2016 National Farriers Week: Farriers Spotlight
Welcome to the 2016 National Farriers Week Farriers Spotlight!
Farriers work hard year-round to provide quality hoof care for horses worldwide. To honor their dedication and service, American Farriers Journal created National Farriers Week. In its 18th year, National Farriers Week is an opportunity to honor your farrier.
American Farriers Journal started the "Farriers Spotlight" in 2012, which is an online-exclusive compilation dedicated to showcasing some of the many farriers in the industry. The farriers featured here were either submitted to us by members of the equine community worldwide, or were stories sent in by farriers about what they are doing in the industry. If you submitted a farrier, you can jump straight to their dedicated page by clicking on their name in the list of farrier submissions below.
There are plenty of photos, videos and anecdotes for you to read and see. Be sure to share this with your family and friends, and give your own "thank you" to our beloved farriers in the comments section here or on any of the individual farrier pages that follow.
Thank you farriers, and Happy Farriers Week!
—Michelle Drewek and the American Farriers Journal team
Farrier Tributes, in alphabetical order by last name:
Bill Adams (Eureka, Calif.)
I have the honor of being able to learn from the great Bill Adams. He is a farrier that shows passion in everything he does, from forging to shoeing to teaching, and his words of wisdom about life in general. When I chose to follow my dream and become a farrier, I couldn't have known how much I could learn from his experience. He is a tough teacher, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My goal is to one day be at least half the farrier Bill is. Thank you for everything, Bill.
— Shannon Eggel (Ferndale, Calif.)
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Wayne Allen (Emerson, Ga.)
In his over 50 years as a farrier, Wayne have given unconditionally to the farrier trade in the certification program, as a wonderful role model and an excellent farrier.
— Rusty Jenkins (Carrabelle, Fla.)
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Tom Alphonse (150 Mile House, B.C., Canada)
What I like about Tom's farrier work is he is no-nonsense. He comes in to assess the animal and its hoof, makes a decision and gets to work. He has the skill and ability to complete effective reconstruction/repair of the hoof. He has a great, friendly demeanor and is as honest as the day is long.
— Darrell Ashworth (Williams Lake, B.C., Canada)
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Elwyn "Al" Ames (La Porte, Ind.)
- 50-plus years shoeing
- 2600 horses per year
- 10,400 hooves per year
- 130,000 horses done in a career
- 520,000 hooves done in those years
Yep, Still doing what he does best. That's worth a moment of reading and a little pat on the back. The farrier's name is Elwyn Ames. Everyone knows him as Al. He has handed down the trade to his son, Mike, who has been shoeing for 35-plus years now.
Al is 75 years old, and still out 5 days a week shoeing. When a schedule is 2-3 weeks out to try and get one horse in for a trim, that speaks volumes for the work he has established over the years and for the clients he keeps. He was my farrier for my navicular youth horse back in the mid-80s. I won a lot of ribbons on that horse because he kept him sound. But my biggest "thank you" comes from a day in May of 1987. I was home from college and knew I didn't want to return in the fall. As Al was shoeing my horse I now realize he was "vetting" me. As he trimmed and tapped I would be asked, "You ride colts?" "Yes," I told him. A few more taps, "You bale hay?" "Yes," I told him. On to the next hoof, "You do chores and clean stalls?" "Yes," I replied again. He even asked me what I "was?" I chuckled and told him I was German, Scottish and my mom was purebred Polish. He stopped tapping that last hoof and looked up at me with a wink and a ""your dad is a better man than I'll ever be."" We shared a laugh and two days later his son called. We have been married over 26 years now. Our son has also learned to shoe but not sure he will be filling the shoes that came before him.
While Al and his son have built a thriving business and the trade has been good to them, it is often not the work they will talk about. It is the people and the relationships and the "Oh no" when a horse is put down they have done for most of its life. Shoeing has been a good living and an honorable trade for Al, but I think he would say it is the people he has met along the way that mean the most. I know I was lucky enough to have him work on my good horse back in the day but even luckier he shared his son with me. My tribute is a little different. There is so much more to farrier than just shoes and nails.
— Joan Ames (La Porte, Ind.)
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Gene Armstrong (Paso Robles, Calif.)
After several falls and quite a bit of unpredictable behavior from my first horse, I found a Belgian Warmblood who has turned out to be my equine dream come true. He's gentle, safe and sweet; perfect for me in nearly every way.
But, of course, no horse or human can be completely perfect. He has standing hyperflexion, a condition that makes it hard for him to lift his back feet normally while standing still. He lifts from the hip and the muscles lock up for several seconds, making balance difficult. The vet who did his pre-purchase exam told me it was considered a blemish — not an unsoundness — and that it was mostly a nuisance for the farrier.
So I called Gene, who had been shoeing my first horse for a year, keeping my fingers crossed he would be willing to take on my new boy. "It's going to require an awful lot of patience," he told me. He also pointed out that the farrier who worked on him at the high-end dressage barn where I bought him had been cutting corners on his back feet.
Three shoeings later, Gene still has the patience to get my boy done right. He's finding it a little easier each time because he's doing it in a way that's right for the horse, who has benefitted from not having to flex his back legs in that stressful position. I'm not sure I could have found another farrier patient enough to do the job and do it right, but Gene truly loves horses and "right" is the only kind of job he does. He even took a day in May to provide a low-cost seminar to help us understand our role in our horses' hoof health.
Gene Armstrong is a treasure for those of us who love our horses and want only the best for their care.
— Catherine Hyde (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)
Gene Armstrong is a great farrier/blacksmith and has shod my horses for 40 years now. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed. Gene makes all of the horseshoes from straight bar stock for all of the horses that he shoes. Gene is very precise in how he shapes the hoof and in how he makes the shoe. His shoes are perfectly made. He is also a horseman and can handle all the poor-mannered horses. I’ve held other people’s horses for him at times and I thought they were too bad to be shod, but Gene knows how to handle all horses. He raises, trains and shows his own horses and continues to shoe and show (reining cow horse) at age 74. Gene has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom about horseshoeing and horsemanship, and has been shoeing for over 50 years. I’ve learned a great deal about horsemanship from him; it’s been a blessing to be able to have the greatest farrier shoe my horses.
— Jennifer McCallum (Los Osos, Calif.)
After my big, bossy mare ran a few farriers off, Gene Armstrong finally helped me understand my responsibility in promoting better behavior in my horse that would allow farriers to do a good job while shoeing her. Up until that time, I wasn’t aware what a crucial role the owner played in facilitating ground manners during shoeing time. It was only then I realized that communication between owners and farriers over horse behavior and farrier safety is a seldom-discussed topic, rife with potential emotional pitfalls. Gene’s explanation of what action could be taken on my part was assertive yet considerate, and my mare’s behavior has since made progression in a positive direction. In this respect, I asked him if he would be willing to share this information, and he freely gave his time to speak with local horsemen, promoting knowledge of hoof health and farrier-owner communication. By actively reaching out, Gene has made not only a difference in my life with my horse, but in the lives of many other horse people country-wide. I am honored to have Gene as my farrier, and appreciate his uncompromising dedication to promoting knowledgable practices among farriers and owners alike.
— Christina Sugarman (Los Osos, Calif.)
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George Barker (Gilmanton, N.H.)
George Barker has been my farrier and friend for over 10 years. He came highly recommended to me when I bought and boarded my new mare at a barn that he had been shoeing at for years. George Barker is a bit of a legend in New Hampshire. Everyone knows George. Everyone loves George. He is an incredibly skilled farrier and shoes all kinds of horses, from elite dressage horses to the personal horses of highly-respected equine vets, driving ponies, working drafts and everything in between. He's always up for a new challenge and to meet new people.
When he is not shoeing client horses, George is busy working with other skilled farriers to practice making shoes I've never seen or heard of before from bar stock and fitting them perfectly to horses. I've had the pleasure of watching him in blacksmith competitions to see all of his hard work pay off. He's always adding to his skill set and body of knowledge and his dedication to his profession is second to none.
Besides being a gifted farrier, George is also genuinely fun to be around and a really nice guy. He shows up when he says he will and is always there when you need him. There are always laughs when he's around, too. While this is entertaining for the people, it also seems beneficial to the horses as they are just at ease around George. He's patient and kind with them. An older mare I was riding had trouble with her hocks that made lifting her hind legs difficult. George would get down low to work on her hind feet and worked quickly so that she wouldn't have to be uncomfortable. He also changed up the routine to give her breaks and walked her around to help her stretch out her legs. He does whatever makes the horse most comfortable and always wants to know how they are doing. He really cares for all of the horses that he works with and its truly appreciated.
Recently, I moved to another state and don't have the fortune of having George as my regular farrier, but I am always sending him pictures of my horse's feet and asking questions about all sorts of hoof-related care. I even had the chance to spend a day with him shadowing his work. To watch him with all sorts of different horses and challenges was incredible. So to was the respect and admiration that he has from all of his clients.
Throughout the years I have known George, he's always had young farriers that travel with him and are learning the craft. He takes a lot of time teaching the next generation of great farriers and it's been fun to watch these farriers build successful businesses of their own. George giving back to the profession is no surprise as helping people is just a part of who he is. He's taught me a lot over the years as well and I am so lucky to call George my farrier and friend.
— Amy Cairy (Longmeadow, Mass.)
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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.)
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Daisy Bicking (Parkesburg, Penn.)
During May this year we were fortunate enough to host Pennsylvania farrier Daisy Bicking for a 3-day workshop in the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia. We’d like to give Daisy a public shout-out for coming such a long way to help teach us.
We had a group of 20 participants and the full-participant spots sold out in less than 24 hours! I had been following Daisy’s work for over 2 years and was impressed by the results she was achieving in composite materials. There had been limited tuition in such products available in this country, and so I had contacted Daisy on several occasions to ask for advice on tricky cases. We finally had the chance to meet at the 2015 International Hoof Care Summit and discuss the opportunities to bring Daisy’s workshops to Australia. Fast forward 15 months of planning and our first day was upon us!
We obtained numerous cadaver legs, got an assortment of them radiographed for the workshop by our amazing local vets, and then spent 3 days practicing with them in addition to watching a live-horse demo. We covered hoof mapping, hoof distortions, how to use composite shoes to achieve the best outcomes, and how to better our trims before applying shoes. On the last day we were able to put our trimmed and shod feet through the bandsaw to see how we were affecting the insides of the hoof.
The workshop was a complete success, with the majority of our participants saying the workshop should have been longer and all participants wanting more workshops with Daisy in the future. We established a student support group after the workshop, where the students can discuss their tricky cases in a friendly environment. We’ve now been able to see an assortment of horses be helped through these techniques that we’ve learnt from Daisy, and several of the students have integrated these skills in to the workshops that they’re teaching. The follow-on effect has been incredible!
