Outstanding Farriers in the Spotlight

Charlie Gay        

I got started in horses after meeting up with a buddy from high school (Speed Williams) down at the corner store. Speed,  who is now an 8 time World Champion Team Roper, invited me to come around to his house and ride. I showed up the next day and they were training roping horses. It wasn't long and I was hooked and before you know it I was competing in roping events locally. Then I moved on to rodeos doing team roping and steer wrestling all over the southeast. I was penning and hauling cattle for a living but I could tell that the cattle were leaving this part of Florida, and the people were moving in. I knew I had to find something else to do. I had talked to my farrier several times and it seemed like it would be something I would like to do. So after researching some schools, I enrolled in Casey and Son in 1998, and graduated in Feb. of 1999. Since returning to Florida I have built a pretty good business and still work cows occasionally. I am currently a Journeyman 1 farrier and I mainly shoe rodeo and performance horses. I have a few big barns but I try to stay away from them. I cover a range of about 100 miles around Jacksonville Florida .    

We are currently facing the whole farrier licensing problem, and personally I think anyone who supports licensing doesn't fully understand the impact this will have on our free trade. I have seen bad farriers come and go, because it usually doesn't take long before they are weeded out naturally. I think that certification through an existing organization is the best way to go. I hope to see all of you at the convention this year. 

Spotlight Date       October 2005

Praises for Charlie!  

Dear Mr. Casey,    I am writing to you today to thank your website referral service for sending me information on Charlie Gay in Jacksonville, Florida. I was in desperation for my lame horse and searched the web and found your site. I proceeded to email your referral services with my plight and could not be more satisfied with the results. I recently moved to Florida in May of 2004 from Lexington, Kentucky where I Took Princess on long trail rides over tough terrain and she was always healthy and sound. However, since my first trim service here in Florida she went lame. I tried four other farriers. Knowing it might take several visits. I gave each of them several opportunities to help her out. Nothing. I took her to my vet, Dr. Engle, who then x-rayed her and found no problems and his recommendations was that it was due to poor trimming. She does have navicular, but he assured me that was not the problem. I thought I would try one more farrier before I took her to University of Florida.

I contacted Charlie with my dilemma and he came to evaluate her the next day. He reviewed her x-rays and agreed with the vet, there was no visible reason that she should be lame. He trimmed her and made an additional appointment for three weeks from then. Keep in mind, I have tried Natural Balance and 3-degree aluminum wedges on her already that neither the vet or Charlie said where needed. He called me two days in advance to confirm his second appointment. Imagine that!! An appointment confirmation, that was new to me. He was on time (that was a new to me also) and proceeded to shoe her with regular steel shoes. After he trimmed her the second time I noticed that she had no bruising of the sole which she always did before and quite a bit I might add. She seemed better the next day with only a slight limp. Two days after that she looked great. I took her on a trail ride knowing I would probably need to turn around after about 20 minutes as usual. We went 8 miles with no lameness! It is now a week later and she is great. This is the longest she has been sound in a year, including when I gave here bute to offer her some pain relief. I can't praise Charlie enough for his knowledge and expertise. He handled her kindly and was a model professional at all times. He did for her in only 2 visits what 5 other farriers could not! He is truly an asset to your organization and I will, and have, spread the word on him.  

Kindest regards, Linda Cipolla, Orange Park

Barry Denton

Barry Denton is located in Arizona on a multi faceted facility situated in the heart of the old west. The -U- brand is one of Arizona's oldest and best-known brands. Over the years the Bar U Bar has become famous for fine champion race and show horses as well as Hereford cattle. The Bar U Bar Ranch is nestled at the base of Granite Mountain just 12 miles southwest of historic Prescott, Arizona, home of the World's Oldest Rodeo. This is a very beautiful area with completely different terrain in whatever direction you look. Spectacular scenery makes this an ideal spot for photo shoots and film locations. We are host to a variety of events each year such as horsemanship clinics, large group trail rides, blacksmithing & horseshoeing seminars, etc. In addition to all of our activities we have a very diversified retail business for Tom Balding Bits and Spurs as well as new and used blacksmithing and horseshoeing tools. Having guests is another one of our specialties as we are not a typical dude ranch. Being a guest is a hands on learning experience. Lastly, we are in the logging business and are happy to sell you custom milled lumber to your specifications.     

