American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
CONVENIENCE. Dave Ferguson refurbished a used horse trailer into this slick shoeing rig. With plenty of light in all areas, it makes his shoeing work much easier and efficient.
Several years ago, Dave Ferguson decided he no longer wanted to dedicate an expensive pickup truck 100% to shoeing work. As a result, the Cambridge, Md., shoer switched to a shoeing trailer that he could unhook when he wanted to use the truck for other purposes.
Ditching a panel van, he purchased a used, two-horse gooseneck trailer for $1,500 and sent it to Brent Chidsey at Stone Well Bodies & Equipment in Genoa, N.Y., for modification.
“I wanted a rig that would let me work inside, out of the weather, and also free up my Chevrolet pickup when I wanted to use it for other purposes, such as hauling building supplies, lugging baseball equipment for the youth team that I coach or for other family needs,” says Ferguson. “By the time Brent was done with the modifications, I had another $5,000 invested in the trailer.”
Besides adding bins, shelves and other items, the trailer was insulated and skinned with new material on the inside that makes it a bright and cheerful place to work. Along with plenty of convenient storage, a practical floor plan and effective lighting, two side opening overhead doors provide needed ventilation. There’s also overhead space in the front of the trailer that could be used as a sleeping area when on the road.
$1,500 PLUS $5,000. After…