Clayton Wilber (Saint Cloud, Fla.)
Although horses are not my profession, they are my passion and very much a part of what makes me, me. My farrier, Clayton Wilber, understands the importance my horse has in my life and he never hesitates to indulge my constant questions.
He is always learning and researching new techniques and using his own educated creativity to adapt them for the specific needs of the horse he is working on. No cookie-cutter solutions — each case is looked at with fresh eyes, and he is always happy to explain the "why" and "what's next" to owners to help them best care for their horses.
It is also worth mentioning that Clayton works with my veterinarian as a team. This teamwork can sometimes be hard to find, but Clayton is always focused on what is right for the horse. This photo is of Clayton (on what was supposed to be his day off) strategizing with my vet on the best way to treat an injury. A few short weeks later, the horse was back to work and 100% sound!
— Darcy Cormier (Orlando, Florida)
My tribute is to the amazing, talented farrier Clayton Wilber. Clayton has been my farrier for 20-plus years. He has helped my horses with corrective shoeing and trims. He puts his horses care first and always does what is best for them. Six years ago, my show mare was a two-time Florida State Champion racking mare. After her show career, we were going to use her as a broodmare and got one foal, but unfortunately lost him at 4 days old. She was never the same after that and she foundered on us 2 years after she lost her foal. Between the vet (Matt Walters) and Clayton Wilbur, corrective shoeing kept her sound for 5 years. She would relapse and they worked together and did everything possible to keep her comfortable. A few times my husband and I would almost give up on her. We didn't like to see her in pain, but Clayton would suggest shoeing her a different way and she would walk off sound and comfortable. Thank you to Clayton for giving us more years with our precious Ebony.
— Lisa Witzel (Saint Cloud, Florida)
Clayton has been working on my horses feet for over 3 years. I own and operate a hunter/jumper stable, Ballyclare Sport Horses. Every horse has benefitted and improved in quality of angle, shape, and mobility since Clayton started working on them. He has worked diligently on addressing complex feet and has been personally invested in each horse he works on. I have complete confidence in him with every horse I own, Grand Prix to green newbie. He is always looking for quality collaboration with owners and vets for the best outcome for his client, the horse. As it should be. God help me if he decides to ever retire.
He is professional and we work great together, collaborating on any particular needs a horse has. He educates and takes the time to explain what's going on as it pertains to the foot and why he sees a change that should be made and what that should accomplish. After a few experiences where I had new horses come in and after Clayton got started on their feet, I could see and feel an excellent improvement in my horses. That's the best proof I can give.
I would highly recommend Clayton to anyone looking for a farrier to help their horse get to its optimum performance level, as well as heal from complicated issues from founder, quarter cracks and injury-related trauma. He makes and forges to customize what’s required. His skill level and knowledge give him a unique arsenal to help all types of issues.
— Sally Ivory Wright (Palm Bay, Florida)
I have owned an OTTB since 2009 that was nominated for the Breeders Cup. This gelding came to me from a friend who worked for formidable trainers. He holds a Florida record at Gulfstream and raced both Saratoga and Churchill Downs. His future was very promising until he just stopped running. He was visited by top veterinarians along the east coast but to no avail.
Even though Just Ben’s racing career may have ended, this is where Clayton Wilbers story began at my farm with this amazing horse. After looking at Just Ben, worth saving and certainly loved, Clayton Wilber discovered he had an encapsulated necrotic form of white line in his right hoof. We were in for a battle.
Clayton looked at me and said, “We have a long road, but I can save this horse.”
He went to work. Extensive resection and great advice we recovered to give Just Ben his second career as a hunter/jumper.
Clayton goes beyond the role of a farrier. He has had to deliver bad news and he always took the reins for the solution. I owe my horse’s life to him. As I have told him many a time as he began to drive down the driveway from the farm, smiling and always with an uplifting attitude after being under horses all day, “Clayton, I never feel as if I can do enough for you and Teri.” (Teri is his amazing wife and office manager). He always looks back and says, “You just did.” Him working on this horse is, I'm certain, only a minute part of his day but he makes you feel as if you’re the only customer. I’ve never seen him rushed, and have never seen him worried. Who can ask for a better farrier than that? If you see this, Clayton and Teri, thank you again from the bottom of my heart and Ben’s too. As you know, he has a big one.
— Shelly Taylor (Christmas, Florida)
I wish to recognize Clayton Wilber from Florida Farrier Service. Clayton has been shoeing my horses for over 10 years. I also have several friends and trainers who trust Clayton with the well-being of their horses’ hooves.
