The Minnesota School of Horseshoeing is welcoming back one of their own as an instructor.

Valerie Poyer, a 2015 graduate of the Ramsey, Minn.-based farrier school, joined the staff Feb. 20.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity,” Poyer says, “and I feel very grateful to be able to add this to regular attendance to clinics and bi-weekly outings with my amazing mentors, who have a combined experience of over 100 years.”

Poyer will handle lecturing duties, while Brian Quammen will continue instructing forging and practical skills.

“The two morning a week class schedule allows me to continue developing my clientele,” she says, “and serve my current customers, most of which need me evenings and weekends.”

Poyer, who has more than 20 years of business management experience, is looking forward to imparting that knowledge, as well as much more in her new role.

“I realized very quickly that the business/customer service skill and professionalism were lacking in the farrier profession,” says the Madagascar native. “Most client complaints are a reflection of a deficiency in those most important skills — lateness, poor communication, poor follow through, etc. I wanted to contribute my business experience to help develop more business savvy new farriers, setting them up for success in their new career. In addition, what better way to hone my anatomy, physiology and other theoretical skills than to teach them, while I take steps toward certification.”

As the recipient of the 2016 Jamison Albright Foundation for Farrier Scholarship Award, the farrier instructor position helps fulfill an obligation, as well as a return to a comfort zone.

“One of my commitment to the donors was to contribute to the professional development of new farriers,” Poyer says. “One more reason is my kinship for the folks at the Minnesota School of Horseshoeing and Duggan Farrier Supplies and their lifelong dedication to the trade.”

The feeling is mutual for the Duggan family, who owns and operates both the shoeing school and the supply shop.

“Valerie really does a super good job,” Nancy Duggan says. “She brings with her professionalism and technical competance. She relates well with the students and integrates the textbooks, videos and other American Farrier’s Association educational materials very well in the classroom.”