Networking, cooperation and the sharing of information between farriers is extremely important. There are growing communities of farriers who wish to help each other out, including between those with more traditional and more alternative approaches. Daisy has been integral in promoting these communities, especially for those of us coming at shoeing from a barefoot background. And we can’t recommend networking and educational events such as the IHCS highly enough for helping foster these relationships.
Thank you Daisy and the International Hoof-Care Summit! We’d also like to give a big thanks to EasyCare Inc. for a generous donation of goods for the students to practice with. Their support is greatly appreciated.
— Sarah Kuyken (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
Director, Innovative Hoof Care Australia
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Jason Bill (Santa Fe, Texas)
Jason Bill is the best farrier I know. He tells it like it is and doesn't sugarcoat anything when it comes to your horses. I always recommend him to other horse owners I know.
— Michelle Golub-Sulak (Beasley, Texas)
Jason is the best farrier this side of the Mississippi River. He corrected my Pepper's hooves with such care. He stays on top of the latest methods and educates his clients. He is brutally honest, but I'd rather have that than someone to sugar coat issues.
— Kim Morrison (Santa Fe, Texas)
Jason is an awesome farrier. He is great with the horses and knows his stuff! He is also very helpful and has a lot of horse knowledge. To me, he is the best farrier that I know!
— Bonnie Tybie (Santa Fe, Texas)
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Tony Bray (Creswell, Ore.)
Tony has such an amazing love for what he does. Not only is the equine and their well-being of the utmost importance to him, but his drive to provide excellent customer service is bar none — more excellent than any other in this area. His dedication to further his education for not only himself but to also continue bringing the best to his clientele is only surpassed by helping to make our equine partners the best they can be for our jobs we give them.
Tony continues to volunteer his time to organizations, such as OHSET, to help the youth of today with equipment and farrier support during the competition meets. He gives demonstrations at local schools in Oregon to help further their knowledge not only in farrier work but overall equine knowledge. He also helps support local vet and farrier classes for the regular horse people with extra knowledge and hands-on experience of beneficial how to's. There is so much more that can be said about this incredible modern day hero of our equine companions.
— Teresa Bosch (Creswell, Ore.)
I have a rescue colt that had stifle issues for more than 6 months. Two trims by Tony, and the stifle issues were gone. It's been 4 years since then — need I say more? He's the only one that I trust with my horses life (their hooves) with. The horse I just planned to rescue is now a family member thanks to Tony.
— Kamara Littler (Cottage Grove, Ore.)
He's the top farrier here, who all the vets recommend and work closely with.
— Sheri McCartney (Eugene, Ore.)
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Jonathan "Tim"; Briggs (Sherburne, N.Y.)
Jonathan "Tim" Briggs is my farrier hero. Long story short, my 14-year-old solid Paint gelding, Matchbox, had recurrent lameness every spring for the past 3 years. The first year the lameness presented, he was diagnosed with palmar syndrome, with long toes/underslung heels. Matchbox improved with therapeutic shoeing, but it was challenging to maintain, even with close attention to the recommended shoeing cycle. He’d be sound by the fall, only to have the lameness reappear again in the spring. It was frustrating, and I thought after the third year in row that I’d have to retire him.
A friend I met at a clinic last fall recommended Tim. I showed Tim the radiographs and the photos of Matchbox’s feet, as I had noticed that the lameness seemed to be associated with toe length. Tim also spoke with my veterinarian. Finally, we discussed what had worked in the past and what hadn’t. One thing I appreciate about Tim is that he measures the hoof angle and the toe length at every shoeing. We record the measurements and monitor how the hoof angles change. We’ve seen the angles improve as the hooves remodel. We still have a ways to go, but already with the increased hoof angles and shorter toe length, Matchbox is going better than he ever has, and for the first time in 3 years, he was sound this spring. Thank you, Tim.
— Lauren Ostergren (Ithaca, N.Y.)
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Aron Broadhead (St. George, Utah)
My mare, Roxy, has been having issues with her right front foot for several years. She comes up lame after flex tests by the vet, but the vet didn't have a lot of suggestions, outside of nerve blocking, as there never was much seen in any X-ray. I used to compete on this mare in endurance racing, but retired her due to her being "off" several times at rides. I've been riding her barefoot for years, as it seemed to be the best for her, but thought I would have Aron evaluate her, as he has been shoeing my current endurance mount, Simba, and has really helped Simba keep his long-reaching gait from over-reaching and interfering. Aron has mounted Simba with a beveled-all-around shoe that really helps Simba move out! So, I had Aron meet me at my new vet, and on his own time he spent an hour or more visiting with the vet, going over Roxy's X-rays and determining the best shoe for her, which turned out to be a rocker-toe with a wedge, as she has Navicular disease in its infancy. Aron got her all set up, and I have been riding her in the current set up for a month now. It's the first time that I have been able to ride Roxy without pain medication in several years! I am so happy that I met Aron and my horses are so blessed to have a knowledgeable and experienced farrier on their team!
— Ellen Hensley (Leeds, Utah)
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Jimmy Brown (Leavenworth, Wash.)
During Desert Storm, I joined the Marine Corps as an Infantryman at the age of 17. After the Marine Corps, I went to work for the phone company in the construction field. Opportunities presented themselves, and over a period of time I advanced to Telecommunications Network Design Engineer. I worked in that field for 13 years.
In 2006, I joined the Army National Guard while still working full-time as a Network Engineer. I initially worked Communications (SIG) for the Army, but accepted a promotion to Sergeant with the Infantry. I deployed to Iraq and served there as Lead Security/Gun Truck Commander, Communications Specialist, and Electronic Warfare Officer from 2009-2010. We took a few hits while there. While still serving in the combat zone of Iraq, I looked online for Telecommunications work. The market appeared to have completely dried up. Wall Street investors no longer appeared to have an economic interest in expanding fiber optic network systems.
After I returned from Iraq in 2010, I applied for every job I could think of where my qualifications and work experience would apply, both full-time and part-time. I spent countless hours custom tailoring resumes to email to prospective employers, days online filling out job applications through corporate websites, and weeks making phone calls, sending faxes, and scheduling for interviews. In a 1 1/2 year's time after my return from Iraq, I was never hired — anywhere! While I can't be certain, I believe it is safe to assume that I was dismissed as a potential candidate for at least a few of the positions that I applied for as being a recently returned "combat vet," and Infantry nonetheless. Although it was never said, the demeanor, comments and behavior of interviewing personnel would imply "too risky."
In the winter of 2011, I moved from Oregon to North/Central Washington, primarily due to financial reasons. I eventually found work in Armed Security, but hated it. I tested (both written and physical) and completed hiring boards for law enforcement positions in 2012 and ranked #1 on the hiring list for both Chelan County Sheriff's Office and Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. But, I was never hired.
In 2013 (after moving to North/Central Washington) I finally landed a job in Armed Security as a BPO (Bank Protection Officer). I can sincerely say that the job was one of the most boring and mundane duties that I have ever performed. I stood outside the bank with a firearm and vest, at parade rest, in black fatigues, with a cracker jack badge, waiting for someone to rob the place. 15 degrees during the winter and 107 degrees during the summer, and I did this for 10 hours a day from Monday through Friday and 4 hours on Saturday. After 6 months, I accepted another Armed Security position working mobile patrol. Although I was receiving different assignments (mobile patrol, bank deposits, body guard), I found myself frustrated with the constantly changing shifts and low pay. Most of all, I was bored and wanted a real challenge.
It was the summer of 2013 when I received letters from both Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and Chelan County Sheriff's Office. The letters both stated "you were not selected for hire at this time. Please try again." I thought about it for a bit, and understood. I was 37 years old at the time when I applied for entry-level deputy positions, and 38 years old when I was removed for eligibility from the hiring lists. I get it.
In the summer of 2013, I saw some lariats for sale on Craigslist. I met the folks, bought the items and purchased a horseshoe-shaped tool. It was a hoof gauge. Being a curious individual, I had to look up my new purchase to identify what it was (the hoof gauge), and that prompted my interest for a potential career in the farrier industry. Soon afterward, I began to research online for horseshoeing schools.
I called up a well-seasoned and experienced farrier local to this valley, Jim Novak. I asked if I could meet him on some jobs, observe and ask questions. He was willing and I was eager to learn. After researching a number of horseshoeing schools online, I knew that Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School was the best option for me. Aside from joining the Marine Corps and later the Army National Guard, my decision to attend PCHS was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life!
Bob Smith (Owner/Lead Instructor) of PCHS presented just the challenge that I was lookin' for and needed at the time. I needed a sense of purpose and a real-life driven goal that was obtainable and that I could potentially provide a service that bettered our community, helped out neighbor folks, introduced a bit of risk (something I am accustomed too), allowed me to work outdoors, smell the scent of horses, work in both a very scientific and artistic way, and pound away on hot steel! What a wonderful combination!
Bob and the other instructors at the school challenged me, provided valid teachings on shoeing principles, and guided students through their field work. Forge work was my favorite, and I worked late into the night.
Today, in my third year of service as a certified farrier, my smallest clients are mini donkeys with itty-bitty hooves. My largest clients are Belgian and Clydesdale with size 8 shoes and borium application.
Last season, I took on a number of ropers and pleasure riding owners as clients. This season, I've serviced drill team riders, reigners, dancing horses, and my repeat of 98% of customers from the previous year. I trim, I half shoe, I full shoe. They all needed something different.
I enjoy the aspect of talking with clients about conformation, balance, riding disciplines, lameness issues and therapeutic treatment.
— Jimmy Brown
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Nathanial Bruss (Bradford, N.H.)
One of my horses, Shiloh, tore his front hoof on a trailer ramp. I took him to the equine center in Dover, N.H. His hoof had to be put back together up to the coronary band. Then he had months of stall rest and a special shoe changed every week. That is how I met my now farrier, Nathanial. He handmade the special shoe and tended to him for months. Today, Shiloh is 10 years old (the accident happened when he was 4). He is fine today with no damage to the hoof. Thank God with the stall rest for 4 months he didn't founder. I thank Nathanial to this day. He has been my farrier since then for my five horses.
— Robert Pare (Weare, N.H.)
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Esco Buff (Webster, N.Y.)
My lifelong journey with horses began when I was just 16 months old. My great Aunt Doris lifted me onto her horse Dusty at The Devon Horse Show in 1990. My face sparked radiance and I had found home. Now fast forward. 24 years after my aunt won her Devon blue ribbon I carried on a family tradition and won my first blue ribbon in the Dixon Oval with my mare Serendipity.
A few short months after my Devon win, I had an instinct that something just wasn’t right. In September of 2014, I began working with Dr. Esco Buff for both of my horses, Rosstar Superboy and Serendipity. Over the past 20 years owning horses I have worked with lots of professionals. Very few have made lasting impressions, however Dr. Esco Buff, is someone who has done just that. Esco diagnosed Serendipity with LLD, which as an owner, trainer and rider I knew, but everyone I was looking to for answers told me no such thing existed.
