Low country Shoeing
Professional Farrier Service
Wayne Sparks
Farrier, Savannah GAHere's what is known of the History of the horseshoe:
It is not known who invented the first horseshoe. Early Asian horsemen used horse booties made from leather and plants. During the first century, the Romans made leather and metal shoes called "hipposandals". By the 6th and 7th centuries, European horsemen had begun nailing metal shoes to horses' hooves. Around 1000 AD, cast bronze horseshoes with nail holes had became common in Europe. The 13th and 14th centuries brought manufacturing of the iron horseshoe. Hot-shoeing, the process of heating the horseshoe before shoeing the horse, became common in the 16th century.
My name is Wayne Sparks. I've been in the Equine Industry for over 15 years and have had many jobs in the field, including driving horses, before I finally decided to become a farrier. I currently work full time as the Barn Manager and farrier for the oldest carriage company in Savannah, Carriage Tours of Savannah. As a farrier in Savannah, I keep 16 draft horses sound and road ready year round. In addition, I work as a farrier in two different lesson and trail barns in the Savannah, Hilton Head area. From mini's to draft horses, I work work on all kinds of horses!
I am a graduate of the Pennsylvania Institute of Horseshoeing (PIH) owned and operated by Glace Ryder. I chose this school rather than some that were closer to home because Glace has a impeccable reputation, and only accepts 3 students at a time. I knew that would afford me considerably more time under a horse to learn hands on, actually doing the job of a farrier rather than just watching someone else work.
I hope you take the time to read further about my Savannah based farrier service and my philosophies. Feel free to call or e-mail if you have any questions I haven't answered here!
It is not known who invented the first horseshoe. Early Asian horsemen used horse booties made from leather and plants. During the first century, the Romans made leather and metal shoes called "hipposandals". By the 6th and 7th centuries, European horsemen had begun nailing metal shoes to horses' hooves. Around 1000 AD, cast bronze horseshoes with nail holes had became common in Europe. The 13th and 14th centuries brought manufacturing of the iron horseshoe. Hot-shoeing, the process of heating the horseshoe before shoeing the horse, became common in the 16th century.
My name is Wayne Sparks. I've been in the Equine Industry for over 15 years and have had many jobs in the field, including driving horses, before I finally decided to become a farrier. I currently work full time as the Barn Manager and farrier for the oldest carriage company in Savannah, Carriage Tours of Savannah. As a farrier in Savannah, I keep 16 draft horses sound and road ready year round. In addition, I work as a farrier in two different lesson and trail barns in the Savannah, Hilton Head area. From mini's to draft horses, I work work on all kinds of horses!
Working on a Mini in Pennsylvania - literally on my knees!
One of the 18hh drafts I shoe in Savannah
I am a graduate of the Pennsylvania Institute of Horseshoeing (PIH) owned and operated by Glace Ryder. I chose this school rather than some that were closer to home because Glace has a impeccable reputation, and only accepts 3 students at a time. I knew that would afford me considerably more time under a horse to learn hands on, actually doing the job of a farrier rather than just watching someone else work.
I hope you take the time to read further about my Savannah based farrier service and my philosophies. Feel free to call or e-mail if you have any questions I haven't answered here!
