September 5, 2008 – Today, Ken Norman, the affable, competent, equine-hoof loving farrier came to the farm, for his quarterly visits to help with fence latches and trim the hooves of Lulu, Fanny, Jeannette and Jesus. The donkeys can be grumpy about having their feet touched, but they love Ken and quietly bump into him while he trims their hooves. This is physical, dirty work and Ken does it while chatting with me and Annie about donkeys, life and politics. He is a fierce individual, honest, comfortable with himself, a part of my life I am always grateful to know, someone I would never have met in another life.
  He does what he wants and what he loves, and he does it well and without complaint. He brings stories and collects them and offers tips – check out the Mounties at the Rutland Fair. He looks at the donkeys and checks their weight and teeth – we get an A here. His visits are something to look forward to, part of the rich tapestry of farm life.
  I admire him greatly, and the donkeys sense his knowledge and care and submit to him. One day, there will not be Ken Norman’s around, practicing the ancient art of farrying. I am lucky to know him know.

Ken Norman, farrier