After competing as a junior and amateur, in December of 2015 I began my journey as a professional equestrian. In my experience, horses begin at the ground and go up, no matter what breed, type, or discipline they belong to. Horse’s feet are an extremely important part of their anatomy, bearing all of their weight. A whole horse approach is important for proper balance and longevity. In my opinion, working with horses takes a lot of patience, and it is a business where you are constantly learning. When you stop learning or lose the desire to learn, it usually does not produce a good end result for any party involved. Continuing education of the sport is an essential component. I call experiencing new horse shows, services, current trends, disciplines, “professional development.” With my degree in Education, learning is a life-long thing for me. I am always looking to improve and learn something new. I don’t want to have tunnel vision on one discipline either. I have already competed in more disciplines than most care to experience with horses. Several of those disciplines have been accomplished with one horse, Rosstar Superboy.
Esco has exceeded my expectations with my horses. He is very patient and kind to them. Superboy is twenty-seven years old and Esco moves his stands to accommodate all 13.3 hands of him, and make him as comfortable as possible during the visit. He is very patient with Serendipity when she is having a mare moment. He gives the horses short breaks if they need them. Esco is dependable, reliable, flexible, fair and most importantly, honest.
Esco sets a great example by attending “professional development” and it is evident. He always has suggestions and techniques that he is able to share at appointments. Esco, a great speaker, frequently gives lectures to the farrier community. He has talked professionally with my vets and chiropractors as part of my team. His professional development doesn’t just revolve around his work; he has broadened his horizons in the business to make his work the best it can be, and he has certainly broadened my knowledge.
After the initial shoeing with Esco I noticed a change for the better in both of my horses. They are moving in a balanced manner and as a rider I can feel that. They have become much freer in their shoulders. Their daily dispositions have also changed. Serendipity’s attitude when Esco arrives is much different than what it has been in the past. I believe that she truly understands that Esco is there to help her, not hurt her. When my horses are happy and healthy, I am happy, and together we are able to perform to the best of our ability.
I have to stop and remind myself often that I am extremely privileged to be able to work with horses every day. Not everyone gets to work with horses and not everyone can afford to do this. Having the dedication and desire is what allows us horse lovers to continue.
Thank you Esco, and all of the wonderful farriers out there for constantly accommodating your schedules and sacrificing time away from your families. As a professional, owner and rider, I highly respect you and thank you for your service to the industry.
— Nina, Superboy and Serendipity Shaffer (Coatesville, Penn.)
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Sid Bundy (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
I met Sid 40 years ago when I was starting. He was shoeing top race horses at Calder/Gulfstream/Hialiea. A few years later I moved to Wellington and became friends with Sid. We were the only two shoeing Jumpers when, at that time, the Winter Jumping Circuit was showing at PB fairgrounds before the Northen Farriers came down. For the next 10 years or so, we met for breakfast and shared our winter shoeing and Florida summer shoeing experiences. We have a clinic at Visby Supply and went to clinics and AFA contests. I met his mentor and teacher in Kentucky, Jackie Thompson, and worked together with Burney Chapman and many others that started or learned from Sid... Tom Curl and Drew Golden, to mention a few. Sid has shod more horses than you can imagine, flown to France shoeing race horses and loads of top Jumpers and was for years the farrier of the main show barn in Wellington. In the early beginnings of Winter Equestrian games all through the years, Sid has helped many farriers in the area, including ones that began to come here in winter in Wellingtion. He's a humble type, and is 84 and still going.
— Ron Rubin (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
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Pat Burton (Burleson, Texas)
I first met Pat in 2012 while I was in the U.S.A. promoting the Horse 360. Pat’s knowledge, skills and ability to correct, care for and develop the horse as a corrective farrier is the best I have ever seen anywhere in the world. He has kept the most comprehensive record of his work over the years and he has offered to share it with the world when the appropriate technology is available.
As a person, he is generous and caring. He has a genuine commitment to the well-being and performance of the horse. And, he has undertaken coordination of my first clinic in Texas in July.
— Gary Wells (Australia)
Gary Wells Practitioner Group & EMMETT4Horses Head Trainer;
Director, Commercial & Sales Animal 360 Pty Ltd
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Pablo Calderon (Bloomington, Calif.)
Pablo has been my shoer going on 15 years. He is willing to explain what he is doing and why. He is open to new methods, treatments and products. He works well with the horses and owners. He seems to really care about what he does to the horse.
— Janese Makshanoff (Grand Terrace, Calif.)
I have also been in the American Farriers Journal twice, once for using the planner on draft horses and the other for being able to take care of canker.
- Taking Draft Horse Trimming To A New Plane, American Farriers Journal December 2007 issue
- Attacking Canker With Frequent Debridement And Addressing Environment, American Farriers Journal May 2015 issue
Instead of speaking for myself, I asked others to speak for me. You can read what they said on my Facebook page by clicking here.
To see photos and videos of cases I have worked on, as well as some demonstrations, you can view those on my Facebook page as well.
Here's some before and after photos:
— Pablo Calderon
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Adam Chesser (Ocala, Fla.)
First off, Adam is a joy to be with and have around. But this is not why he is such a great farrier. He works very well with our vet, Dr. Porter. Adam has continued to grow and improve, and get advanced certifications. We really appreciate this. He balances the feet of our horses, and 3 weeks into a shoeing our vet said, "This is really good that the foot is still so well-balanced. You can't do much better than this." He works well with our seniors, who are not always easy, and he is patient. He also has figured out some out-of-the-box solutions. He keeps our horses in tip-top shape, and we are very grateful.
— Pat Eidel Schmoll (Morriston, Fla.)
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Danvers Child (Lafayette, Ind.)
Danvers Child should be recognized for being such a great guy and farrier.
— Matt Short
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Bobby Childrose (Nassau, N.Y.)
Bobby has been shoeing horses for over 21 years as the City of Albany, N.Y., Albany Police farrier and serving his clients throughout the Hudson Valley region in New York state. He is a graduate of the Danny Ward Horseshoeing School in Martinsville, Va. Bobby is compassionate and patient. He has consistently served clients and their backyard horses, as well as performance horses, for the past two and a half decades. What sets him apart is not only his understanding of performance horses, but his consideration for backyard and rescued horses from all disciplines, levels and many with physical limitations. Bobby was a performance rider and former American Quarter Horse Association and National Barrel Horse Association champion barrel racer himself. He is an excellent horseman and has since retired his performance horses to spend more time on the road serving his customers.
Growing up as a rider makes him all the more confident around any types and personalities of horse. I have personally seen him handle the most nervous and difficult horses with persistence, concern and fortitude. He has the innate skills of horsemanship that anyone would admire. As his wife, I was always incredibly attracted to his qualities and abilities around horses, but he is also just a good guy. I fell in love with Bobby for his genuine and sincere kindness toward everyone, human and non-human alike. In recent years he has grown his clientele to over 200 horses in the Albany, N.Y., area. Although his practice is diverse, he specializes in shoeing the city police draft horses and keeping his other clients' horses sound and rideable. He has had tremendous success with foundered ponies, injured thoroughbreds, barrel horses and many rescued horses performing jobs of their own.
— Nicole Childrose (Nassau, N.Y.)
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Jim Crew (Williston, Fla.)
Mr. Crew has been a practicing farrier for 50 years, and for over a decade has been operating his Healthy Stride training method through which he conducts seminars and lectures throughout the country. Mr. Crew is revered as an expert in his field and is sought out by clients and farriers alike for his opinion and advice in questionable or challenging situations. Jim, as he is known by his friends and colleagues, generously shares his years and wealth of knowledge, never missing an opportunity to discuss experiences, thoughts and ideas with those in need of advice or suggestions.
— Juliana Pavezi (Atibaia, Sao Paulo, Brazil)
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Barney Cummings
Barney Cummings has been training farriers in my area for decades. His apprentices all have successful careers. He's been the farrier for the Canadian Olympic Team for Athens. He's kind, down-to-earth and incredibly generous. I'm very happy to call him my mentor and lucky to call him my friend.
— Symon Pidhainy, CAPF (Newmarket, Ontario, Canada)
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Bob Davis (Mocksville, N.C.)
Bob has been a mentor to many farriers, as well as an again examiner. He took time at his shop to help me pass my CJF exam, expecting nothing in return. In my opinion, he is the type of farrier/person we should all strive to be.
— Matt Hull (Statesville, N.C.)
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Mark Dyer (Poca, W.V.)
Mark is one of the most hardworking men I have ever known. Even when he goes home, if he receives a call that a horse is in need, he will always go to its aide. How do I know this you ask? I'm his very proud wife.
— Jessica Dyer (Poca, W.V.)
Mark is one of the best farriers I have ever known.
— Sandra Huges (East Bank, W.V.)
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Rick Edney (Sulphur Springs, Texas)
Even little Cowboys need their feet done too.Rick always takes the extra time with customers kids. Love his patience with customers and horses.
— Syndi Edney (Sulphur Springs, Texas)
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Luke Farmer (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada)
What is there to say, an amazing Farrier! Luke shows up, gets the job done and always has a smile on his face, even though sometimes we know he has had a rough day. He always has an amazing story to share with us about something crazy that has happened. Most of all he has an amazing rapport with our horses, and we love him for that! There aren't words to express how much we appreciate him and his work. THANK YOU!
— Laura Garnett (Atikokan, Ontario, Canada)
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Jorge "Coco" Fernandez
Jorge "Coco" Fernandez is a Certified Master Farrier and founder of Well Horse products, including Well Horse Resin, Thrush Off and Purple Mush. Well Horse Resin and Thrush Off were recognized as the editor's choice for Wounds and Severe Thrush.
Coco was the official farrier for the South American Breeders cup for two years, and he has conducted international clinics for farriers. Coco is recognized by his clients and local veterinarians as a highly-talented orthopedic farrier.
Here is a YouTube video that is representative of his pioneering procedures.
— Tim Demma, Well Horse
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Dusty Franklin (Minco, Okla.)
Dusty Franklin, CFJ, positively touches so many aspects of the industry. He does this not only through all of his tireless work in the AFA, educating and motivating through countless clinics, but he inspires and mentors the students that come to his school. You never truly leave his school and are welcomed into a second home and family. He is a resounding voice striving for the better of our industry.
— Danny Lawton (Mercer Island, Wash.)
Tom Trosin and Dusty Franklin have been super supportive of me and a pile of other young, budding farriers. They help build confidence, teach skills and provide knowledge I will be able to not only profit from, but pass down to future generations.
— Alex Dean
Read more about Dusty Franklin on the previous tribute page, Jerry Franklin.
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Jerry Franklin (Minco, Okla.)
While many veterans were coming back from Vietnam in 1971 with no job leads or ideas of what to do after their tours of duty were over, Jerry Franklin, CJF, knew exactly what he was going to do.
