John Wayne Jackson

Courtesy of Danielle Elizabeth Niedzielski

John Wayne Jackson has all the attributes a top sport horse farrier should have. He is humble, kind and patient with horses and people. He's a good listener and thrives off the feedback of owners and trainers. In partnership with many local veterinarians, he works tirelessly to address sport horse lamenesses and keep his top horses performing at their peak. He checks in on his horses constantly — whether they're in or out of the show ring, retired or somewhere in between — and has a level of customer service and professionalism that isn't often seen in this industry. He's committed to his own education as a farrier and is always trying to learn something new to further his knowledge and skill. As a mentor, he pushes his apprentices to follow this same approach. Work hard, be kind and always keep learning. Most of all, he always puts his horses first.

— Danielle Elizabeth Niedzielski, Savannah, Ga.