidence that Bob exuded and the renewed sense of hope that I felt. He was able to not only identify potential solutions, but he was also able to identify a cause which was something nobody else was able to express to me. I believe this is a testament to his extensive knowledge about equine anatomy, physiology, and movement. I have been working with Bob now for over a year. Alex is in heart bar shoes, he has moved up a size shoe and we are talking about moving up again at his next shoeing, he is sound, and he just took second place at his last event.
I am incredibly grateful to Bob Smith. His passion for the profession is evident in his skills as a farrier and horseman, and in his interest in producing knowledgeable talented up and coming farriers through his school. He is magic as far as I am concerned.
— Olivia Byron-Cooper (Placerville, Calif.)
Camp Creek Ranch Eventing
Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School is an incredible mentor and friend, both as a farrier and in everyday life. I had the privilege of attending PCHS one year ago and the open door policy has never stopped. I stop in at least once a month to ask questions and Bob always takes time out of his busy schedule to answer any and all questions I have. And with all the knowledge that he has, he never stops studying the trade that he loves. He is the definition of the eternal student. If anyone deserves recognition in this trade, I would say Bob Smith does.
— John Freeseha
Click here to read more about Bob Smith on Jimmy Brown's tribute page.