He grew up in Oklahoma working for his dad on their ranch raising cattle, shoeing horses with his dad and whatever it took to raise a family. He was drafted and served two years in Vietnam. He came home to marry the woman, Dana, he’d met only briefly before leaving to serve his country (to whom he’s still married today). After receiving a degree in Animal Science, he found that shoeing horses was a good way to raise his soon to be son and daughter. After a brief stint working at a ski resort and guiding hunting trips while starting his shoeing business, he was able to go full time as a farrier.
For many years, Jerry shod horses without a forge, an old railroad tie for an anvil and a bucket of tools. Those “toys” evening transitioned into a shoeing truck full of tools but still no forge. He has told of the times that farriers didn’t work together, didn’t exchange ideas or let others see their work for fear of competition for customers. He would work from early morning until late at night every day plus most weekends to support his family and to allow his two kids to show paint horses around the country. They made him proud by winning several world championships on horses that they trained themselves or worked for trainers to pay for training. Jerry knew about certification and competition but it wasn’t something he had time or effort to do.
As his oldest son, Dusty became a teenager, he started shoeing horses with his dad after school, weekends or during the summer. It wasn’t what Dusty thought he would be doing as a career as he wanted to be a horse trainer. Their concept of shoeing horses was to nail as many shoes on as many horses as they could in as little time as possible and still do a good job. At that time was a typical father/son relationship where the son and father didn’t share the goals for the future but they made it work.
When Dusty moved away to become a trainer for a horse farm in 1991, Jerry was proud of him moving forward with that career. In late 1993, Jerry received a phone call from Dusty asking to borrow $90 for a forging class at the local community college. Dusty had seen the farrier come into his barn and make more money in one day than he did in an entire week and realized that his dad might be on to something. Jerry sent Dusty the money and he began an 8 week forging class with Charlie Comstock in Nevada, Missouri.
Dusty started the forging class and starting learning about the forge and acquiring forging tools and eventually worked enough to earn a forge of his own. As he was able to buy new tools, he bought one for Jerry. When Dusty got a forge, Jerry got one too. Dusty had found a driven group of farriers that were big on certification and competition and he fell in love with forging and competing and soon pulled Jerry into it with him. Dusty passed his CJF at 24 and Jerry passed his at 50.
Jerry started out teaching Dusty to how to handle horses, how to get around them in a quiet manner that some never could adapt to. He taught him how to shoe horses in the most basic manner. As time went on, the teacher became the student and Dusty was teaching Jerry about forging and more advanced aspects of shoeing horses.
Dusty opened Five Star Horseshoeing School in 2007 in Minco, Oklahoma while Jerry still lived in Texas with a full time business. Jerry moved to Oklahoma in 2013 and joined the school as an instructor as well as still shoes horses full time.
Jerry and Dusty now work side by side at the school, shoeing horses and educating future farriers. They also are teaching the 4th generation Franklin, Cody Franklin, to shoe horses between his junior and senior years of high school.
There are many hard working farriers out there that have made a difference in the farrier world but Jerry Franklin has had an impact of so many farriers in so many small and large ways. He always takes time to help those in need whether they are new to the trade or have been doing it for years. There aren’t many father, son and grandson teams working side by side shoeing horses but I can proudly call them my father-in-law, husband and son. I definitely feel they are farriers worthy of a spotlight.
— Staci Franklin (Minco, Okla.)
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Sossity & Mario Gargiulo (Ventura, Calif.)
Sossity and Mario Gargiulo, barefooter extraordinaires, are bringing a new, fresh look to the barefoot horse. Their high-profile clients and amazing success have them traveling and teaching. They mentor many of us in this business and are always a fountain of wisdom and experience!
— Jon Smedley (Ventura, Calif.)
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2000 Miles
I’m shoeing a horse in Panama on the phone. What? Are you crazy?
Message on my desk: “Urgent! Call. Lame horse. Needs wedge shoes.” Wedge shoes are an immediate red flag to me, but I stifle myself and return the call to Doctor Arauz-Dutari, a dental surgeon in North Carolina.
He has a racehorse in Panama with suspensory problems and has been advised to get wedge shoes. He’s called all over the United States and can’t find them anywhere. He finally called Santa Anita Race Track in California and they said, “Oh, there’s only one person you need to call and that’s Ada Gates. Her number is….”
And so it started. The Dr. sent me photos. Oooohhh, they reveal feet all gone wrong: off level, coronet hair bristling straight up and out, jamming at the heels on both sides, foot displace off center of legs, flares, and pointing to the right front in every shot. It was how the horse came to them from another barn.
Front feet before trimming and shoeing, look at that coronet on the left frontI was very clear with the Dr. “We need to get this horse back to Ground Zero, get him flat, level, and balanced with 50% of the mass in front of the center of the hoof and 50% behind. We can achieve that by measuring. I’ll send you this little kit with a ruler and when you go to Panama next week, take it and give it to the farrier. Get the horse, farrier, trainer, and yourself on a speakerphone and I’ll talk you through it, step-by-step.”
Unbeknownst to me, they went through the whole kit the night before: the article, step-by-step instructions, and instructional DVD filmed in Solvang, Calif., with trainer Monty Roberts, farrier Elmer Jones and me. They wanted an idea of what was to come. This was NEW territory but they were willing.
Day Of: I start by assessing the horse BEFORE. You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re starting. I point out the uneven coronet that’s not parallel to the ground, the uneven heels that are too high, and the frog that’s not touching the ground. Flares run out one side of the hooves, and there's a broken back angle of pastern to capsule.
“Now look at the head, the neck, the eyes, what are they doing? Head up, ears back, stiff neck. The walk: gait short, body stiff and that telltale glazed look in the eye. He’s not head-bobbing lame but he’s really uncomfortable.
Let’s start on the non-weight bearing right front foot. With your knife, remove all debris at the tip of the frog and the sole around it. Define very accurately where the tip of the frog actively meets the sole. Take a magic marker and mark that exact spot at the tip of the frog. Lay the ruler on the bottom of the foot with that little window over the black mark at the tip of the frog. The ruler will measure three quarters of an inch back from the tip of the frog to indicate the center of the hoof. It shows as “0” on the ruler. Now, holding the ruler in place on the frog, what is the measurement to the outside wall of the toe? “
“2-1/2 inches,” says the farrier.
“Now, keeping the ruler in place, what is the measurement to the heels?”
“One side is 2”, the other side is 1-7/8”.”
Aha! Not only does the heel not match the toe, they don’t even match each other. There is more mass in front of center and much less behind.
Measuring the foot with the ruler“Dust off the bottom of the hoof with your rasp and look at the thickness of the walls. Is one area thicker than the other? That’s a flare. Mark the outside of the hoof right at those flares. They’ve got to go. Bring the foot forward and take down your flares. It’s the first thing you do. Rasping straight down--no dubbing--remove the flares with long, easy, soft, slow strokes. We are not killing snakes here. Now go figure, if you trim the hoof first and then take off the flares, the foot is TOO short. Take the flares off FIRST. Clean up the sole, the sides of the frog and trim the toe where you want it to be. JUST the toe. Replace the ruler back over the black mark on the frog. Remember, that black mark is just the anchor. The ruler is measuring from “zero”, the center of the hoof. Now, what is the toe?”
“2-1/4.”
“Holding the ruler in place, take that magic marker and mark exactly 2-1/4” on each heel. Go to one heel, trim exactly to that mark, trimming down to meet the toe. Go to the other heel and trim exactly to that mark, trimming down to meet the toe. Take your rasp and dust off the bottom to smooth it up. You now have a perfectly balanced, flat, and level foot with 50% of mass in front of center, 50% behind. A teeter totter, the balance of a seesaw.
Owner: Dr. Jose I. Arauz-Dutari, DMD Diplomate of The American Board of PeriodontologySTOP. When you put the foot down, don’t look at the foot, look at the horse. He’ll drop his head, his ears will go forward, his neck will relax, his eyes will soften, he may let out a gush of air and he’ll start licking and chewing. Are you ready? Drop the foot and look at the horse.”
There is a long silence on the phone. Then I heard them yelling,
“Oh my God, my horse, my horse! Look at him; I’ve never seen him so relaxed! He’s doing everything you said. He’s licking and chewing, his head is at the ground. He even let out a huge gush of air! If only you could see him!”
I reply quietly, “I already can. I see him in my heart’s eye. Now let him rest a bit and let’s do the exact same process on the left front.”
We finished. The left foot was dropped down, the head dropped even lower and the licking and chewing started immediately. The horse walked away, then back to us, his whole body undulating in a rhythmic sway, his head down, ears forward, striding way out, arriving back to us, licking and chewing again. This was one happy, relaxed, and comfortable horse and he was saying, “Thank you, thank you” with every fiber of his body.
“If you can read a horse, you see a wealth of expression you could never imagine.” Monty Roberts taught me that. He taught me to recognize the horse’s language. I could never have done this without him. Hats off to the farrier in Panama, Alexi. He’d never done this before but he didn’t resist. He fell in and did a whole new process practically blind, on the phone, and did a great job. And hats off to the owner, Dr. Jose Arauz-Dutari who’s been the driving force from the beginning.
Farrier Alexis Vásquez uses a St. Croix aluminum race plate for a perfect fit.Almost two hours had passed. I told them to put him up, that was enough for him today. “Let him rest, do the hind the exact same way tomorrow or the next day. We’ll redo the front for sure in twenty-one days. Not twenty or twenty-two. That’s just the right amount of growth and body adjustment to redo the same balance exactly right so the feet don’t get away from us again. With his suspensory issues just let him rest and rest, light hand walking, very quiet. Oh, and send me pictures of the finished job nailed up.”
Well, it wasn’t more than a week when they called to tell me the groom couldn’t handle him on the ground anymore. He was so strong and eagerly moving forward, that they had to pony him with another horse. Another week or two, they called again. Now he’s at the track with the rider at the trot.
At twenty-one days, we do the whole process all over again. The team in Panama is in place, the owner, Dr. Arauz-Dutari is now back in North Carolina but he’s on two phones, one to me, one to them, translating everything I’m saying. More time passes—a week or two—and now he’s galloping. The horse is floating over the track and starting to look like the racehorse he really is.
Hipódromo Presidente Remón (Est. 1956). Our horse in an early morning gallopThe team wants to start feeding Farrier’s Formula from Life Data Labs. The feet are ratty, soft, thin-walled, not growing. Farrier’s Formula addresses all this and grows a strong, hard, healthy hoof. There could easily be major issues with exporting goods into Panama: will it get through customs, this consumed supplement? It flies through.
So who’s been in charge of all this? Why could the doctor not find the wrong shoes? How did he call 3000 miles away to Santa Anita and get patched through to me? How is it after a long conversation about a difficult decision, the owner saw a sticker on the car in front of him: "Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Over and over again, down to the tiniest square minute, everything has been right: the farrier, the trainer, the owner and most of all, the horse. The horse is right. They always are. They only know how to speak the truth. Who knows what he’ll do? He’s bred to do a lot. Let’s watch and see.
