Andrew Timm (Mooi River, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa)
Andrew Timm was one of the stalwarts of the South-African farriers. He served the farrier industry for more than 30 years. He trained many apprentice farriers and was well-respected by all farriers in South Africa. His commitment to his clients and the horses in his practice was unmatched. He was a South-African National Polo-Cross player and represented his country on many occasions. Horses were in his blood from a young age. Andrew received many awards recognizing his effort and commitment to the trade. The South-African racing industry, to mention one. He had a love for the history of the farrier and blacksmith trade. He was a huge collector of all things representing farriers and blacksmiths.
Andrew was a humble, hard-working man with a positive attitude where the word "can't" did not exist. He was as tough as nails. He shod horses 6 days a week, from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., and took his holiday on Easter weekend and Christmas day. His service to his clients was impeccable. I remember on one occasion where we got called out to help a young thoroughbred. The youngster broke out from his paddock and adrenaline infused galloped on a tar road until blood was pouring from all 4 feet. With no veterinarian around to sedate, Andrew showed the patience of a saint. His ""never say die"" attitude to persevere where this youngster has given up the will to live. The challenge was enormous due to the thoroughbred being unable to stand. Three and a half hours later, he had four shoes on and to see this horse managing to walk reasonably comfortable under these circumstances was truly breathtaking.
He lived life 100% and was a perfectionist to the last millimeter, always giving his total best to every horse. Whether it was a million dollar racehorse, show jumper or a retired polo pony being trimmed 3 times a year, he did not leave until he was satisfied that the job was done perfectly.
Since completing my apprenticeship many years ago, we unfortunately got busy with life and only caught up at congress and farrier related events. I was so surprised and honored when I, in December last year, received a call from Andrew after he heard of a result from a farriers competition that I competed in. It was so good to hear from him, and you only realize long after your apprenticeship is done how much a person meant to you. His influence in my life was tremendous. Sometimes the mentor has a bigger influence in later life than a father. And in some instances, he was a father to me in the way that he sculpted my life to be a farrier. I don't think we realize what importance a mentor has on the outcome of our lives. I adopted some of his characteristics, which is engraved in who I am today.
Sadly I received a phone call on Sunday morning that Andy passed away on Saturday June 18, 2016.
Andy, you were a great man, you were a legend who will live on in the hearts of many South-African farriers who knew you. You were a husband, father, brother, friend, mentor and above all, a professional that helped so many equines, the one thing that bond us all together, from so many different countries and so many different back grounds. The love of the horse. May God bless you, and may your soul rest in peace. Until we meet again.
— Hannes Snyman (Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa)
