Wethersfield, CT
(860) 748-8339
Michael Kosiba , AFA Certified Farrier Since 1987
Farrier Services For The Discriminating Horse Owner
Experience Shoeing Laminitic And Foundered Horses
Farrier For The Connecticut Governor's Horse Guards
Farrier For The City Of Hartford Police Mounted Unit
About Michael
I began my career as a farrier somewhat accidentally. Shoeing horses was a future I had never even thought about while growing up in the Western Massachusetts town of Chicopee. In fact, I was oblivious of the equine world until the age of 26.
After being discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1975, I was living in the small Western Maine town of Bridgton. I became a horse owner by way of marriage and soon found myself interested in all aspects of horse care, including maintenance of the hooves. At that time there was a farrier school about 20 miles from my home. So, I quickly enrolled and was soon a graduate of New England Farrier School of Raymond, ME.
I immediately realized how much I enjoyed working on my own horses and entered the profession as a part-time farrier. In 1984 I broke into the world of professional horseshoeing full time. It's been that way ever since.
Over the years I have attended many farrier/veterinarian conferences and seminars, and I still do on a regular basis. In 1987 I passed the Certified Farrier exam offered by the American Farrier's Association. Experience and time has taught me a lot, as has working with and observing other competent farriers.
After practicing in the state of Maine for over 25 years, I relocated to Connecticut in 2003. I enjoy the work immensely and have been fortunate to have survived physically despite "holding up horses" all those years.
Best regards,
Michael
Policies & Scheduling
Policies
You can expect the following from me:
- I will perform quality work on every horse.
- I will always be punctual and reliable. If an unforeseeable problem occurs, I will call you.
- If I need to reschedule an appointment, I will call you.
- I will allow ample time to perform the scheduled work and will not rush the job.
- I will clean up after myself.
- I will treat your horse with kindness and respect.
I will expect the following from you:
Trimming and shoeing horses can be difficult even under the best of circumstances. When conditions are other than optimal it makes the task much more difficult. I am not unreasonably fussy about working conditions, but these are some basics that need to be provided.
- Your horse should be clean and dry when I arrive at your barn. Wet or muddy legs and feet are difficult to hold and the work becomes dangerous.
- Your horse needs to behave. It is your job to train the horse to behave for the farrier.
- You will need to provide a sheltered, roomy, and well illuminated area with a level floor; not a pasture shed or a spot in the driveway.
- You will need to provide access to electricity.
- If your horse has behavioral issues, I would like to know in advance.
Payment
Unless prior arrangements have been made, I expect to be paid when the work is completed.
Appointments
Upon completion of work I like to schedule the next appointment. That way your horse is kept on a timely and regular schedule. This also allows me to group my appointments geographically each day in order to reduce travel time. If you choose to call for an appointment at a later date, please be aware that I may need time to fit you into my schedule.
Cancellations
Situations arise from time to time when an appointment needs to be changed or cancelled. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment please call at least 24 hours in advance, unless of course there is an emergency. Each work day is structured. If you call the night before, or especially the day of scheduled work, it makes it difficult for me to adjust my schedule for that day.
Services & Fees
Services
Barefoot Trimming
Pasture Trimming
Hot and Cold Horseshoeing
Therapeutic Horseshoeing
Trimming and Horseshoeing for the Laminitic and Foundered Horse
Additional Items:
- Steel Shoes
- Aluminum Shoes
- Bar Shoes
- Custom Forging (clips, rocker toes, etc.)
- Pads (full, rim, snow, therapeutic)
- Epoxy Hoof Repairs
- Glue-on Shoes
- Hoof Casting (ETSS)
- Drill and tap shoes for screw in studs
- Drive-in carbide studs
Fees
Payment for all services is due upon completion of work unless prior arrangements have been made. Therapeutic trimming and shoeing, handmade shoes, horses with neglected feet, and horses with behavior problems will be charged according to time and materials.
Trimming Fees
- Trim 4 feet, Horse / Pony: $50.00 (single horse minimum charge: $70.00)
Regular Horseshoeing Fees (Up to size 4 shoe)
- New shoes 4 feet: $180.00
- New shoes 2 feet / trim 2 feet: $115.00
- Reset 4 shoes: $170.00
- Reset 2 shoes / trim 2 feet: $110.00
Winter Horseshoeing Fees (Up to size 4 shoe)
- New shoes 4 feet with ice studs and front pads: $250.00
Miscellaneous Items
- Pads (per pair, depending upon type) $30.00 - $60.00
- Steel bar shoes (per pair, depending upon type) $30.00 - $80.00
- Aluminum shoes (per pair, depending upon type) $30.00 - $40.00
- Aluminum bar shoes (per pair, depending upon type) $40.00 - $60.00
- Farm call charge, according to geographic location: $10-40.00
*** Prices may change at any time to reflect material and fuel costs. ***
Contact Michael