The team in Panama ... Trainer Juan Paulo Céspedes (left), Farrier Alexis Vásquez (right), and 3-year-old Thoroughbred stallion Uncle Chief
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Justin Green (Montrose, Colo.)
After graduating from Butler Professional Farrier School, I was lucky enough to meet and become friends with Justin Green. Justin encouraged me to get better in the forge, at trimming and shoeing, and because of that my business has been successful. Thank you Justin for what you have done for me and other farriers in the Montrose area.
— Jason Merkley (Ridgway, Colo.)
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Lee Green
He has contributed so much to all of us and deserves the recognition!
— Pablo Calderon (Bloomington, Calif.)
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Stuart Greenberg (Santa Rosa, Calif.)
I have had the pleasure and honor to work and teach with Stuart Greenberg in the Equine Science program at Santa Rosa Junior College for the past 25 years. During this time, I have found him to be a dedicated instructor whose incredible wealth of knowledge from his own professional educational pursuits and years of practical experience make his Farrier Science class (a requirement for our equine science degree and horse management certificate) a superior learning experience for students. Stuart is committed to sharing the science of farriery, equine anatomy and care of the horse. He strives to empower and improve the understanding of horse owners, students of equine science and those wishing to pursue a farrier career, as well as the general public.
Beyond the college setting, Stuart has participated yearly in the Sonoma County Ag Days where for 2 days, over 5,000 students and their teachers from classrooms throughout our county can learn and see first-hand what it is a farrier does. Stuart has been the primary farrier for the horses of Equi-Ed Therapeutic Equestrian program, where he not only has taken care of our horses, but shared his craft with our students and volunteers. He loves to teach and his enthusiasm for his craft is infectious. People are mezmorized by his presentations; he is a warm and friendly person, able to relate the importance for the care of your horses feet to anyone at any level. For his care and concern for the welfare of horses and his countless years of providing service, education and mentorship, I feel recognition of Stuart is long overdue!
— Maxine Freitas (Santa Rosa, Calif.)
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Alexi Gutierrez (Wellington, Fla.)
Alexi Gutierrez is the founder of IFA (International Farrier Academy), which was started in 2010. I have participated in some of the clinics with him that he organizes in South America in countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala and in his birthplace, Cuba. One of the experiences that really touched me was when we were in Columbia and a young man came over to thank us for the educational opportunities that he had received in the past clinics and how much it improved his skills, therefore he is a better provider for his family. The first year he showed up on a one cylinder Yamaha motorcycle with an anvil strapped to the back, now he is driving a car. He was so very proud, and his sincerity and gratitude had everybody with tears in their eyes. These clinics truly impact both the farriers and the horses they're working on. It's been one of my favorite experiences in the business!
— Curtis Burns (Wellington, Fla.)
Born in 1971 in Havana and exiled from Cuba to Spain with all family members when Alexi Gutierrez was 8 years old. The Gutierrez family migrated to Florida when he was 10 years old.
Alexi gave up his graphic designer job to get started as farrier apprentice under the command of a veteran racehorse farrier, and a weekly "salary" of one horse hoof rasp. After his apprenticeship, when he was almost 20 years old, he decided to work on equestrian horses in southern Florida area.
I met Alexi in a Caracas, Venezuela, veterinary and farriery meeting in 1997 when Alexi was 26 years old. In my book, he was the farrier that presented the best paper at the meeting related to hoof balance trimming before shoeing the horse.
In 2006, I requested Life Data Labs Alabama sponsorship for him to lecture in equine veterinarians and farriers meetings throughout Mexico, and subsequently Mustad hired him to lecture and do workshops in Mexico and Colombia.
In 2010, he was the founder of International Farrier Academy (IFA). His spirit is to improve the knowledge of equine podiatry of Latin American farriers and travel to as many Latin American countries as possible, because he knows that 99% of Latin American farriers dont have the financial resources to travel to the U.S. to learn at the American farriers international or regional meetings. Alexis has traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay and his native Cuba representing IFA and taking along pro-bono collaborators from the U.S., U.K. and Mexico.
AFJ published an article on Alexi about two years ago.
Alexi is a household name for his professional and ethical lifetime work to improve the well-being of horses, farriers and equine veterinarians podiatry work in the United States and all Latin American countries already mentioned.
Here are a few of my articles published in "Riendas" magazine in Mexico City.
— Jorge Murga (Del Mar, Calif.)
I have known Alexi Gutierrez for 10 years or so. We were cooperating with Dr. Murga for two or three times in the continuing learning education program: Con-Pacific 2006 (Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Colima, Mexico). Later, Alexi opened his farrier school in Florida and started to travel to a few South American countries and Mexican cities to teach farriers to improve their knowledge in the matter.
Here are photos of Alexi Gutierrez working here in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
— José de la Paz Casillas, DVM
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Jason Hagerty (Beeville, Texas)
Jason Hagerty became my farrier after moving to southern Texas from Missouri 3 months ago. He has made quite an impressive change in our warmbloods through his professional and compassionate skills. He made changes in the size shoes for one gelding, which automatically improved this gelding's way of moving by 10-plus! His level of care with each horse is always the same...100%. I am always impressed with his up-to-date knowledge of his profession. He has goals of becoming the best in his field and becoming a PhD! I am very blessed to have met Jason and to be a part of his business!
— Julia Rupke (Mathis, Texas)
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Jeremiah Harris (Cave Creek, Ariz.)
JH is an inspiration to many as a farrier. His drive towards excellence is admirable. He manages his time between being married, being a professional farrier, being a father, being a competitor, being a clinician and being a mentor. He is always there to answer the phone when a friend calls in need.
— Douglas G. Hogue
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Dan Helton (Brookston, Ind.)
Simply, the best. Dan is the most caring, professional, skillful and knowledgeable farrier in our part of the country. He shows up at our barn on time, every time, leaving a list of horses to be shod the next time he comes. He keeps a steady rotation of horses to be shod, deviating only when he thinks the horse isn't ready.
He is fantastic with lame horses and now has people coming from all over the state to work on them.
Dan is all about the horse, not at all driven by money, maybe to a fault. His wife travels with him doing all the billing, scheduling and cleaning. They are a great team, a unique situation.
Though Dan has all the work he can handle it's time he gets his due. He just comes and goes, doing his thing, asking nothing else. I would love to see Dan recognized for his efforts and love of animals in general. He's the best we've ever had, hands down!
FYI: He's looking for an apprentice as we speak!
— Dan Helton
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Marvin Howard Jr.
Marvin Howard Jr. shows exceptional talent.
— Marvin Howard
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Dean Johanningmeier
Dean Johanningmeier is my mentor in the farrier world.
— Alan Folkman
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Mel Jones
Dave Farley, Randy Luikart, Lee Liles, Arkey Pillsbury and several others that are in the Hall Of Fame had an influence on my shoeing education. They told me to think outside the box and not to turn down a challenge because you may never get that opportunity again, and that's what makes reputations. I do not claim to be making a difference in the industry, but I thank them for being influences on me as a farrier.
— Mel Jones
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Ron Kass Sr., Ron Kass Jr., Bob Kass and Curt De Angelis
I have been blessed with a wonderful support system, at home and on the job. This story is about loyalty, respect, sacrifice and love of the trade.
"The Crew" (l-r): Ron Kass Jr., Ron Kass Sr., Curt De Angelis, Bob KassIn 1994, my apprentice Curt De Angelis of Kintnersville, Pa., had come to the end of his 5-year apprenticeship, and my son Bobby had started his apprenticeship with me. One week after Curt finished working with me, I suffered a heart attack and had to have cardiac bypass surgery to repair the damage. Curt came by 4 days later to check on me. Curt asked me what he could do to help. I told him that my doctor said I would be back to 100% in 90 days, and I asked Curt to help keep my business running during that time. Curt immediately said, "Yes, I will be you until you are back on your feet again."
Curt and my son Bobby took over my business and kept my customers satisfied. I unfortunately had medical setbacks during my recovery, and had to have bypass surgery performed a second time in under 6 months. Needless to say, this extended the 90 days recovery that I had asked for help. Curt and my son Bobby kept my business running for 14 months as I recovered. When I was finally able to return to work, it was like i had never left. Curt delayed starting his own business to ensure that I could maintain my business, as well as mentoring my son who was a new apprentice at the time of my heart attack.
Shortly after my return to running my business, my oldest son Ron Jr. called me and said, "I want to become a farrier." I was against this idea from the start because Ron had a finance degree from Temple University, as well as a good job in New York City. Ron told me that all that was great, but he wasn't happy there. He then began working with me, and that was over 20 years ago.
Five years ago I turned 70 and I wanted to retire. My boys told me NO, NOT YET. So, for the last 5 years I have been going out on the road with them one or two days a week. I don't get under the horses anymore, but I do all of the forge work and talk to my customers on the days I'm out with them. It keeps me busy.
Curt, Bobby, and Ron Jr. are very successful farriers, and I am very proud of them all. My wife Louise remains as my #1 supporter and tolerates my restless behavior on the days that i am not on the road with my sons.
— Ron Kass Sr.
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Jim Keith (Tucuncari, N.M.)
It is not difficult to nominate a man like Jim Keith. We've known each other for almost two decades and he's played a huge influence in my professional career and in the farrier industry worldwide. I'm proud to say that if I can keep the horses of my book sound, I owe this to him. I first met him at the Oklahoma contest in 1999. He was the judge and I was a Brazilian trying to figure out what a farrier from New Mexico was saying. At lunchtime, I was by myself and he came and tried to communicate with me. This action made me nervous. In my mind I was thinking, "Why has an important person like him left his colleagues and sat by my side eating a sandwich?" Years later, I understood. He is a giver not a taker. Jim is the kind of person that always tries to help. I can say so many good things about him, but I prefer to go straight to the point. He deserves this because he is Jim Keith.
— Helbert Barion
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Kenny Knowlton
I had a mentor and a great friend who besides teaching me the art of shoeing horses, gave me a lot of knowledge about the market. His name is Mr. Kenny Knowlton, and today he lives on a ranch the state of Florida.
I was honored to meet this great person in 1991 in Rio de Janeiro in a traditional classic equestrian club in the city, and soon realized that something was very different not only in the end result of his work but also the way to treat the horse, the client and veterinarians. That fascinated me. Soon after, I started interning with him in the period when he was in Brazil, and from there was more hard work and learning.
I became a veterinarian in 1996, and have been shoeing horses since 1992. Today I have the honor of being the farrier responsible for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.
Much of my success and professional achievements are thanks to Mr. Kenny Knowlton for all he taught me and provided over the 8 years of living together and all that we live and share today.
— Luiz Gustavo Tenório
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Daniel Lambert (Zebulon, N.C.)
