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Friends and family are remembering a farrier and polo player as a “true legend” after he died in a horse accident during a match.

Kevin Schimanski, 88, died in Cambridge last Friday when a horse knocked him to the ground while playing polo.

Schimanski’s son Nathan had been playing in the match alongside his father when the accident occurred.

Nathan’s wife, Michelle, called Schimanski the “kindest, loveliest, and most genuine gentleman”.

“He was always willing to help anyone out,” she told the Herald.

“He taught many people how to shoe their own horses over the years.”

Schimanski was a farrier – a person who specialises in equine hoof care – after learning the trade at the age of 14.

The 88-year-old’s three sons, Kevin, Patrick and Nathan, all followed in their father’s footsteps.

Nathan began attending his father’s polo matches when he was 6, and soon wanted to play.

He learned to ride a horse properly and competed in his first polo match at 15.

“It’s an exhilarating sport and anything you do with your father is amazing,” Nathan told the Herald.

He said his father loved being around horses from a young age.

“He was a self-taught farrier from a young age. He figured out all the dos and don’ts by trial and error.

“He shod his own horse when he was 14 because he wanted to be faster than the next-door neighbours’ kids. He thought if I put shoes on, I can go across the stones quicker.”

Kevin Schimanski's family members have called him 'the kindest, loveliest, and most genuine gentleman'. Photo / New Zealand Polo Association

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.

“Known for his incredible work ethic, generosity in supporting others and his endless love and enthusiasm for polo he will be greatly missed by all.

“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s wife Mariea and his children Patrick, Francis, Nicola, and Nathan and all his family, friends and the polo community at this sad time.”

The New Zealand Farrier Association called Schimanski “a true legend of the trade”.

“Kevin 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.

“He helped a great number of farriers in one way or another throughout his time.”