Dave Feldman (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Picture a well-read cowboy with a mustache Sam Elliot himself would be proud of who walks around with an ease, almost as if he has a good joke in his back pocket, ready to tell. This might be a kind of first impression you get from Dave Feldman. One of the first bits of advice he ever gave me was, “Sometimes, you can’t take yourself too seriously.” I always thought this ironic advice from someone whose demeanor also suggested success in anything they’ve ever done. But once I got to know him better, it made sense. He’s kind and caring, studious as I’ve ever known, tough when he needs to be, and possesses the kind of moral compass that always makes you want to ask his advice. A career lawman, master farrier, and cowboy, through and through. It’s not exaggerating to say that you would be hard-pressed to dream up a better mentor.
The home I came from was tumultuous, to say the least. I always knew I wanted a better life and was passionate to make something better of it but did not always know where to turn. Most of the time, I had to learn the hard way, and lessons in humility did not come cheap. But luckily, I had rodeo. I was able to latch onto rodeo as a young kid and that helped me gain opportunities that others around me didn’t have. That is how I crossed paths with Mr. Feldman. Before then, there were glimpses and fleeting moments of watching people I looked up to in order to get a vague idea of what it would take for someone like me to strive for success, but never like the Feldmans. After Mr. Feldman, my motivation to work for a better life evolved into something more. It turned into me wanting to make him proud. For the first time I knew what it felt like to be downright petrified if I had gotten into trouble, knowing I’d have to fess up and tell him. It was a strange and foreign feeling, but carried an unmistakable clue that I was cared for and lucky beyond measure.
I’m proud to say that I’m in my third year of veterinary school, and I am certain that would not be the case if it weren’t for Mr. Feldman (and Mrs. Feldman!). He has been there for me since the day we met, offering his wisdom, support, and guidance. Some of my favorite memories are made up of him quizzing my knowledge of the equine distal limb after I get home for a visit. He’s always available to offer his counsel on aspects of corrective shoeing for certain pathologies, ensuring that he engages my imagination. He’s always available to help me navigate the tricky affairs of life. Furthermore, he has provided a shining example of what it is like to be a good man. And for me, this has offered opportunities far beyond simply improving my knowledge of the equine limb. He has offered me a better life, a home, and an inspiration. Dictionary.com defines mentor as, “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” While this most certainly pertains to Mr. Feldman, he has gone above and beyond, parenting me with love and caring when he could have stopped at mentor. For this, I am moved beyond words can express with gratitude.
— Jarrett Trembly (Denver, Colo.)