Selected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of American Farriers Journal, these 50 influencers and innovators — chosen by AFJ readers and staff — represent a diverse group of individuals who have made profound impacts on and contributions to the horseshoeing industry

Roy Bloom

Owner of Bloom Forge and a Hall of Famer, Roy Bloom is known as a tool designer, competition judge and sought-after clinician. He was named the American Farriers Association’s (AFA) Outstanding Educator in 2001 and was a longtime coach of the American Farriers Team.

Seamus Brady

Hall of Famer Seamus Brady served as the farrier for the Irish Equestrian Team, the United States Equestrian Team and the U.S. Olympic Team. He has shod more world champion hunter/jumpers in the U.S. and Europe than any other farrier during his lifetime. 

Curtis Burns 

Wellington, Fla., farrier Curtis Burns invented Polyflex shoes and has shod many Thoroughbred racers, including Mucho Macho Man, the 2014 Breeders’ Cup winner, and Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown winner. He is also a former member of the International Association of Professional Farriers’ board of directors. 

Doug Butler

The author of several books, including The Principles of Horseshoeing and Shoeing In Your Right Mind, Hall of Fame farrier Doug Butler has dedicated himself to educating farriers. He is the founder of the Farrier Focus Podcast and the Butler Professional Farrier School. 

Shayne Carter

A five-time member of the American Farriers Team (AFT) and a Hall of Fame member, Shayne Carter has won several national…