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  • "CENTRAL COAST FARRIER SERVICE" SALINAS, CALIFORNIA ....an advocate of the horse since 1975

  • Hoping that you enjoy visiting the website of Kim Kobow, based near Elkhorn, California in Rural North Monterey County ...dba,

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RETIRED ..... but here to assist you ..... whether it be to find a new farrier for your fine steed or to assist one of the great farriers in our community with a problem pertaining to a clients's horse. Please ....don't hesitate to call me........ I am so very happy to help if I can.
Hoping that this new website introduces you to my farrier service and answers questions as we attempt to assist you. My "semi-retired status' leaves me in a place where there will only be a select few "new" horses added to our book of business. HOWEVER, If I cannot tend to the needs of your horse; maybe I can introduce you to a farrier that can help you. Even though I started migrating towards this "semi-retired state" after we all dealt with "covid" in 2020; I never really curtailed my calendar to the present program until the Summer of 2024. This "new web site" was being assembled and launched at the end of November in 2024 as I finally arrived at a comfortable place with a very much "trimmed back book of business".
There came a time when all of the shoes that I used were "handmade" ..... no more generic keg shoes. Every shoe was created for that specific horse on that day.
Professional experience
I have over 50 years experience as a farrier after graduating from farrier school in 1975 at the top of my class. My practice includes working with horses from many a background. Some were Performance Horses, shown in either the Western Horse Show world or possibly those following the Hunter / Jumper or English style of riding. Sometimes the horses that I visited were work horses used in a ranch setting.
I have worked with a multitude of Veterinarians as we collaborated together to resolve many a lameness issue. Success in that arena brings about a special satisfaction.
Most enjoyable were those situations that involved just good horse owners that merely enjoyed the company of their great equine companion.
FORMAL Education
  • Graduated from Gavilan Junior College ...... in 1975
  • Completed the Specialized Course for Farriers taught by Ron Koch, an AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier who graduated from Cal Poly in 1963 under the guidance of Ralph Hoover who went on to create "Porterville Horse Shoeing School".
  • I might add at this juncture ..... that my earliest interest in the farrier trade was fueled by the time invested into my future by Jim Thomas, a 1965 graduate of Porterville (Ralph Hoover). Jim was the very qualified farrier that tended to my parent's Quarter Horses (Show Horses) back in the mid 60's. Jim spent some time showing a junior high aged kid how to trim the feet on our little band of brood mares. (.... all of this was many years before I attended farrier school).
APPRENTICESHIPS and Continued Education
True Apprenticeships were served under three seasoned journeymen along the way......coming out of school in 75 I worked with Charlie Mell, who was a 1959 graduate from Cal Poly (Ralph Hoover) and ..... Fernando Icaza who graduated from Porterville in 1967 (also Ralph Hoover). In later years (turn of the century) I worked for five and a half years with Chuck Kolb (who studied under Ernie Hoehn, Sr. of Camp Verde, Arizona back in the 70's). It was during this final era (working with Chuck) that I really became centered in the world of horses afflicted with Laminitis. In addition to those three apprenticeships noted above ; it is not unheard of for a farrier to spend a day or so now and then, riding along with a fellow farrier. That is definitely a way for us to hone our skills as we compare thoughts and procedures to advance our abilities. It was also Chuck Kolb who introduced me to Canadian Bob Marshall, Five times #1 in the World, who honed my blacksmith and shoe making skills to a level that I never dreamed that I would ever reach. This eventually led to an era whereby ever single shoe that I nailed on was a "hand made shoe"........ CONTINUED EDUCATION ..... we never stop learning !!! Over the years I have "invested" hundreds of hours into "continued education" which has placed me in attendance at dozens of seminars and clinics where I have studied under some of the best in this vocation.

Photo Gallery Titles & Captions to come soon

Some of these photos depict farriers that i apprenticed under, a few colleagues, and some work accomplished in times past.

That which we can accomplish:
Contact info
Hours
Farrier Service / Blacksmith Work Equine only ( includes donkeys ) Shoeing and Hoof Trimming Our Mobile Shop is now available to "old clientele" only. There is a possibility of seeing "new clientele on a "haul in" basis". Clinical Farrier Work / Supporting your Veterinarian All Clinical Work ("Creative Shoeing") needs to be done at our Blacksmith / Farrier Shop ..... at the ranch .
Call or Text: 831-663-6992 or 408-671-5700 Mail: P. O. Box 4341 Salinas, CA 93912 or ....... 343 Paradise Road Elkhorn, CA 93907
Mobile work ..... out in the field ..... Tuesday & Thursday (only) This Service on these days "Reserved" for "Old Clientele" "Haul Ins" are usually seen on Wednesdays at the Ranch AM Arrival and a PM Departure after Work is Accomplished "Clinical Cases" ??? They're boarded here at our facility. And are tended to around the clock. This is the manner in which I really need to take care of the "clinical cases" ...... here at our facility
Quality Communication is the most important tool in the box !!! I will usually always answer my phone !!! OR .... worse case scenario .... just leave a message and ..... I will return your call. Text Messages also work .......... OR .......... Send me an "e-mail".
I check for email early each morning ........ and again ........ a couple more times throughout the day. ccfskim@gmail.com
Saturday – Closed Sunday - Closed
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