After the shoe is correctly in place, Taffer trims the pointed nails still protruding from the outer hoof wall.
For local farrier Dale Taffer, there is nothing more rewarding than working with feet, but only if the feet are attached to a horse.
Being a farrier requires skill passed down through centuries. When one thinks of the farrier and blacksmithing trades it is easy to envision anvils, metal, sparks and fire. For Taffer, skill not only lies in iron, but also in plastic.
Plastic horse shoes are a new development in the horse community and Taffer is the only farrier in East Tennessee who works with them.
"A metal horse shoe, when [the horse] walks on a hard surface, as in any piece of metal, it will vibrate," explains Taffer. "That horse feels the vibrations through the foot, the ankle, the knees, all the way up. That's what starts the arthritis to really hurt. These shoes do not vibrate."
Urethane shoes help horse owners solve difficult issues concerning the health of their horses' feet. The plastic shoe is designed to alleviate discomfort caused by shock of hard surfaces. Taffer uses the shoes for horses of all ages and sizes and believes they are a good alternative to metal shoes for horses with sensitive feet.
Taffer grew up in Sevierville where he worked with horses most of his life. When he graduated high school he joined the army where he was transferred to the Caisson Platoon to work with military horses. The army sent him to the farrier school of Oklahoma State. He has been shoeing horses ever since.
Being a farrier often requires stepping into scary situations. Taffer mentions situations where he has been kicked, bitten, and thrown. "I've had 6 knee surgeries," notes Taffer with a large smile on his face. His expression proves that the pain was a small price for the quality of care he assures his customers.
One of his scariest moments was when he was shoeing a particular horse alone and the horse spooked, knocked him down and pinned him to the ground. The incident caused him to have a large wound on his side that bled considerably. Taffer, however, finished shoeing the horse before he went to the hospital for stitches.
Taffer prides himself on his ability to care for every horse he works with. He notes that horses are smart and stubborn at times, but no matter how difficult the task, he never gives up on the animal.
He comments that some owners are too quick to give up on a horse who may be lame or who suffers from Navicular disease, another common lameness problem in horses, and adds that with the right care and attention, the horse's spirit can overcome the pain.
Patience, determination and love are all important when working with horses, but most importantly to Dale Taffer, "You can't give up on them. Not until they're ready."
Editor's note: The name of Dale Taffer was misspelled when the story was first posted. It has since been corrected and TNJN regrets the error.
Comments
Arla Bunker commented, on March 2, 2007 at 11:52 a.m.:
Great article - well written & informative!
nancy davis commented, on March 2, 2007 at 2:57 p.m.:
Thoroughly researched with all aspects covered. Samantha has demonstrated the farrier's determination and professional convictions in providing appropriate and innovative ways of treating horses' needs with understanding and empathetic concern. Very well polished.
Jeff S. commented, on March 2, 2007 at 6:27 p.m.:
Great Article Sam.
Dale Taffer commented, on March 2, 2007 at 7:39 p.m.:
Thank you Sam for the great article. its great. anyone can get a hold of me by phone at 809-6383. thank you Sam
Owen commented, on March 4, 2007 at 3:10 p.m.:
Nicely done!
Robert Heller commented, on March 5, 2007 at 10:45 a.m.:
Samantha--great story and photos. One suggestion, though. You have too many photos that look too similar. Edit a little tighter.
Kim commented, on March 5, 2007 at 9:26 p.m.:
Great story Sam! Few people realize how important and difficult a farrier's job can be. Also, the photos of the horses are beautiful.
JAN BLANKENSHIP commented, on March 5, 2007 at 10:20 p.m.:
DALE TAFFERS HAS SHOED HORSES FOR ME FOR Several YEARS AND DOES A GREAT JOB! He also is really patient with young horses.Way to go Dale!!
Abbie Parton commented, on March 7, 2007 at 3:22 p.m.:
Dale is a super farrier he has worked on my horses for years and he has the most patience than any person i know. he truly loves the horses and the people he works with. im so glad hes getting the thanks he deserves. thank you for the great words for this very perfessional and kind man.
condy allen commented, on March 7, 2007 at 3:33 p.m.:
way to go Dale..... very cool
Tammy Allen commented, on March 7, 2007 at 4:45 p.m.:
Now the true story is told. It was a great article. Dale is a true farrier and he's love for horses goes beyond his work. He's a cowboy baby!!!!
Maggie Dunlap commented, on March 12, 2007 at 1:14 p.m.:
Great pics i have horses and this article has made me think of changing farriers. And this Dale seems very professional and good with the horses.
Barbara G. commented, on May 11, 2007 at 10:33 a.m.:
Samantha's pictures capture the essence of the farrier's work, and Dale was the perfect subject.
Darlene Nalepa commented, on July 30, 2007 at 7:33 a.m.:
When Dale puts a shoe on... it stays. He understands the difference in shoeing a Flat Shod Walking Horses and the Quarter Horse. Dale, call me:)