I began my career as a farrier in 2012 after medical issues forced me to make a career change from an 11-year law enforcement career. Dr. Daniel Lambert, DVM, has been a driving force in my career as a farrier. His passion for horses and advocacy for veterinarian and farrier relationships forges (literally) successful outcomes for horses. He set me up with my apprenticeship and encouraged me to pursue farrier school in 2013. As — what I call initially — a "baby farrier," he taught me about the hoof of a horse on the basic to more in-depth level inside and out. He fueled a passion in me for laminitic horses and client education.
The case that gave me confidence was that of a horse named "Baby," a chronic laminitic who I met with 3mm of sole on one foot and about 4mm on the the other. She, for all intents and purposes, should have been in a hole in the ground. I called "Dr. Dan," as we call him, and asked for guidance. After consulting with clients they agreed to allow me, even as a young farrier, to work in concert with him to help this mare. I walked up on a disaster and had no idea I would walk away more educated and confident.
We utilized a protocol to include ultimate boots to grow sole and stall rest, a very tricky full rocker shoe placed through radiographic guidance, and diet modification. This was no small task, and I gained confidence and skill by helping this mare. His patience with me and the skills he gained by sharing the information he learned at Dr. Ric Reddin's courses (he attended two full-week long classes) was invaluable. I was over the moon with the progress of the mare and I am happy to report that she is doing beautifully. She is currently sound barefoot, but is safe to ride in shoes after 16 months.
It takes a village to train a farrier. One success does not a hero farrier make. One success does build confidence and so does feeling like another professional gives of their time for your education. Client faith, a little science, vets with passion and a willingness to teach us, veteran farriers who teach us our early basic skills, and horses with a will to live who fix themselves.
— Lillian Moore (Nashville, N.C.)
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Heidi Larrabee (Palmer, Alaska)
I do love horses, but sometimes it's the weird things that make it a little more interesting. This is Dr. Oakley, her assistant and myself trimming Dolly the buffalo and some reindeer at Williams Reindeer Farm in Palmer, Alaska.
— Heidi Larrabee
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Rick Legg (South Point, Ohio)
In the need for an experienced farrier after retiring my two American Saddlebred show horses to my farm, Rick was recommended to me. He not only addressed and corrected their many hoof problems with his superior knowledge and skills, including severely contracted heels, but he also took time to educate me on practical horsemanship and care. Rick cares for the horse and how the horse and owner relate as well.
Rick's compassion and dedication to his clients' horses is evident in his practice. He is always available to care for his horses. Once while I was on vacation, one of my horses became lame with an abscess. The caretaker notified Rick who drove an hour each day to check on my horse until I returned. I cannot express in words my gratitude for his devotion to my horse.
Rick is not only an expert in his field, he is extremely skilled. He attends several farrier conferences yearly, which enables him to expand his knowledge base, implement the latest horseshoeing techniques and use the newest tools and products. He educates me as a horse owner, and the horse ultimately receives better care! He is skilled, dedicated, and devoted to his horses and owners!
— Kara Blevins (Catlettsburg, Ky.)
Rick came to us last year for our 15-year-old mare Quarterhorse, Blaze. She had a quarter crack in her coronary band and into the hoof, and just could not get it to heal. Rick took it upon himself to research and reach out to other farriers for information on how we might go about fixing this girl. Rick has been working on her for almost a year now and we are beginning to see some real progress. I'm truly happy that we have him trying to heal this beautiful mare.
— Gloria Ferguson (Chesapeake, Ohio)
Rick is the most reliable farrier I've ever had. He takes the time to discuss any issues we may be having. He is continuously learning and networking to provide the highest quality of service possible and find answers to difficult problems. He has made emergency visits and is always professional and personable. I've recommended him to others and they are always delighted with his work. Thanks to Rick, our horses have happy, healthy feet!
— Celia Taylor (Apple Grove, W.V.)
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Kayla Lepper (Kendallville, Ind.)
When my farrier retired that had always done my horses, I was very nervous about using anyone else. I have 12 horses, mostly drafts. We have 5 Clydesdales that are show horses. Kayla Lepper has been amazing to say the least. She is very good with my Percheron who was abused by a previous owner. Out of 6 farriers, Kayla is one of only two that have ever been able to trim him. He will actually fall asleep as she trims him. She trims all of ours horses with no stocks. She has done a wonderful job on my Clydesdales. We do not have any problems with cracking of their hooves.
Recently we moved to Leoma, Tenn., and Kayla travels down from Indiana every 6 weeks to trim our horses. She has gone above and beyond for us. Shortly after we moved to Tennessee, one of our horses had a bad abcess and because she could not get there in an emergency situation she was able to get in contact with a farrier who was local and set up for him to come out the next day for us. It was not an easy task for her to find someone because once u say "draft" most farriers want nothing to do with it. She didn't stop until she found someone to come out, all on her own personal time.
Kayla has become more than just our farrier, she has become family. She is in her profession for her love of the animial. Kayla is genuinely concerned for each and every horse, mule, donkey or any other animial she trims. I don't know what I would do without her. How many farriers would travel 9 hours to trim a client's horses? She has never asked for any travel fee to come down. She comes for the weekend and stays with us. We have a great time when she is down with us. Kayla even opened her schedule when we trailered the horses down and traveled with us. The best part is I don't think kayla weighs even 100 lb. She is very tiny, but she has no problem with 3-year-old, 2000-lb. Clydesdales. Thank you, Kayla Lepper, for all you do for us.
— Kim Welter (Leoma, Tenn.)
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Garrett Maloney (Chepachet, R.I.)
Back in August of 2015, my horse suffered a horrible incident from my previous farrier. His left front foot was cut down to almost half the size of it should be. He couldn't bare any weight at all on it. After having the vet out to X-ray his feet it was discovered that his coffin bone was only 5mm from the sole of his foot. The bottom of that foot was as soft as if you were pushing on your thigh. My vet suggested to call Garrett to come out and look at him. The other big concern was him rotating his front right foot from baring all the weight on it for 19 days. Garrett came to my and Bentley's rescue. He designed a heart bar shoe and bowed it out so that when Bentley stepped no pressure was being put on his sole My horse according to my vet before Garrett had done this was more close to being put down rather than being able to walk again. Garrett is truly my hero. He saved my horses life. I can't say enough good about how he handled Bentley and how knowledgeable he is about a horse's foot. I owe him eternally for this. I am now barrel racing on my boy again and he made a complete recovery after months of patiently tending to his foot while it grew back.
— Angela Baxter (Cranston, R.I.)
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Christi & Rob Michel (Berthoud, Colo.)
I am a part-time farrier in southern Wyoming that relies heavily on Oleo Acres Farrier Supply in Berthoud, Colo., for most supplies and tools. Christi and Rob Michel are wonderful people that support farriers and blacksmiths in Colorado, Wyoming, western Nebraska, and beyond. They also provide some of the only clinics available in this area, and are ardent supporters of Rocky Mountain and Wyoming Farriers Associations.
— Jeremy Manley (Burns, Wy.)
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Jack Millman (Worthington, Mass.) & Robert Benson (Conway, Mass.)
I have been a farrier for the last 6 years and just relocated to East Longmeadow, Mass. Two farriers I would like to recognize are Jack Millman, CJF, from Worthington, Mass., and Robert Benson, CJF, from Conway, Mass. Both have had long, successful careers.
— Juan Pablo Quagliotti (East Longmeadow, Mass.)
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Chuck Milne (Mansfield, Texas)
Someone that has made an impact into my career, hands down, is Chuck Milne. He has been shoeing for over 40 years and has been a trailblazer for this industry, working along with Hall Of Famers like Jack Miller and the famous Gunner Gasket. He is also involved with local associations, owns a horseshoeing supply shop and is always experimenting and coming up with new tools or improves an existing farrier tool. On top of that, at about 64 years old he still has a full book of horses to shoe.
— Diego De Carvalho (Aubrey, Texas)
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Lillian Moore (Nashville, N.C.)
Lillian is the most selfless person. She will come any minute we can and need, or try her best to fit us in as soon as possible if needed. She's very knowledgable and loves our children as her own. I wouldn't have anyone else trim my horses.
— Kimber Christian (Selma, N.C.)
In June 2015, a 2-week-old dwarf miniature horse, Tinker Bell, was surrendered to me with severely deformed hind legs. I called my farrier, Lillian Moore, to see if she would work in tandem with my veterinarian. Without hesitation, she arrived for the appointment. Unfortunately, Tinker Bell's hooves had to be put on hold as she was in septic shock from infected rubbing sores and severely dehydrated. Although no immediate hoof care could be addressed at that time, Lillian didn’t leave Tinker Bell's side. Instead, she sat on a concrete tack room floor for over 3 hours holding Tinker Bell on her lap while the veterinarian worked to save this tiny foal. Outside temperature, including heat index, was 110 degrees. Tinker Bell lost bladder control several times during treatment but Lillian never even flinched.
Although Tinker Bell received surgery months later to stabilize her hind legs, ligaments below both hind fetlocks remained permanently lax — strong legs with no supportive hooves. Lillian would come out to trim or apply/remove a multitude of extensions and shoes. No one knew exactly what to do as most of these foals are euthanized at birth. But Lillian remained committed to working towards an answer. She would sing to Tinker Bell or talk sweetly to calm her during the sessions. She was respectful, patient, and compassionate beyond words. Over the next 8 months, Lillian researched and worked with me to try to find a solution to give Tinker Bell a good quality of life. I cannot count the number of times Lilliane came out for Tinker Bell, but I do know she always came without hesitation, expectation, or frustration.
Unfortunately, Tinker Bell passed in January 2016 from complications due to her dwarfism. Lillian's support did not end there. She listened with care to updates of necropsy reports and supported me, unconditionally, in my grieving process.
I've tried to put into words what Lillian means to me as a professional, as a person, as a partner-in-care with my horses. I cannot find the words. Perhaps there are none worthy. Instead, I would like to share her post on Tinker Bell's Facebook page shortly after her passing. I think her words shine through with the amount of concern, love, care, and humanity that is seldom seen but greatly needed in all professions. I think her words express her incredible connection and commitment to her clients and their horses and desire to continuously learn and improve her skills for the betterment of both.
Thank you, Lillian, for working so hard to give Tinker Bell a chance to dance on this Earth.
Lillian Moore’s Tribute to Tinker Bell:
"I will forever remember this sweet face. I wanted to post sooner, but I could not find the words for having the opportunity to work with and learn from Tinker Bell. I considered it a joy and privilege…a divine appointment to be a part of her care team. The hot summer night I first met her when she was at the brink of death, I had the chance to hold her in my lap and pray she would be given a chance at life.
So she had crooked legs and challenges, but she was a light and hope to many. Her sweet spirit made her easy to work with. She taught me as a farrier to think outside of the box. Her comfort was first priority and her case was allowed to be shared with other farriers who are working on other minis with similar needs. This is a gift and she did not live for the time she was with us without purpose.