One of the most interesting parts of Bar U Bar Ranch is the blacksmith & farrier shop. In the shop you will find modern tools combined with tools that are over 300 years old. Both kinds of tools are used daily to produce forged items that are uniquely one of a kind. If there is a forged item you would like to have made, let us know and we can get you a price quote. We also forge custom made horseshoes for your horse. I believe we can make the best-designed horseshoes for each individual horse. If you are interested in outfitting your horse with custom handmade horseshoes contact us and we will explain to you our process of making templates of your horse's feet. It doesn't matter where you are located. If you want your horse to travel better with improved performance let us know. I also do consulting & clinics in this area as well. Blacksmithing and horseshoeing lessons are part of our program as well. If the ring of the anvil, the acrid smell of coal, and burning hooves appeals to you, contact us to see how you can take an active part in becoming a farrier or blacksmith. Whether you continue it part time or full it is a very rewarding work. It will challenge your intellect, your artistic side, and physical prowess

In case you were wondering Barry Denton has been a farrier and blacksmith for over 25 years. He is an AFA Certified Farrier and a BWFA Certified Master Farrier that has devoted his life to the betterment and health of horses. He has literally traveled from coast to coast in the US, Canada, Dominican Republic, and Mexico working for top trainers of race and show horses. This includes shoeing champions in over 30 disciplines. Treating lame & laminitic horses has been one of Barry's specialties and he still does consulting in these areas. Barry is also a member of the Arizona Artist's Blacksmith's Association.  

The shop is a regular field trip for students in the blacksmithing & farrier programs at Yavapai Community College in Prescott, AZ. I have also taught blacksmithing & horseshoeing courses for Grand Canyon College of Phoenix, AZ. My wife and I also train and show reining horses at many southwestern AQHA horse shows. Along with our training we created and exhibit our "Bar U Bar Ranch Show" around the country. It is a fast paced performance of horsemanship with a patriotic theme in the tradition of Gene Autry & Roy Rogers. The show includes tandem freestyle reining, many amazing horse tricks (see photo), trick roping, and bridle less reining. The show is 30 minutes long, complete with choreographed music, comedy, and surprises. (see photo) In addition to my horse activities I write a monthly article concerning horses for "America's Bridle & Bit Magazine" of Phoenix, AZ. 

Spotlight Date          November 2005

Bill Ainsworth

Bill Ainsworth, retired from the United States Army after 30 years service, was on his way to Montana to be a hunting guide. Fortunately, after a small amount of research, he found that a farrier was completely independent and able to make great money as well as being in control of his own destiny.

After being trained at the Casey & Son Horseshoeing School, he went on to shoe in the western part of Georgia building a flourishing business as Hoofwerks Horseshoeing. His emphasis was quality and responsive service. Horse owner education was a goal. He works on all disciplines of Equine stock from mini-horses to the BIG boys. If there are any special projects, it would have to be founder, white line and canker. Several veterinarians began referring a large amount of clients and the business began to snowball.

During this time Bill wanted to contribute more to the farrier industry, so he started by teaching for a time at the Casey & Son Horseshoeing School but it was not his niche.

Bill feels that research and the National Farrier Research Center was the key to our association becoming the creditable organization that it is. He began doing research on his own horse, Freckles a research horse that he purchased for donations. He started going to horse shows and provided clinics to support the National Farrier Research Center. He collected horses and donkeys for donation to the research center and solicits monetary donations wherever he goes.He feels that the National Farrier Research Center benefits everyone in the horse industry. He has been a featured speaker on this subject at recent conventions, horse clinics and horse shows.

Spotlight Date          February 2006

Max Williams and Kelly Case

ShurShod Horseshoeing School, Max Williams and Kelly Case

Max Williams has been shoeing horses for over 40 years, he is a BWFA Certified Master Farrier Educator, an AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier and holds a Master's degree in equine science with an emphasis on horseshoeing. Max was the head of the horseshoeing department at Sul Ross University in Alpine Texas and wrote the curriculum that is still the basis for there program today.

For 25 years of his shoeing career Max has taught the art of horseshoeing to others, he stopped teaching at the University level and started ShurShod Horseshoeing School , his reason's for starting a privately run school were simple, in Max's word's "This is a hands on trade, you learn it by doing it, not by sitting in a classroom listening to someone talk about it."

Max has shod his way across the U.S. and has given shoeing and forging demonstrations in the U.K. and Australia ,he feels blessed that he has had the opportunity to work with farriers, like Bernie Chapman, Jim Kieth, John Marino, Donald Jones and many others. Max loves what he does and the freedom that being a farrier has provided him over the years. He is against the licensing of farriers as he believes that most of the people who get into this trade are in it because they have an independent streak inside them and are willing to accept success or failure based on their own ambitions and merits.

Kelly Case is a BWFA CJF who is now part owner of ShurShod Horseshoeing School. Kelly attended the ShurShod program 10 yrs ago and has been shoeing ever since. About the school Kelly says, " I actually got involved in the teaching aspect when my wife (Roseann) attended ShurShod, I spent some time at the school helping out with the class, I found I really enjoyed working with the students, Max was talking about retirement at the time and one thing led to another, we struck a deal and moved the school to our place in Grovespring Missouri."

