On Jan. 11, Steve Bloom of Buckner, Ky., passed away at the age of 70. Bloom, born on Oct. 29, 1944, in Red Bank, N.J., was the founder and president of Grand Circuit Products LLC.

After apprenticing under farrier John Marino, of Peaster, Texas, Bloom went on to become a much sought after farrier in New Jersey. 

He was a renowned horseshoer all along the East Coast, with clients like high-end sport horses.

After retiring from shoeing, he stayed in the industry, opening Across the Anvil East in Freehold, N.J., out of his garage in 1985. He then went on to found the manufacturing division of Grand Circuit Products in 1993, where he would design and produce innovative horseshoes.

Bloom’s colleagues and friends shared a few memories of his impact on their lives and careers.

A Man Of Great Honesty

I have known Steve for quite a while. He was a man of great honesty and of his word. He also was very creative when it came to developing new and useful products for the horseshoeing industry. He will be greatly missed as a friend.

— Steve Eastman, Kenwood, Calif.

Always Greeted You With A Smile

I am from New Jersey and apprenticed under Bob Pethick for seven years. At that time, I was a new farrier in the area and Steve owned Across the Anvil East, where I purchased all my supplies. He was a very caring person who always greeted you with a smile. He would offer advice…