The many days and sessions we were on knees...belly...however we could fix ourselves to trim and attach extensions or shoes was challenging. We laughed at times...had tense moments of anticipation and wonder at this little spunky mare. We watched her walk and I always took pictures and videos. I'd feverishly text and message farriers from all over to see if we were on the right path. The last set of shoes Tinker Bell had done were awesome. She ran around. Gait about as good as she had been thus far. When I left her for what would be her last session, snuggled in her blankets, I felt relieved.
Tinker Bell always brought me hope. Hope and peace...sounds mushy but in her imperfections and somewhat ""broken"" state her spirit remained. When her body said it was time her human mom knew and gave her the greatest gift…a peaceful crossing. Animals only know the moment...or so I feel...in my heart. In her passing she knew she had a life of love and in the moment of her passing her pain diminished. She crossed into peace.
Thank you for teaching us all life is precious, little one, no matter the package. Thank you for making me a better farrier, so I can help others, and for being patient with me. I will never forget you."
— Robin Dunbar (Wake Forest, N.C.)
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Charles Owens (Denver, Colo.)
Charles Owen has been a farrier for 30 years. He has dedicated his life to saving laminitic horses. Mr. Owen has developed the first effective laminitis drug treatment called Laminil. Laminil has been tested at some of the most reputable veterinary clinics in the World with great success. Mr. Owen saved my horse with this product and he is continuing to improve how horses are treated for laminitis.
— Frances McCracken (Denver, Colo.)
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Jock Owings (Chatham, Va.)
The man that set the bar in our area. A fine farrier, a finer gentleman. Thanks, Jock!
— Bo Terry, CF (Bedford, Va.)
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Kelly Parliman (New Ipswtich, N.H.)
I would like to recognize my friend and colleague Kelly Parliman of Crosstown Equine Services. She has been covering nearly all of my clientele starting earlier this spring, riding along with me and helping me shoe and trim horses because I am due to have a baby! Having someone so dependable who takes direction so well, and having such availability and flexibility for my clients has been so wonderful. We appreciate the long hours, and on the complicated cases that require a team approach, she has been great to update me on every horse of mine she works on. If it was not for her, I would not know what to do nor know how to prepare for maternity leave. I am forever grateful for the farriers who step up, do extra and help one another out, and Kelly has proven this time and time again every time I have needed her. There is something wonderful about having such a great network of hoof-care providers who can count on one another. I am forever grateful!
— Beth Lewis (Rochester, N.H.)
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Brian Pelham (Clarksville, Mich.)
We had this horse, a standardbred race horse who developed a severe case of laminitis. Through Brian's knowledge and expertise in shoes and padding, we were able to get Comander another 6 years of quality life. Brian developed special shoes and padding for Commander, and while he could still walk and run his racing days were over. Commander was like the "great uncle" to all the baby race horses we would bring home during the break in their 2- to 3-year-old racing seasons.
Brian has trimmed and shod all of our horses and has done an outstanding job. Another story about Brian, we have this world-class trotter, Northern Kingdom. The trainers in Canada like the toes of the trotter to be long so they can glide better. Well, they let the toes grow out so long that his coffin bone started rotating up and he was dead lame. We found this through X-rays. While the Canadian trainers were treating him for knee problems, it was actually his foot. Brian, once again, trimmed this. horse slowing back to a normal length and shoed him during that time to give him comfort.
Without Brian we would have lost two world-class horses way too early.
— Scott Edwards (Alto, Mich.)
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Mark Plumlee (Snohomish, Wash.)
Mark Plumlee and Mission Farrier School in Snohomish, Wash., has been instrumental in both techniques and teaching students from all over the world.
— Vickie Mullen
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Neal Poort (Crane, Mo.)
I got Neal Poort's name from a vet along with a impressive review (around 1999). I had a mare that had been foundered before I bought her. She needed better hoof care than the horseshoers I was using could give. The vet's prognosis for her was bad. Neal is a certified journeyman farrier which I guess didn't mean much to me at the time. She had some rotation and she also had a sinker. But, for the next 10-12 years, Neal kept that mare comfortable. Now Bunny (mare) really didn't like most people, but she did like to see Neal come! He'd work his magic and she felt better before he left.
Through the years I added more of my horses to Neal's list until he was doing them all (couple dozen). The improvements I saw were impressive! The geldings all worked in the rocky Ozark Hills. He fixed contracted heels, changed angles, fixed abscesses, cracks and more. He even helped some with their body pains (hip, stifle, knee, ringbone) just by how he shod their feet. Now I tell people that the title of certified journeyman farrier is important. It has made a huge difference in my horses' happiness. And really, what could be more important than that!
Thank you, Neal!
— Keep Em Close Horse Farm (Stone County, Mo.)
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Blake Primm (Sevierville, Tenn.)
I got into the interest of Farrier work when I was a kid. When the Farrier would come to my house and shod the horses, my heart was sold on this profession and has been for 20-plus years. After I was arrested and falsely accused of animal cruelty, I was humiliated by social media, news media and Horse Haven of Tenn. There is no actual way to stay preserved except by the reputation of my work that I incurred over the years, and knowing my innocence that I did nothing wrong. With the help and support of my good friend and farrier, John Schmidt, Jeremy McGovern of the American Farriers Journal, other farriers, family and friends, it kept me going. I also focused on getting involved in continuing education and corrective shoeing for my business. I also got involved in associations such as AAPF, The Music City Horseshoers Association and East TN Farrier Association. If I was asked what happened I just told the truth — innocent until proven guilty right? How I persevered is my love for this science and profession. It is really what kept me going and focused. My business is better than ever and I continue to do what I love.
— Blake Primm
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B. Ramanathan (Pune, Maharashtra, India)
Last November, my mare Scarlet was suddenly in a lot of pain. She was breathing heavily, very uneasy and had signs of colic. She could barely stand, was moaning and would barely eat. My horses are in Gujarat, the west part of India and we do not have sophisticated veterinarians who specialize in treating horses.
I still sent her to a vet hospital 2 hours away. They treated her with fluids and castor oil so that she pooped but then she could not walk. She could not move her limbs. When we would force her to walk, she could barely do it with a lot of pain. The vets were not able to say what was the problem.
I came to know about a veterinarian Dr. B. Ramanathan who was visiting my city and I called him up and asked if he would visit my farm. He came up with a neat, well-equipped truck, quite surprising to see someone this organized dealing with animals in our part of the country! His truck had a welding machine and all equipment needed to make a shoe for the horse and to treat a horse.
He managed to get a mobile X-ray unit and had Scarlet’s x-rays taken. Based on the X-rays, he detected laminitis in both front feet. Based on the X-rays, he made shoes on the spot using the equipment he had in his truck and after spending about 4-5 hours at the farm with the mare; he shod her to adjust how she would place her hoofs on the surface to relieve her of pain. She started walking!
Since then, he has adjusted her shoes a couple of more times. She had a deep-seated abscess and this was drained.To prevent gross contamination a hospital plate was designed.This facilitated in dressing and cleaning, also prevented gross contamination. She has started eating well since she is not distracted with pain and she is improving her condition.
I can safely say that if B. Ramanathan had not attended Scarlet she would not have survived. I was surprised to see a veterinarian and a farrier, all packaged in one person! His deep knowledge in the anatomy of horses and their traits and his love for them is seen every time I have met him. He is so skilled; he is also a sculptor and creates beautiful horses of different metals.
It would be hard to find such an interesting farrier in any part of the world!
— Neha Sheth (Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India)
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Tim Reid (Southwick, Mass.)
I would like to recognize my farrier's outstanding work on my Extreme Mustang Makeover competition mare. He always does a fabulous job! He's educated, personable, flexible and responsible.
I am a local trainer in Southwick, Mass. I have used Tim Reid as my farrier for all my horses, from young colts to geriatric retired race horses. Mr. Reid always does an exceptional job on all my horses, however the work he has done on one in particular is really something to brag about! I compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover; a wild horse training competition in which you have 100 days to train a completely unhandled mustang to compete with in the concluding event. This year the mare I drew was very anxious, extremely leery about new people, and easily offended by new sounds. I was really nervous that her feet would fall off before she would let anyone get near her, never mind trim her. I did my best desensitizing her front legs with the rope but didn't feel comfortable playing with the hind at all, as she threatens to kick. Mr. Reid came by to assist in the desensitizing process, and after only 45 minutes Dixie had experienced her first trim! At only 40 days out of the wild and with little time spent introducing her to the tools she stood perfectly still through the whole experience. Mr. Reid went above and beyond to ensure that this nervous-by-nature, typically explosive, barel- tamed mustang had the best experience possible for her first trim!
— Rachel Fleury (Southwick, Mass.)
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John Salem (Emory, Texas)
John Salem is my mentor and trusted friend. He not only is dedicated to his clients, he willing to help anyone willing to better themselves in this trade. On Mondays he works at a vet clinic, but it looks more like a farrier clinic with young farriers like myself trying to learn as much as possible. He never turns anyone away. Always offering a ride to contests, clinics and certification. Education is important to him, and he teaches you that good is never good enough. It has been a privilege to pull and clinch for this man. If it wasn't for his encouragement I don't think I'd be certified now. Thank you, John.
— Eva Walthall (Emory, Texas)
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Tim Silcox (Cross Lake, Minn.)
My farrier of 5 horses is Great River, Tim. He has been doing my horses for a few years now. I feel Tim really goes above and beyond the basic farrier. Tim also continues his education by attending clinics and seminars around the U.S. Tim has a huge heart and loves horses, you can see that just by looking at him! And the horses absolutely love him! I have no problem calling Tim and asking questions. "What is this?" "How do I fix it?" "How do I prevent this from happening?"
Just recently, my barrel horse came up lame in the front. I immediately took video and sent it to Tim. He was about 45 minutes out and said to me, "I'm turning around, and I'm on my way." That means a lot to me being a client for years and him being almost 3 hours away from his home and family, just to come look at my horse. I appreciate everything he does! He wants every horse to be happy and comfortable! He also works hand-in-hand with veterinarians to get a plan in order. My horses and I have a lot of trust in Tim, and you don't find that in every farrier!
— Carrie Lucia (Hermantown, Minn.)
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Bob Smith (Plymouth, Calif.)
It was a meeting of chance. I just withdrew my horse Alex from the show jumping phase of our combined training event and must have had a look of utter defeat when a woman that I was stabled next to offered her sympathy. I explained that I had been battling severe quarter cracks on both fronts and had tried everything from soliciting the advice of numerous vets and farriers, feeding every type of supplement known to man, rubbing different concoctions on the cornet band; I even spoke to Alex’s feet wishing them to be healthy. After the cross country phase of the event, I noticed one of the cracks had spread and was bleeding. I pretty much decided right then and there that this was the end of Alex’s eventing career.
So when she suggested I connect with Bob Smith, owner of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School, I was grateful, intended to follow through with the suggestion, but I can’t say that I was very hopeful. Bob always has a group of aspiring farriers at his facility and used the opportunity to evaluate Alex as a teaching tool for his students.
