more photosTrevor Hall likes making his clients feel comfortable. That's important, especially when the client has four legs and outweighs Hall by a half-ton.
“There are times when I can feel the horses become more at ease when I'm around," said Hall, a full-time farrier. “It's a cool feeling to have. I'm there to make them more comfortable."
Hall, 36, grew up with horses and started learning how to shoe them from his dad, Rick, as a teenager in Sisters.
It wasn't until four years ago, however — when he got laid off from his job and saw no prospects — that he started shoeing full time.
Today, based in Redmond and with a full spectrum of equine clients needing new shoes every 6 to 8 weeks, Hall roams Central Oregon with what amounts to a portable blacksmith shop, working five or six days a week, depending on the workload. It's mostly custom work, with the shoes tailored to the horse's individual hooves, its activities and its movements. Each job takes him 45 minutes to an hour.
“I have a client list, but mainly I'm on call," he said. “What I have to offer is craftsmanship and treating people like I would want to be treated."
And keeping his clients comfortable.
