Esco Buff (Webster, N.Y.)
Esco Buff is an unbelievably exceptional farrier. He has helped me with my horses in so many ways - it would take a several page essay to describe. At this point, I have a horse in NY and a horse in MA - and no one touches their feet other than Esco because he keeps them sound and always does what is in the best interest of the horse. I never worry about them in his care. He is one of only a handful of "true horsemen" I have ever met. His instincts about what needs to be done are second to none, as well as his ability to handle them and make them comfortable.
One of the many reasons I so appreciate Esco as my farrier is his wealth of experience with horses. When I got my first stallion, I had no experience handling a stallion. I had this new, amazing stallion coming straight out of quarantine after being imported from Europe and going straight to Equine Affaire in MA. Esco has extensive experience handling stallions. Not only did Esco come to Equine Affaire with me to help me learn how to handle my stallion, he also shod my stallion there. The two pictures are from that experience. Esco was the first person to introduce my stallion to snow. It was an outstanding experience for both me and my stallion and one that I can't ever thank Esco enough for.
—Doreen Kula (Marlborough, Mass.)
For his contribution, study and work on the disclosure of products with antimicrobial copper.
—Alan Krausz (Satiago, Metropolitana)
I would like to take the time to pay tribute to Esco Buff, whom over the years I have learned is an extraordinary farrier, an exceptional teacher and mentor, a remarkable horseman, and a true professional to the end. Esco first came to our rescue a few years ago, when we were at the end of our rope trying to find competent help for the love of my life horse, who was battling Canker. We caught the disease early, but after that, we started to lose the battle due to the lack of knowledge and experience the local farriers and veterinarians had with the disease. We even ended up going to a well-known Veterinarian Hospital/School for Large Animals and we were once again let down.
I spent hours and hours online attempting to find something that actually made sense or someone that made sense in the treatment of Canker. On one of the searches, I found Esco Buff. He was the first individual that had successful treatment of several prior Canker cases, along with educational information on the illness, and he actually made sense. From the first time I contacted Esco to the present day, he was and still is more than happy to explain everything and anything. He was the first person to give me in depth information on Canker and the treatments that are known to date. I firmly believe I still have my beloved Clydesdale solely because of Esco Buff. It has been several long years, but worth it all and Esco has helped us through the difficult road of a very difficult disease that there is still a great deal not known about it.
Esco has also worked very closely with our veterinarian. He has educated and taught her a great deal on Canker treatment. Prior to working with Esco, our vet's only experience with Canker was to euthanize the horse or send them off else where. Since working closely with Esco, she has a whole new outlook on this disease and she has helped save another Canker horse, along with Esco's help. I greatly admire Esco's willingness and openness to share his wealth of knowledge with others. He loves to mentor other farriers, teacher veterinarians, owners, young students, or really anyone who wants to learn. This helps everyone from the owner, the entire horse community, and especially and most importantly, the horse.
My Clydesdale is not the only horse Esco saved for us. He also saved our Paint mare, which had been suffering for several years. She went undiagnosed for a very longtime, until Esco showed up and properly diagnosed her. Esco worked his magic and actually ended her many years of pain. For as long as I have known this mare (10 years), I was told she had bad feet and legs. Over time, she would have periodic lameness. During one of her episodes, she was diagnosed with laminitis, which is Esco's specialty. Esco took one look at our very large mare and he was first to say she had EMS. Since then, she has been properly cared for, lost weight, and Esco has worked on her hooves. I can say it has been 3 years since that mare has been 100% sound, she can pick up both leads which she was unable to do for 10 years prior, and she even had her first foal and stayed sound and fit. When Esco first came to work on her, she could not walk out of her bedded stall, and today she can run full gallop just as long as any other horse. She had rotation with sinking in both front hooves.
I have been involved in the horse world for most all of my life and I can honestly say Esco is one farrier I completely and totally trust to handle my horses. Over the years, I have seen some farriers correct a horse's behavior pretty brutally, regardless why the horse reacted the why it had. Esco is always very patient, tolerant and calm with the horses. He would rather use a moment to teach than to punish. To me this is priceless. Esco exudes everything a true horsemen and farrier should strive to be. I recommend Esco Buff to anyone with a horse with a difficult hoof issue. If anyone can fix it, if anyone can save a horse, it is Esco Buff.
—Michelle Michalek (East Aurora, N.Y.)
I call him Esco the Great. He saved my horses life. She was a gift from a family friend like a 2nd father to me and was shipped here from Germany. This was my dream horse. She became foundered and I was beside myself because nobody could help me. She was down for weeks. Finally I was told about Esco Buff. I called him and told him my story. He rescheduled his appointments, was here the next day and he went to work! He came back month after month. Her condition improved each time. Her prognosis was not good early on she had abscesses and was rotated. Esco gave me the hope and gave her the professionalism that she needed. I'm sure no one else could have saved her. He was very understanding and caring of the situation. She now is up and walking! I'm so thankful that there is an Esco Buff. He saved my best friends life. It is and has been an honor to have him work on my horse and watch him perform his magic. I'm forever thankful.
—Myrna Weisberg (Chesterfield, N.J.)