Alex’s new fancy shoesThe thing I remember most about that first meeting was the confidence that Bob exuded and the renewed sense of hope that I felt. He was able to not only identify potential solutions, but he was also able to identify a cause which was something nobody else was able to express to me. I believe this is a testament to his extensive knowledge about equine anatomy, physiology, and movement. I have been working with Bob now for over a year. Alex is in heart bar shoes, he has moved up a size shoe and we are talking about moving up again at his next shoeing, he is sound, and he just took second place at his last event.
I am incredibly grateful to Bob Smith. His passion for the profession is evident in his skills as a farrier and horseman, and in his interest in producing knowledgeable talented up and coming farriers through his school. He is magic as far as I am concerned.
— Olivia Byron-Cooper (Placerville, Calif.)
Camp Creek Ranch Eventing
Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School is an incredible mentor and friend, both as a farrier and in everyday life. I had the privilege of attending PCHS one year ago and the open door policy has never stopped. I stop in at least once a month to ask questions and Bob always takes time out of his busy schedule to answer any and all questions I have. And with all the knowledge that he has, he never stops studying the trade that he loves. He is the definition of the eternal student. If anyone deserves recognition in this trade, I would say Bob Smith does.
— John Freeseha
Click here to read more about Bob Smith on Jimmy Brown's tribute page.
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Scott Smith (Bend, Ore.)
Scott is a talented, compassionate and humble farrier. He works with local vets on several cases, works on backyard ponies and world-level performance horses. He constantly seeks to add to his skills and knowledge by attending and putting on clinics. He's brought horses back from the brink of being put down to being comfortable and happy, with a lot of those back under saddle. He cares about the horses and wants the best for them. He enjoys mentoring up-and-coming farriers and seeing them succeed. He stays up late at night building shoes for all types of horses, but especially the ones needing a "special" shoe for whatever their issue may be. He truly cares for the welfare of the horses he works on. I couldn't ask for a better farrier for my mares who don't have the most straight-forward feet to work on. There is no one I trust more to keep them happy and sound.
— Jeanne Dougal (Bend, Ore.)
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Travis Smith (Harrisburg, Mo.)
I'm not sure if anyone really knows what a farrier goes through, as well as the farrier's wife, so I'm submitting a tribute to my husband and every other hard-working farrier out there. The video below done by Stephanie Sidoti really allows Travis to tell his story in his own words, but I'd also like to add mine.
Most mornings Travis wakes up with an aching back, and most nights he lays down to bed with one as well. He knows more about how to care for back injuries than most medical professionals, and he can tell you more about how to read a horse than most professional trainers. But he'll never give you advice that's not requested, and he'll never walk with a swagger or pretend he knows what he doesn't. He's a student of hard work, a professor of bodily injuries and he's earned a PhD in client relations and scheduling. He has days that are incredibly frustrating, when every single horse is rotten and doesn't want to cooperate, and his scheduling sometimes gets so tight he can't even grab lunch. Still, he won't take it out on the horses or his clients or his family. He still tries his hardest on every single hoof on every single horse, to give them what they need to compete at the highest level, pack kids safely around, or just enjoy their well-deserved retirement. He ignores the toll this job is taking on his body and the fact that he'll never have a cushy retirement or the certainty that comes with a steady paycheck. He knows the winters will always be slow, and the spring and summers backbreaking and cripplingly busy. He's very much aware that he'll receive texts and calls at all hours of the day and night, sometimes for real emergencies, other times to replace a lost shoe, and once in a while just for an odd question that needs answered or a mind that needs soothed. He forms emotional attachments to horses that he cares for over many years, and then loses those horses, time and time again, from everything from old age to being sold or even to another fellow farrier because their owner felt someone else could do his job better. All of that he deals with on a daily basis, and he knows it won't ever change and it's simply the nature of the beast. So he continues every day, throwing his heart and every ounce of skill he's got into that hammer and that rasp and that anvil and that horse. He does it because he loves the animals, he's found his calling, and he finds his joy in those long-term relationships, both with clients and their horses. He loves those moments when he actually gets some credit, and his clients tell him he's worked wonders, even though most of the time they attribute it to their new magnetic fly sheet or their herbal supplement. For him, that’s perfectly fine, because all he wants in life are happy horses, not acclaim and no special accolades. Just happy, healthy horses.
That's what makes him so deserving of some recognition, from a farrier’s wife’s perspective.
— Laura Smith (Harrisburg, Mo.)
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Brian Sowle (Allegan, Mich.)
Brian has been an amazing farrier. He has had to think out-of-the-box for my horses. I have a Navicular horse, a horse that had EPM and a horse that wanted to travel with her outside of her hoof landing first. He did an amazing job at trying different shoeing options until they became sound. As the vets were trying different treatments, Brian was on the phone with them discussing different options that caused the vets to think out-of-the-box. He was always able to work me in when they needed something different or unique. I could not have found a more knowledgeable, easy to work with, always willing to go that extra mile for my horses. I am truly blessed to have Brian Sowle as my farrier.
— Lori Mills (Ostego, Mich.)
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Andrew Timm (Mooi River, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa)
Andrew Timm was one of the stalwarts of the South-African farriers. He served the farrier industry for more than 30 years. He trained many apprentice farriers and was well-respected by all farriers in South Africa. His commitment to his clients and the horses in his practice was unmatched. He was a South-African National Polo-Cross player and represented his country on many occasions. Horses were in his blood from a young age. Andrew received many awards recognizing his effort and commitment to the trade. The South-African racing industry, to mention one. He had a love for the history of the farrier and blacksmith trade. He was a huge collector of all things representing farriers and blacksmiths.
Andrew was a humble, hard-working man with a positive attitude where the word "can't" did not exist. He was as tough as nails. He shod horses 6 days a week, from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., and took his holiday on Easter weekend and Christmas day. His service to his clients was impeccable. I remember on one occasion where we got called out to help a young thoroughbred. The youngster broke out from his paddock and adrenaline infused galloped on a tar road until blood was pouring from all 4 feet. With no veterinarian around to sedate, Andrew showed the patience of a saint. His ""never say die"" attitude to persevere where this youngster has given up the will to live. The challenge was enormous due to the thoroughbred being unable to stand. Three and a half hours later, he had four shoes on and to see this horse managing to walk reasonably comfortable under these circumstances was truly breathtaking.
He lived life 100% and was a perfectionist to the last millimeter, always giving his total best to every horse. Whether it was a million dollar racehorse, show jumper or a retired polo pony being trimmed 3 times a year, he did not leave until he was satisfied that the job was done perfectly.
Since completing my apprenticeship many years ago, we unfortunately got busy with life and only caught up at congress and farrier related events. I was so surprised and honored when I, in December last year, received a call from Andrew after he heard of a result from a farriers competition that I competed in. It was so good to hear from him, and you only realize long after your apprenticeship is done how much a person meant to you. His influence in my life was tremendous. Sometimes the mentor has a bigger influence in later life than a father. And in some instances, he was a father to me in the way that he sculpted my life to be a farrier. I don't think we realize what importance a mentor has on the outcome of our lives. I adopted some of his characteristics, which is engraved in who I am today.
Sadly I received a phone call on Sunday morning that Andy passed away on Saturday June 18, 2016.
Andy, you were a great man, you were a legend who will live on in the hearts of many South-African farriers who knew you. You were a husband, father, brother, friend, mentor and above all, a professional that helped so many equines, the one thing that bond us all together, from so many different countries and so many different back grounds. The love of the horse. May God bless you, and may your soul rest in peace. Until we meet again.
— Hannes Snyman (Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa)
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Bo Tipton (Loma Rica, Calif.)
All I can say is he is a great friend, excellent teacher and a wealth of knowledge.
— Duncan Cameron
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John Trafton (Bath, Maine)
John has been my farrier since the 1980s. He is always there for us — thrown shoes, lameness crisis and all the things that can go wrong with the horses over the years. It is a testament to his patience and open mindedness that I can talk to him about stuff, even if we disagree or I feel he needs to take a new track. My farrier is not a stress in my life, but a partner in my business.
— Tanya Rennie (Gorham, Maine)
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Tom Trosin
Tom Trosin and Dusty Franklin have been super supportive of me and a pile of other young, budding farriers. They help build confidence, teach skills and provide knowledge I will be able to not only profit from, but pass down to future generations.
— Alex Dean
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Roy Wellman (Royse City, Texas)
I would like to recognize Roy Wellman for his 60-plus years as a farrier. His experience and knowledge isn't the best part. The best part is the time he spends with my 8-year-old daughter, teaching her how to care for her pony and how to be a better horsewoman. He is in his 80s and tells me all the time how he wishes he could live another 20 years to see how my daughter turns out. She lost her Papaw 2 years ago, and Mr. Wellman has made that void seem a little less big. He's always full of info, stories and compassion.
Here are a few photos I have of him with my daughter.
— Alicia Hensley (Caddo Mills, Texas)
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Dave Whitaker (Saco, Maine)
Dave is an outstanding farrier in talent, character and compassion with 30-plus years of experience, trimming and shoeing at all levels. He always has the same emphasis on quality and caring. Dave always questions "why" and seeks the truth for the horse, and he is able to do great therapeutic work.
He has mentored and encouraged three female farriers to have their own businesses, and donated a lot of time and materials to a therapeutic riding center. A lot of horses, horse owners, farriers and vets are fortunate to have Dave as their friend. Well done, Dave.
— Ron Vogel (Adamstown, Md.)
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Ingo Wolters (Santa Ynez, Calif.)
My Name is Ingo Wolters, and I'm a farrier from Germany. I moved to California in 2009 to Santa Ynez. There is no one person I could pay tribute to, as there are so many good farriers out there. Everyday they go out with enthusiastic minds, shoeing, helpings horses and teaching. We work with trainers and horse owners, trying to better understand what each other does and building respect with one another. We working in good weather and bad weather, with good horses and bad horses. I meet a lot of good farriers, barefooters and horse people here, and each unique person is a pleasure to know and their own unique histories all deserve recognition.
— Ingo Wolters
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Jessica Ziemer (Hana Maui, Hawaii)
Our farrier is by far the best. She will tell you what you need to hear even when she feels it might upset you. She is an advocate for every horse that she works with, which is the main reason I love her. I also consider her a dear friend. She will go the extra mile for your horse.
Our horse was diagnosed with Navicular syndrome. Our farrier had to contact the veterinarian and work with her and a company that makes the special supportive shoes needed to help our horse. She used materials that she was unfamiliar with, not to mention there is an entire system to putting the shoes on. The difference it has made in my horse's day-to-day comfort is huge. I will forever be grateful.
— Beth Stark (Hana Maui, Hawaii)
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Scott Schrofronick
We extend huge thanks to Scott Schrofronick for the excellent care he gives to all our rescues. He has seen and treated many horribly neglected and suffering horses at SFSPCA over the years, and has played a critical role in their recovery. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated professional who is always there for the horses!
— Grace Delanoy, South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue