William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

As we turn the page to November, Olympia Farrier Supply’s owners and customers are giving thanks to one another, but it’s not a one-time, seasonal expression. A familial bond has formed between Ken and Maxine Floyd and their hoof-care patrons.

The bond is being recognized this month with Olympia Farrier Supply being named the inaugural American Farriers Journal Supply Shop of the Year (please see “Olympia Farrier Supply Earns Inaugural Supply Shop of the Year ” ).

More Than a Supply Shop

“Ken’s like the dad pushing you to do well in sports and Max is the mom who’s there to support you,” says Nick Henry, a Gig Harbor, Wash., farrier. “It’s insane how much work those two put in for the community. I don’t know how they do it, how they have time to do it and run a business and a shop.”

When the Floyd’s aren’t running their supply shop, they’re likely supporting their local farrier community — preparing for a leg of the Farriers Association of Washington State Triple Crown, lining up a ride along between a young farrier and a potential mentor, or encouraging a customer to take a chance on themselves by competing or attending a clinic.

“They know enough about all the farriers…