In 2008, American Farriers Journal established the "Rising Shoeing Star" program, which honors outstanding young shoers who are enjoying successful careers as farriers 3 years after graduation from one of North America's more than 60 public and private horseshoeing schools.

The co-sponsor of our 2026 program American Farriers Journal, a leader in recognizing the value of developing new players in the equine footcare industry.

 2026's program will honor students who graduated from horseshoeing school in 2023 and have developed a successful career in the equine footcare business.

 An independent panel of hoof-care industry leaders will evaluate the nominations and select three winners. The winning "Rising Shoeing Star" farrier and two runners-up will receive registration to the 2027 International Hoof-Care Summit to accept the award in front of the industry's leading hoof-care professionals, a plaque, a 1-year subscription to American Farriers Journal and the American Farriers Journal "Kitchen Sink" package.

 The schools that produce the three winners will also receive a plaque and the American Farriers Journal "Kitchen Sink" package. 

 To enter, please complete the online nomination form below.

 Or send your nominations by May 31, 2026, to: Awards, American Farriers Journal, P.O. Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624. Fax: 262-782-1252. Email: info@lessitermedia.com. Please include a letter detailing when your nominee graduated, what shoeing school they attended and what they've accomplished since graduating.

 2026 RISING SHOEING STAR PROGRAM SPONSOR

Past Rising Shoeing Stars

 2009

• Mike Caldwell, Heartland Horseshoeing School 
• Keith Green, Danny Ward Horseshoeing School
 
• Robert Whitt, Sierra South Horseshoeing School

 2010

• Sara Ellen Pennell, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Tom Richmond, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Allen Rynda, Minnesota School of Horseshoeing

 2011

• Steve Hedges, Midwest Horseshoeing School
• Martin Zimmer, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Joe Nygren, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2012

• Gwen Nardi, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Maximo Gomez, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Armando Herrera, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2013

• Jake Giguere, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Justin Court, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Wayne Whitson, Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School

 2014

• Diego Almeida, Midwest Horseshoeing School 
• Austin Fisher, Oklahoma Horseshoeing School
 
• Riley Kirkpatrick, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2015

• Cassidy Robyn, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School 
• Sarah Coltrin, Midwest Horseshoeing School
 
• Sam Zalesky, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2016

• Joanna Bailey, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School 
• Eddie Cleckler, Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School
 
• Victor Frisco, Kentucky Horseshoeing School

 2017

• Brody White, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School 
• Ellie Pugh, Heartland Horseshoeing School
 
• Jayce Fulbright, Montana State University's farrier science program

 2018

• Stanley Mullen, Kentucky Horseshoeing School 
• Richard Hassenmayer, Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School
• Seth Holestine, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2019

• Ben Barhorst, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Audrey Williams, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Gary Gullo Jr., Cornell University Farrier Program

 2020

• Gilad Friedman, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School 
• Mia Durham, Cornell University Farrier Program
• Scott Bushaw, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2021

• Payden Talbott, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Benjamin Haar, Cornell University Farrier Program
• Elise Umstead, Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre

 2022

• Marie Miyake, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Colton Ellis, Kentucky Horseshoeing School  
• David Reed, Heartland Horseshoeing School

 2023

• Julia Lundeen, Minnesota Horseshoeing School  
• Javier Jimenez Lorenzo, Kentucky Horseshoeing School    
• Rachel Herrington, Heartland Horseshoeing School  

2024

• Sam Hogan, Kentucky Horseshoeing School  
• Mason McAllister, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Amanda Smith, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School  

2025

• Drew Thomas — Minnesota School of Horseshoeing
• Brandt Walden — Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Charles Glantz — Cornell Farrier Program