One of the reason's I got involved with the school was that students who had graduated 8 and 10 yrs ago would call back, some for advice on shoeing some just to say hello, it made me realize that being a Farrier is more of a lifestyle and not just a business it's a very small close knit community that takes care of itself and throughout that community there is a ton of knowledge to be gained.

We have started a local BWFA chapter and encourage members, non members and horse owners to attend meetings and clinics to further their knowledge of good sound hoof care.

Spotlight Date              March 2006

Scott Ledbetter

My practice is located in Atlanta , Ga. I generally work within a 50-mile radius, but have travelled to twelve other states and counting.

I graduated from Casey & Son Horseshoeing School in 1991. My continuing education has taken me to BWFA Conventions, AFA Conventions, PBM Clinics, Cornell University and the Laminitis Symposium in West Palm Beach , FL.

The horses I have worked on include, but are not limited to, backyard pleasure horses, dressage horses, hunters, jumpers and polo ponies. I worked the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and may have shod the first horse at the GA International Horse Park.

My current certification level is Certified Journeyman II and I will complete my Master Level Certification in 2006.

I am expanding my knowledge of many of the newer products on the market. Plastic shoes include EasyWalker, Pony W'air, Hoof-It Marathons and Equi-Flex. Sole support materials from Vettec, Luwex and Redden/NanRic. Here in the southeastern U.S. , thrush, seedy-toe and hoof cracks are especially prevalent. I am currently working on methods to create ultimate 'show" finishes.

I joined the BWFA because it seemed to me to be extremely strong in educating farriers on how to run a small business and on educating horseowners on how important the farrier is to the overall health of the horse. I still feel that way today. So much so that I now hold a lifetime membership.

My income has definitely increased by affiliation with the BWFA. Even now, I consult with other members on such topics as pricing and advanced shoeing techniques. Moreover, there's just good fellowship with the men and women who simply love horses.

To my mind, certification is the way for all farriers to improve their craft and to increase their income. Many people do not realize that "licensing" is merely a means of income-production for government entities.

Case in point: Here in Atlanta , the oversight of city carriage horses was shuttled to the office in charge of taxis, city buses and airport limousines. No one in that office had any experience with horses whatsoever.

More and more, the farrier is becoming the most knowledgeable caretaker of the equine animal. Let's not give away our trade or our voice.

Spotlight Date                    April 2006

Marcus J. Pierce

My name is Marcus J Pierce and I am a graduate of Jack Roth Oklahoma Horseshoeing School. I have been shoeing horses for a living now for over 20 years. My Wife Debbie of 26 years, runs our office and keeps the books, so its a joint team and without her I would have nothing to do. She keeps it all running. I joined the BWFA in 1990 after hearing Ralph Casey talk in Asheville NC. At the time I was already a member of the AFA, NCHA and I knew that the BWFA could only help me, and it did. The BWFA is a great association, it's not just what you can learn, but the people that you meet that can help you grow as a farrier. The more you give to a farrier association the more you get back, much more. The BWFA will help anyone if they will just join and come to the clinics a few times a year, its really about the people. It has been fun to watch the BWFA grow into what it is today, People like Ralph, Ginger Tony, Scott, Jeff, Tom, and Bill, and a whole lot more have work hard to make it better for us all.

This past year the Farrier Licensing thing has tried to come up again, but the BWFA and Ralph was there fighting hard to save our Freedom and our rights, that alone was worth the price of ours dues. Being inducted into the BWFA Hall of Fame in 2001 was Great, and I thank the BWFA for that I could not believe it , that was something. Being part of the BWFA was been special for me , I have learned a lot and continue to meet a lot of wonderful people.

BWFA awards:

·         Certified BWFA Master Farrier 1992 BWFA Farrier of the Year 1992

·         BWFA Convention Host award 1992

·         BWFA Humanitarian award 2001

·         BWFA Hall of Fame

·         BWFA Board of Director member 1991-1993

·         BWFA state Tester

Best Regards,

Marcus J Pierce

Spotlight Date               May 2006

Wayne Blevins

After graduating from New Mexico State University in 1970 with Bachelor degree in Business Administration I enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served for four years as a flight mechanic and Aviation Survivalman. In June of 74 I attended the Midwest Horseshoeing School in Macomb, Illinois. The emphasis at that school was standardbred and roadster ponies, this helped immensely in learning the full spectrum of gait. As a breeder, trainer, and importer of the Paso Fino horse my shoeing specialty for many years afterward was the four beat gait. In 75 I built my first Paso Fino Ranch on twenty acres in Mendocino County, California and started a horseshoeing business. In 1980 I helped to form the California Paso Fino Horse Association. I was the Northern California Rep for the breed and also on the board of directors for CPFHA for about ten years. Again my interest was in the gait of the horse and developed shoeing and trimming techniques that worked well for my Paso Fino clients as well as the general pleasure horse customers that I served.

