Randy Rider (Centre Hall, Pa.)
I have been involved with horses for more than 30 years and have had the opportunity to work with many farriers and vets throughout this time. My boyfriend is a horse trainer with a large program and keeps about 40 horses at our facility. We have known Randy for almost 8 years now. He has exclusively been our farrier for about 5 years.
Randy's work ethic and knowledge are unmatched, as far as I am concerned. He is not only an excellent farrier, he is a wonderful man. Continuing education and learning are very important to Randy and he stays up-to-date with his trade — and that is valuable to his customers. He is wonderful with the horses and is always open-minded when it comes to treating special needs horses. He is more than willing to work with our vets when there is a soundness issue related to a horse, and goes above and beyond to help fix a problem. He is not just that way with us. I have seen him do the same for his other customers. He works very long days in all kinds of conditions, yet if we call with an urgent issue — he doesn't hesitate to come help right away.
I credit Randy with saving my hunt seat gelding and getting him back to the show pen. I turned to Randy for help and 3 years later, Petey is sound, with great feet and no issues. Randy was very open to working with my vet and they discussed changes for Petey. Randy's attention to detail and experience is what helped the horse the most. We have had many special needs horses in our barn that Randy has tirelessly worked on with my boyfriend and the vets, and they have helped get the horses back to being sound and shown again.
I value Randy greatly as a farrier and as a professional. Everyone at our barn adores and appreciates Randy and thinks that he is the best! I believe that he should be recognized by American Farriers Journal for his outstanding work and knowledge, as well as his excellent professionalism and commitment to his customers and their horses.
— Anne Marie Tufo (Bellefonte, Pa.)