Richard (Rick) Banker (Paul Smiths, N.Y.)
Richard (Rick) Banker is a CJF farrier who is unselfish, devoted to the trade and committed to helping any farrier, regardless of their level of training, to make a difference in the hoof-care world.
After going to horseshoeing school, I had asked a number of different farriers if I could ride with them. Pretty much I always got a “no” answer. Not from Rick! He said “anytime.” So, we got our calendars out, found a time and a place and I spent the better part of 6 months, one day a week, riding with Rick and helping him out. Or rather, him helping me out!
During that same time, he took a young fellow fresh out of high school under his wing as well to learn the trade of horseshoeing. I'm sure there were days where two apprentices almost drove him crazy but he always kept his cool and his sense of humor as well as holding himself to the high standard of mentor/instructor.
At some point, Rick asked me what my plans were. At that time, I hadn't really considered shoeing as a business so he told me I just needed to bite the bullet and hang a shingle out. So, I did! He helped me get started with some clients as well.
He’s always been there for me — still is! I had a hip replacement in 2016 after which I spent a full day going back and working with Rick just to make sure my skills and ability were up to snuff.
Not only is he willing to help other upcoming farriers out, at one time he was a tester for the AFA.
When a group of Vermont farriers banded together and started Vermont Farriers Association, Rick was agreeable to come help us get our association off the ground by offering his services at no cost for doing several clinics as well as our first forging contest.
Rick has always been unselfish and generous with the knowledge he’s picked up over the years and continues to support Vermont Farriers Association as well as anyone who would like to learn. I greatly appreciate his mentorship over the years! Thanks Rick!
— Diane Saunders (Bristol, Vermont)