Philip Himanka (Erie, Colo.)

Philip Himanka

Philip Himanka is a farrier who continues to educate me and his other clients about horses hooves every time he works with you and your horse. Notice that I said “with you”. He answer questions, enthusiastically teaches, pulls out anatomical models and books. Never once, no matter how hot a day or how bad his back probably is hurting has he blown me off, been too busy or talked down to me for asking questions. I’ve had farriers in the past act like I was lucky to have their business and they were not even doing a good job, horses were lamed, they were late, rude. I never understood why it was that way in a business. But, it isn’t always. My horses — all of them — have beautiful gravel crunching hooves with anatomically correct trimming, and now thanks to Philip I know this. I can walk around the barn and see underrun heels, long toes, bull-nosing, flares, medial-lateral imbalance. He’s created a monster. But it’s wonderful to know the difference between a good trim and hoof and I owe that all to a farrier who is passionate about teaching and horses. I just pray if he ever retires he has taught enough students to pass on his wisdom. He is the best there is.

— Kerri Charles, Broomfield, Colo.


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