Clayton Wilbur (Oxford, Fla.)
Let me start by saying we have been using Clayton for over 7 years. We have always kept him on his toes with my Hanoverian mare jumper to my husband’s team roping Quarter Horse, he’s always up for the challenge. This past year though he saved my horse … no, really saved her. Capella suffered a deep digital tendon injury that had her pretty much three-legged. When my vet teamed up with Clayton, they came up with a game plan and he quickly implemented it. Step one was to get her in a wedge to relieve the tendon. He hand-crafted this amazing piece of work that put her in a 6-degree wedge and gave her all the support she needed. She went from barely being able to walk to being comfortable. We called the shoe her “Louis Vuitton.” Next was stem cells. We did those the following week. Lots of TLC, hand grazing, stall rest, icing, wrapping all contributed to progress. She stayed in that shoe for two rotations and after a positive ultrasound we lessened the wedge and she continued to show improvement. We now have her in a 1-degree leather wedge pad. Her latest ultrasound has shown tendon fibers healing from about 10% to 80%. She is getting daily turn out and I have just been cleared to get on her. She has been called the miracle girl, but I know it’s this amazing team she has behind her. Thank you Clayton for loving my girl and for all your hard work on being part of this miracle girl’s success.
— Aurelia Riley (Rockledge, Fla.)
Clayton is by far the best farrier and the most accommodating person I have worked with in years. He commonly takes the time to educate me on proper angles, shape, and what I can do to help better the foot and care. Clayton is always willing to answer my 5,000 questions and I truly am grateful for his time and efforts. He specializes in special shoeing but is somehow the only farrier who can keep my 2 tender footed thoroughbreds sound. 10 out of 10 recommend him and all he does for the horse community.
— Diana Husband (Cocoa, Fla.)
I feel like the word farrier is so lightly thrown around like it’s just someone who horses go to on a mundane schedule, but it’s so much more than that. These men and women are worth their weight in gold, especially when you find one as passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated as Clayton. This man goes above and beyond to keep our horses sound and feeling great so they can perform to the best of their ability or just be a horse and run wild and free in the pasture. He also spreads his knowledge to his clients so we have the awareness as horse owners to care for our horses hooves. Clayton is truly a hoof doctor. I would say I’m one of his easy clients, but the work I’ve seen him do is truly incredible. Completely repairing hooves cannot be an easy task, but he does it in stride. He gives horses second chances and horse owners hope and peace of mind that they get more time with their partners, best friends, teammates; the list goes on as we all know. As for me and my herd, we are absolutely blessed to have Clayton of Florida Farrier Service be our farrier.
— Beth Damiano (Webster, Fla.)
It is only by the grace of God and Mr. Clayton’s expertise that my mare Sister is still running. Sister is 21 and has always had challenging feet, but Clayton’s knowledge and skill have kept her sound. I am immensely grateful for all that the Wilbers do for us!
— Lacie Brownless (Fellsmere, Fla.)
When the podiatrist looks at your horse’s X-rays and asks if the horse is still alive and your farrier answers, “Yeah, man, she rides him every day,” you know you have the right person helping with recovery. My Grand Prix dressage horse became semi-retired in 2017 after a bout of founder. He is now barefoot and back in work, living his best life here at Brevard Equestrian Center!
— Lisa Smith (Grant, Fla.)
We have been so blessed to have Clayton Wilbur and his team from Florida Farrier Service. He has been our farrier for almost 6 years and we have learned so much from him. I don’t know too many people who work as hard. He is always in the forefront of anything new to his trade. He teaches not only his apprentice, but owners as well. I have personally witnessed some incredible recoveries with Clayton and vets working together! We are so honored to be a client and appreciate all you do!
— Tammy Cheng (Melbourne, Fla.)