\u201cHe was always willing to help anyone out,\u201d she told the Herald.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe taught many people how to shoe their own horses over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schimanski was a farrier \u2013 a person who specialises in equine hoof care \u2013 after learning the trade at the age of 14.<\/p>\n
The 88-year-old\u2019s three sons, Kevin, Patrick and Nathan, all followed in their father\u2019s footsteps.<\/p>\n
Nathan began attending his father\u2019s polo matches when he was 6, and soon wanted to play. <\/p>\n
He learned to ride a horse properly and competed in his first polo match at 15. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an exhilarating sport and anything you do with your father is amazing,\u201d Nathan told the Herald.<\/p>\n
He said his father loved being around horses from a young age.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a self-taught farrier from a young age. He figured out all the dos and don\u2019ts by trial and error.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe shod his own horse when he was 14 because he wanted to be faster than the next-door neighbours\u2019 kids. He thought if I put shoes on, I can go across the stones quicker.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kevin Schimanski’s family members have called him ‘the kindest, loveliest, and most genuine gentleman’. Photo \/ New Zealand Polo Association<\/p>\n
In a Facebook tribute, the New Zealand Polo Association said Schimanski gave great service to many equine pursuits, including polo, after more than 70 years of being a farrier. <\/p>\n
\u201cKnown for his incredible work ethic, generosity in supporting others and his endless love and enthusiasm for polo he will be greatly missed by all.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts are with Kevin\u2019s wife Mariea and his children Patrick, Francis, Nicola, and Nathan and all his family, friends and the polo community at this sad time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The New Zealand Farrier Association called Schimanski \u201ca true legend of the trade\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cKevin Shimanski started his shoeing career in his mid-teens and was still shoeing up until his passing. He was a life member of the NZFA. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe helped a great number of farriers in one way or another throughout his time.\u201d<\/p>\n