Editor’s Note: This article was last updated May 19.

Trenton, Utah, farrier Scott McKendrick passed away Saturday, May 15, 2021, after battling cancer. He was 69.

McKendrick was a graduate from Utah State University with a Master’s Degree in Animal Science. While attending USU, he met the love of his life, Rena Johns. They were married Sept. 6, 1974. Together, they raised four children.

McKendrick was a cowboy by heart. His love for riding, roping, herding cattle, branding time and all the cowboy things ran deep into his bones. He was a farrier by trade. He found joy in using his skill and his intuition to take a horse with problems and help them become sound. He did the same for people. He had a knack for helping the ones who others thought were too far gone to become sound again. 

McKendrick was generous with sharing his knowledge to improve hoof care and help his fellow farriers succeed in their businesses.

“We are saddened to hear that we lost one of our own over the weekend, Scott McKendrick,” according to a Facebook post by the Utah Horseshoers Guild (UHG). “We’re going to miss you! Scott was a huge asset to the UHG and the Northern Utah horse community. His pride and love of being a farrier was felt by everyone that knew him. He was a man of character and integrity. If he said he was going to do something, you knew it was going to get done, and done well! I know in his version of heaven he would be shoeing horses. Keep nailing them on, buddy!!!”

Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 21 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6521 N. 2400 West Amalga, Utah. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22 at the church. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 23 at Clover Valley Cemetery in Clover Valley, Nev.

Learn More

  • Utah Farrier Helps Extend Hoof Care: Scott McKendrick involved the in development of “Proper Basic Hoof Care” handout for Utah State University Extension.
  • Getting a Better Fit: Farriers share their tips and insight on how they shape and modify keg shoes for their work.
  • How 4 Farriers Found New Ways to Grow Their Business: There may never be a better time to educate horse owners on the many benefits of effective footcare. That’s the advice offered by four farriers that can lead to more exposure for you in the equine community while boosting your professional image.