“Be gritty, be prompt, be willing to learn,” are the three characteristics that Julia Lundeen says every new farrier needs to succeed in the industry.

Julia Lundeen was honored as the 2023 Rising Shoeing Star Award winner at the International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. The program recognizes farriers making incredible progress in their first 3 years after farrier school. In partnership with industry suppliers, the program highlights the importance of education and motivates new farriers to succeed. The 2023 program sponsors are Pyranha Animal Health, Victory Racing Plate Co. and American Farriers Journal.

Sponsored By:

After starting school to earn an engineering degree, Lundeen made a major shift. She didn’t want to sit behind a desk. She wanted to see her work make a difference. A conversation with her farrier opened her eyes for a new path forward.

Immediate Challenges

Lundeen identified a major obstacle after graduating from the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing in Ramsey, Minn.

“I knew what I needed to do in my mind,” she recalls, “but my hands didn’t have the skills.”

Lundeen connected with mentors, including Mark Thorkildson, whom she credits for helping her improve.

“Mark taught me how to use clinchers,” Lundeen says, adding it was one of the most foundational skills in her hoof-care toolbox.

Mentors have played a large role in Lundeen’s education and career. These mentors included Minnesota School of Horseshoeing teachers, who nominated her for the Rising Shoeing Star Award.

Importance of Mentors

Upon graduating, Lundeen started Gray Duck Forge. She has been building a client base for the past few years and credits many of the connections she has made to mentors in the industry, as well.

Lundeen now is a mentor and example for others. She’s excited that as a substitute teacher at the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, other women can look up to her. Lundeen says it makes a big difference for a student to see someone who looks like them having success in the industry.

“It’s easy to look at the big burly guy in the room and think, ‘Of course, he’s good at this. Of course, he can swing a hammer,’” she says. “When I first started, my skills needed work, too.”

Outside the classroom, Lundeen is most proud of the little things that make her work important.

“I’ve won a few blue ribbons, but that’s not nearly as cool as helping a horse,” she says.

While Lundeen admits some don’t find the small, daily accomplishments important, she knows they add up to a long, fulfilling career.

Of course, not every day is easy. Lundeen points to ethical dilemmas as one of the biggest challenges.

“It’s hard when you know what’s best for the horse,” she says, “but the cost might be an issue for the customer.”

She’s not afraid to spend 2 hours with a horse to get the job done right, but it often leads to negotiations with a customer that requires a high level of communication and customer service.

Lundeen says it’s challenging to go home knowing what a horse needs but may not be able to get.

“Mark taught me how to handle customers, work with vets and navigate the business of this job,” Lundeen says.

Above all, showing up on time and being nice to the horses go a long way.

Thorkildson also taught her the fundamentals of running a business, including pricing and dealing with competition among her peers and the farriers who have been in the industry far longer.

Lundeen was humbled and surprised she was nominated for — and winning — the Rising Shoeing Star Award.

“I tend to focus on my shortcomings, so I was surprised,” Lundeen says.

In the near future, Lundeen is focusing on passing her American Farrier’s Association Certified Journeyman Farrier’s exam. She already passed the written portion and is excited that the process is almost complete.

“I love to teach,” Lundeen says, “so I’d love to do more of that.”