Jim Keane (Chicago, Ill.)
Every farrier wants to feel as if they are the best in the industry, but as we all know, that's not the case. As a farrier, and horse owner, I've seen too many "shade tree" farriers ruining horses and clients. My love of horse shoeing, and horses for that matter, stems from my uncle. He still shoes at 65 years old, not as a hobby, but as a career. Not because he has to, but because it's in his blood. He has taught countless farriers the skills for a successful career and happy horses. He's a very humble man, but he's worked on the best racehorses, dressage, and his passion, western pleasure horses.
On a personal note, he's taught me the skills, not just physically shoeing, but on the motion and mechanics of the horse, from the hoof to the spine. He taught me what to look for, how to shoe the horse, how to make it comfortable, and how to get the most out of the performance of the horse. I've been able to shoe from the southeast to Europe, solely because of Jim Keane.
If it weren’t for this man, thousands of horses and myself wouldn't be here without him.
—Joe Keane (Fla.)
