Lilian Martinez’s dream came true.

“I’ve always loved horses and was lucky enough to own one when I was a child,” the Pernes-les-Bains, France, farrier told LaProvence in an article published June 6, 2014. “It was while watching the farrier that I had the spark.”

The spark led to studying farriery for 5 years and a prestigious internship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“I worked for King Sheikh Am Dal and his son Sheikh Mohamed, and my mission was to take care of their Thoroughbreds,” LaProvence reported. “In order to obtain my technical farriery certificate, I presented a thesis that I had written about this wonderful experience. Then it was the great adventure. I started my own business about 2 years ago.”

Martinez’s great adventure fulfilled his dream of helping horses.

“He immediately detected that my mare Jade was suffering from laminitis and shod her in a way that provided maximum relief,” Roger Faraud told LaProvence. “Today, thanks to his care, she’s practically pain-free.”

Helping horses like Jade drive farriers like Martinez. Sadly, more than 10 years after the article was published, his dream tragically ended.

“On the evening of Thursday, March 6, while carrying out his work at a farmhouse in Châteaurenard, Lilian Martinez, 33, lost his life after being violently kicked by the horse he was handling,” LaProvence reported March 7, 2025.

Martinez knew his dream job was dangerous. Yet, he pursued it for the love of the horse.

“I prefer working for individuals because I can…