Sam Early

I am writing to let you know about a wonderful man who shoes horses in our area. His name is Sam Early and he lives in Flat (Gatesville), Texas, but travels the entire area taking care of hundreds of horses. He performs the basic trims and shoeing, and is qualified and professional. He also does some corrective shoeing, but will not undertake a job that he may feel is too extensive at the risk of the animal's soundness. He is not above referring an animal to a lameness specialist before taking on the job, or referring it to an expert. His prices are more than reasonable, and he is glad to work with people that need their horses cared for but may be struggling, especially in the present economy.

About a year and a half ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. Amid the struggles of radiation therapy and surgery, he continued to provide shoeing services to his customers. There was a time when he was not able to take new customers, simply for fear that he would not be able to give them adequate time or service, but he was always willing to tell them about other farriers in the area that could serve their needs. He is now 100% cancer-free and is continuing his profession.

The thing that sets Sam apart from the others is that as he travels around the countryside, shoeing horses. He also assists people who have animals that are no longer wanted or that they are no longer able to care for. In today's economy there are many horses, dogs, barn cats, etc., that people are unable to feed and through friends, family and social media, Sam is able to find homes for many of the animals that might otherwise be put down.

Last year, he found a tiny Chihuahua puppy that a customer no longer wanted. He put her photo on Facebook and people responded. I had a dog, but he was old and I agreed to take her. Just a few weeks later, my dog died (at age 16) and I now have Pippa, the Chihuahua, as my constant companion.

A couple of months ago, he came up on a miniature horse that was owned by an elderly couple. They asked him to find a home for the horse, as they were too old to care for the horse. He posted a photo and description on Facebook, as well as called family members, and within one hour his post had 162 hits and the mini had a great new home!

He is a wonderful person who puts the needs of his customers ahead of his personal pleasure. He cares for animals and people alike. He is a great representative of the farrier industry.

— Brenda Sawyer
(Troy, Texas)