John Beiler (Drumore, Penn.)
John Beiler has been my farrier for 22 years. During that time, he has shod many horses of different breeds for me, such as walking horses, thoroughbreds, quarter horses and paso finos. He has treated a myriad of issues ranging from thrush, abscesses, laminitis and conformational faults requiring studying the horse's movement in different gaits prior to shoeing. I trailer my horses to his shop, he is Amish. Although, as the need arises, I bring him to my barn for specific problems. By trailering to him, he can keep his costs down and mine also. The added plus is that my horses are used to being trailered and being in a busy environment.
Being an Amishman, horses are an integral part of John's life. He is very intuitive to the subtle nuances of a horse's needs. For example, when my horse is tensed up in the hind leg, he gives him a moment to relax and get prepared to have his leg lifted forward into position on the stand to be worked on. John also has a stockade that is useful to train a horse that has trouble balancing or to use with a draft horse that likes to lean.
John has a vast array of endless knowledge to assess a horse's needs and shoe it accordingly. He is a lifelong learner, in that he subscribes to the AFJ and attends clinics. He consults with local veterinarians regarding issues and reading radiographs to determine the best treatment for that horse. John's clientele encompasses Amish — with driving and work horses — and non-Amish — with pleasure and show horses. He periodically has a renowned veterinarian hold lameness clinics at his shop to provide an opportunity for owners to obtain affordable treatment for their horses. Additionally, it is a platform for education for change in the management of the horses, thus improving their lives.
John's shop is equipped with everything he needs for whatever needs done to help a horse. He has stock shoes of many sizes, but also the equipment to make his own or modified another. He has a welding area to put borium on or make custom shoes with bars. He has various pieces of equipment to make any needed adjustments. For example, I have a horse that stumbles and John rolls the toe and grinds the tip of the shoe to assist with break over. He heats the shoe and hammers out toe and side clips. It is common to see him sharpening his trimming knife upon arrival for an appointment. My appointment times between visits varies with each horses' needs. John is educated about many products on the market such as Equi-Pak. He used one formula for my lame, laminitic mare and when he was finished, the mare could move like nothing was wrong with her. Currently, he is using a product used by dentists, to pack under a pad. It worked great for my horses under their snow pads this past winter. John also has DAC brand nutrients available for purchase in his shop, along with Himalayan salt licks and other hoof products.
I have evolved into a better horse person from all that I have learned from John over the years. I read his subscription to the American Farriers Journal and we have productive discussions on many topics. He has mini booklets from American Farriers Journal on hoof anatomy, navicular syndrome, etc., to educate clients so they can better understand the issues with their horses.
I could go into detail about so much more, however, I will close by saying that John Beiler is an elite farrier among farriers! I say this for his skillful eye, his skill in the construction of the shoe and its application and what he does for each horse that he works on. Also, for how he treats me and all of his clients, kind, caring and respectful. I am truly blessed to have John as my farrier. His two sons have followed in his footsteps and became farriers, and are shining examples of this great man as their mentor.
— Wendy Herr (Drumore, Penn.)
