Confessions of a Horseshoer

Back Cover

Confessio Ho “As I read of Ron’s experiences as a horseshoer, my own personal catastrophes kept popping up. It was such a good story that I filmed it for my television program. The book was great, but Ron never answered the eternal question: ‘Why do some people become horseshoers?’ For myself, I can only explain it by asking, ‘Why do some dogs chase cars?’” —Baxter Black, cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian and part-time horseshoer “Here now is the only book about horseshoeing you will ever need. RonTatum has created a magic mix of great information and terrific stories—all told with superb writing and fun spice.” —Jim lehrer, executive editor and former news anchor for The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour “It is not often you come across a book where ‘spending more time under a horse’ strikes you as not only sane but sage. But here is such a book, where a born raconteur horseshoes his way to wisdom with self-deprecating humor, cowboy canniness, and lightly worn professorial erudition. By the evidence of these pages Ron Tatum has lived at least nine lives, each one enriching the others, all of them grounded by the world of horses and the human characters he encounters there. He is a true American original.” —Ger killeen, winner of the 2006 and 2007 Gertrude Stein Awards for Innovative Poetry “I found Tatum’s stories to be compelling and funny, charming and wry. I was caught up in his voice, his attitude about the world.This is very strong stuff.” —John calderazzo, Department of English, Colorado State University “Life’s real meaning tumbles out of each story and envelops the reader with laughter, tears, and peace. A wonderful read for anyone who still cares to reflect.” —denis G. lawrence, retired vice president for academic affairs, Marylhurst University ...