On Nov. 4, 2013, legendary farrier Dave Willis passed away. The member of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame had built a reputation for his quality shoeing work, brilliant intellect and friendly personality. He also is recognized for inventing or refining a wide variety of farrier tools and forges. He was deeply committed to education, having founded the Oregon Farriers Association.

It is not uncommon to hear farriers speak about giving back to the industry by educating the next generation of hoof-care professionals. Chris Gregory is an avid supporter of that notion. As owner of the Heartland Horseshoeing School and clinician, he has done his fair share of work to advance farrier education. The veteran farrier from Lamar, Mo., recently dedicated himself more so by becoming an examiner in the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF). He became the first non-United Kingdom resident to earn this distinction after receiving the WCF council's approval in March 2010.

Hang around farriers long enough and you may decide that opinions on hoof trims are sort of like religion and politics - they shouldn't be discussed in polite company.