Bud Williamon (Shelbyville, Ky.)
Of all the farriers out there, I realize there are thousands I have not met yet. However, there is one person that I believe deserves all the credit and honor any one can bestow on one individual. This farrier is Mr. Bud Willamon.
I met Bud at a horse show while grooming in North Carolina. I had travelled from South Africa to the U.S. to find an apprenticeship. I had been to quite a few shows and asked quite a few farriers, to no avail. I do believe that all the guardian angels of farriers before were looking after me as Bud said he would take me on. If it was not for this defining moment in my life, I don’t believe I could have been half the farrier I am today.
Firstly, it was an eye opener to see how diligent one person can be. Bud would be in front of the trailer at 4 a.m. honking his horn. He would drive how ever many hours, shoe all day, drive back home and then, if there was time and light, get in his mower, work on one of his Southern Venture trucks, or build the barn. There was no stopping this then 64-year-old.
I have seen apprentices work and learn from very skilled farriers, who unfortunately are not teachers. Bud never stopped teaching. He was constantly explaining, describing and pushing. Bud had a team of very skilled guys working with him who were old school, worked pretty hard and were very fair. Bud had an insight and understanding of balance, movement, and landing that I don't believe can be taught. It was a gift. The fantastic aspect was that he loved sharing his knowledge. He loved teaching, training, and helping young farriers. Even for older guys who were struggling, Bud would take them on until they were back on there feet. I don't think there is another master who has trained more working farriers than Mr. Willamon.
After me, another half a dozen or more South Africans spent many years working with Bud, as well as many American apprentices. We were also inundated with big stories of his very interesting life and experiences. His very unique sense of humor had us rolling with laughter. I don't know how many horses we were doing and how many champions, but there were many. The unbelievable thing is that even today, Bud is still probably the most humble person I have met, especially with the caliber of horses and the size of his business. Bud never spoilt any of us, but he looked after us and went out of his way to involve us in functions and events. He always made sure we were included, even as dirty and tired apprentices.
During his earlier years, Bud started the Kentucky Farrier School and while I was with them, the Farrier Supply Store. He also built up a very successful horse transport company, Southern Venture! Bud, a young 80 years old, is still going out with his team and still shoeing horses. Just this aspect in itself is seriously encouraging to any one of us getting on in life. The reason I am writing this tribute is that I don't think Bud realizes how much he has helped us. Sharing his vast years of knowledge and experience with us. I don't think he realizes how much we appreciate it and how fond we all are of him. I seriously get a lump in throat and tears in my eyes when I think about the opportunities this humble, brilliant man has created for so many of us.
Thank you, Bud.
— Brian Donnolly (Riffa, Middle East, Bahrain)
