For the 2020 Summit Mail-In Forging Exercise, I’ve selected a sidebone shoe. In the years that I’ve made the shoes for this contest, I’ve had two goals. I want to test your forging ability, but I also want to choose one of the most practical shoes I nail on. This is a beneficial shoe for those older horses that need some help moving laterally without affecting the trim because you can put some of the trim in the shoe.

I will be on site to judge the shoes at the 2020 International Hoof-Care Summit. If you are there, stop by the World Championship Blacksmiths booth to talk about your shoe after it is judged. In addition to the practicality, I think you’ll find this shoe presents some unique challenges.

This is the sixth annual Summit Mail-In Forging Exercise. Thank you to VICTORY Racing Plate Co. for sponsoring this challenge again. You can watch a video of making this shoe at AmericanFarriers.com/summitshoe. You’ll improve your skills and earn a free T-shirt just for entering. You may win the buckle. But remember, it isn’t about winning — it is about the journey. Good luck!

Sponsored by VICTORY, this forging…