Sam Gooding (Richmond, Ky.)
I met Sam Gooding, CJF, when I attended the Kentucky Horseshoeing School 2 years ago. His dedication to his students and this industry is overwhelming, and his patience far surpasses that of most people I’ve met in my lifetime. He holds high standards and pushes his students to be their best, both under the horses and at the forge.
He has stayed in contact since I left school and has answered any questions I have, supported my ideas and theories and has even pep-talked me back into reality when I lose patience with my apprenticeship. Without his support, I’m not sure I would have stuck at it and learned as much as I did at school and at my apprenticeship, and for that I am forever grateful. Someday, I’ll be able to keep up in the forge and under horses with Sam — but until then I’ll keep practicing and working to make him proud.
Thanks, Sam, for everything you do for everyone.
—Brenna Sisley (Phippsburg, Colo.)