Darren Owen (Charlottesville, Va.)
Darren Owen of Indian Fields Farrier Service is the best farrier I have worked with over my 35 years with horses. Besides the fact that he is an amazing farrier, he is a huge proponent of continuing education for farriers, working with clients to understand their horses’ feet and what can be done from a nutritional and farrier aspect to improve poor feet. When it comes to correcting feet that need help, he starts with a balanced trim and will continue to refine his approach until he finds the best one for the horse. He works in concert with the veterinarian if the case is such that a consult is needed.
My one mare had a seriously underrun heel on her right front when I got her. It was so bad that she was not only lame but also body sore from compensating. After the diagnostics were done, Darren reviewed the images with my local vet and a plan was developed. It took the better part of a year, but her foot is now normal, and she’s sound and staying that way.
I have watched him mentor his apprentice into a confident and competent farrier. He creates opportunities for him to expand his experience and knowledge base by having him work with other farriers that specialize in certain disciplines.
As a horse owner, I cannot say enough about all I have learned from him about the function of hooves, limbs and the locomotion of the equine, and, most importantly, how different shoes and shoeing techniques affect this. It’s refreshing to be able to work with a farrier that explains things to you and can answer questions about your horses’ feet and care so that you can make the best decision for your horses — together.
—Annmarie Stark (Moyock, N.C.)