My horses have difficult feet to maintain. They are show horses and must always be perfect! Clayton always has a solution to whatever problem they might be having. He has so much knowledge and experience, is always up on the latest techniques and is ready to put them to use in order to help a horse move better or just be more comfortable and healthy-footed! He is so talented that he is now working with equine podiatrists. I have seen pictures and heard stories of horses that would have been put down if not for his dedication, patience, knowledge and determination. I’ve seen him do hospital plates and handmade special shoes that have kept horses alive and sound. Go take a look for yourself on the Florida Farrier Service page on Facebook.
I am proud to have him as my farrier! We rode to a World Championship under his care! I will be forever grateful to all he has done for my boys! I’m sure his clients all feel the same way! He definitely deserves a moment in the spotlight!
— Michele Franz (Geneva, Florida)
Clayton feels there is always a way to fix a problem. He goes out of his way for emergencies, sometimes traveling over an hour just to put a shoe back on. He does his job because he cares. We have had horses for 35 years and he is the best farrier we have ever had.
— Bryan Callahan (Cocoa, Florida)
I was referred to Clayton Wilber by a well-respected veterinarian who travels from Maine to West Palm and was an Olympic Dressage Veterinarian in Spain. My horse at the time had torn his deep suspensory ligament. Clayton was able to help him heal. I was impressed with his knowledge, ability and patience with a heartbroken woman. Clayton has been my blacksmith for around 10 years. He comes when he is scheduled, and calls if he is ill or delayed. He brings an apprentice with him and educates both of us with interesting stories and patience. Clayton is often called to work on foundered horses, and does large barns with champion horses, but still comes to shoe my single-trail horse. He has helped me keep my 24-year-old mare able to keep going. Clayton is a credit to his profession by educating owners and helping horses stay usable and educating the next generation of farriers.
— Louisa Killian (Melbourne, Florida)
You see a farrier become part of your family when they are with you from the start of your horse adventures. My relationship with my farrier, Clayton Wilber, goes a little deeper. I was a little girl dancing on his toes at his wedding. He stuck with me through all my horse adventures, through good times and bad.
When our mare ripped her hoof almost all the way off in a trailer, he met me at the house, family in tow, in the rain, to look at her. He followed up with phone calls and check-ups until she made a full recovery.
He never complained about my pain-in-the-butt mares who were lazy or had bad habits. Just ask him; Annie was his least favorite.
When my husband was injured and hospitalized, he didn’t even ask about appointments. I came home and it was done, never saw a bill or complaint. He did this for months to help my family.
When I lost my gelding, he sent a card in the mail as a condolence for our loss, not his. You see, our farrier never saw us as a job. We were family. Our horses were his horses. Our troubles were his troubles.
— Ashley Holl (St. Cloud, Florida)
Clayton is truly passionate about the wellbeing of our horses. He never rushes through his work. It’s not 
about the money to him. He genuinely wants to give the horse the best set of hooves, whether by assisting in improving the horse’s performance or assisting in healing a hoof injury. Clayton gives every client 120%, and I thank my lucky stars to have him as a farrier!
— DeAnna Crisafulli (Cocoa, Florida)
Clayton was highly recommended to me over 8 years ago and, in the time I have known him, he has always acted with integrity and professionalism. His greatest concern is for the horses and he strives to always bring his A-game, nothing less!
— Jalane Speer (Oviedo, Florida)
Clayton Wilber has been my farrier for many years now. He is the best! Before Clayton, I had farriers that left long toes, short toes and even lamed my horses and argued about it!
Clayton is knowledgeable, meticulous and kind! He is kind to his clients, his assistants and the horses! I always look forward to his visits: I learn so much about horse/hoof anatomy.
When he gets a new assistant, they don’t know much in the beginning — but in very little time, they get better and better. He always double-checks their work because the hoof has to be the best for the horse! And vets love to work with him too. Clayton is everything a farrier should be!
— Lyssa Braga (Chuluota, Florida)
I am grateful to have Clayton Wilber as my farrier. His passion and dedication can be seen in his work. He is always willing to explain what he is doing with the horse and why. I have always had an interest in shoeing horses and Clayton is always willing to teach me about what he does, from how to hold the foot to how to use the different tools to get the correct trim. He is always educating himself so he can do the best work possible. I would not want anyone else as my farrier!
— Tanya Nicholls (Orlando, Florida)