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 follow the horse and establish a relationship with it,” he told LaProvence in 2014. “It’s not easy. Every day, there are very lively horses that I have to be careful with. I don’t take unnecessary risks, and I prefer to prioritize the quality of my know-how rather than quantitative work.”
Safety Precautions
The details surrounding Martinez’ death are not clear. The Tarascon prosecutor’s office is investigating, as required by law when a violent death occurs. While not all hoof-care accidents are preventable, farriers can take steps to minimize injuries or worse.
Mike Hayward, a San Jose, Calif., farrier who is the focus of the latest installment of “Shoeing for a Living” on Page 12, is upfront and clear that his clients have responsibilities to ensure a productive and safe working relationship. He communicates these obligations verbally and in writing. Below are a few of his expectations. These are by no means exhaustive. After all, the importance of horsemanship cannot be overstated.
- The horse is the primary client, and the needs of the horse are the first concern. Have the horse ready, available, reasonably clean, dry and well-mannered by the scheduled appointment time.
- If the appointment is during feeding times, please do not feed other horses while the horse is being worked on.
- The workplace must be located inside (or a covered cement pad with a safe tie rail or post), free of manure and mud, well-lit, flat and safe.
- The horse stands better if it’s not tied up for an extended time. If the horse is too energetic, it’s recommended that the horse is longed before the appointment.
- The client is responsible for disciplining the horse if it is not behaving. Hayward works with every horse patiently and does not employ brutality. The horse may smell or nuzzle him, but he draws the line at them biting. In the event a horse may aggressively bite, kick or strike, he may have to correct the horse in a fair but firm manner to teach the horse that such behaviors are unacceptable.
- If the work cannot be finished due to the horse’s behavior, a veterinarian must tranquilize the horse. This may result in rescheduling the appointment to another day.
Take precautions and keep your dream alive, for the love of the horse.