In 1996 I formed Gait And Lameness Evaluation Inc. for the purpose of studying and documenting gait with digital video, and moved to El Dorado County, where the horse population was abundant. I have found that most shoers that stay with the trade eventually gravitate toward studying hoof diseases. I too found my camera turned to documenting case studies of progress made and eventually focused on cases where Blue Green algae from Klamath Lake, Oregon was used as a nutritional supplement. I was so impressed with the quality of hoof material that I had to work with, when this rich food source was used, that it became the main focus of my business the last ten years that I was a farrier. Eventually, I would only take on a rehab case, if they would agree to feed AFA. After a few years of seeing consistent results, I had to take the next step to find other Farriers who would conduct controlled case studies, using this new food source for horses.

The BWFA stepped up to the plate and made case studies through the FNRC. Many BWFA members became distributors encouraging their clients to use the product, and seeing the same results I had. It was with the help of BWFA, its members, my wife, Jeannie, and partner, Guy Franzi, that I came to develop a horse product, E3Live For Horses. Ralph Casey announced at the 2004 BWFA convention that of all products tested claiming to increase hoof growth, E3 Live For Horses was by far the best. Over the next year and one half, I have come to know many more of the BWFA members and have set up distributorships among a good number of them. I am now retired from the Farrier business, due to health reasons, but am fulltime working to make E3Live For Horses a household name around horseman.

I am very glad to be a member of the BWFA and encourage anyone that is interested in getting to know other working farriers, willing to share their business problems and solutions, to become a member of this great organization of men and women.

Spotlight Date                  June 2006

Pete Mitchum

First I would like to thank you for the opportunity to share this with the other members of this site. I really do not have a lot to say about my farrier experience for I had only been shoeing for a short while before coming to Afghanistan.

I first attended Casey & Son Horseshoeing at the beginning of 2005. My initial intentions where to learn how to shoe for my on personal benefit of shoeing my horses. Soon after starting I quickly learned that shoeing was something that I would like to do full time. The problem was the fact that I had a full time job (which I hated) that paid very well and my life style (bills) prevented me from starting over on a new career path. I had just moved to Alabama from South Carolina which meant that I was virtually unknown and an outsider to the community. That obstacle was not so difficult to overcome but nevertheless it was still a concern. I was able to work with a couple of farriers from both the AFA and BWFA which proved beneficial in getting to know people in the horse community and it was not long before I began to pick up a few customers of my own.

Being new to the business I had a lack of confidence and questioned my judgment. I was scared to death of messing up somebody's horse. Thankfully the research center was there and I was able to call Desmond Fox on several occasions for guidance and support. We had a running joke (quote) at the center."B Des" which I think showed our respect for his knowledge and abilities as a farrier/instructor. The more horses I shod the more I knew that I had to find a way to make this my career, my full time job. That's when I was presented with a unique opportunity that could make everything fall in to place.

Having 10+ years law enforcement experience I was presented the opportunity to come to Afghanistan as an International Police Advisor. My role would be to work with the Afghan National Police to help form a reliable, professional, and democratic police force. After many hours of debate with my family, I signed up, and that is where I am now, Afghanistan.

Being in Afghanistan has been a great experience and has given me a deep appreciation for being an American. These folks over here have no power, no running water, and the streets are lined with trash and other unspeakable things. The one thing that I have found and will write about is horses. They have some nice looking gaited horses here in the country. These people are not like us, they don't have horses because they like them, they have them because they are a way of life. Everywhere you look you will see horses and donkeys pulling carts or hauling a load of straw on their back. They believe that if they feed it, they work it! The sad thing is that I have seen a lot of lame horses - still being worked and worked hard. I observed a guy putting wooden braces on a young donkey's legs one day and was left scratching my head. I later was able to ask an Afghan General, who also had a few horses, "why?' He stated that the braces helped keep the legs straight and in line so the young horse or donkey could carry a heavy load. I just shook my head and thought well that explains why I see some many messed up horses here.

I also had the opportunity to meet a couple of blacksmiths since arriving. All the shoes and tools are hand made and of poor quality. But I have to add that the smiths are extremely resourceful and seem to do -OK- considering what they have. The most exciting thing I have found here in Afghanistan related to horses is the national sport called Buzkashi. All I will say is that it is like football on horse back and considered a very competitive sport. If we made a few changes to the game it would probably be a big hit back in the states. Look it up on the net to get a better idea of what it's about and you will understand what changes we would have to make.

I will have completed my first year here come September and will be extending for an additional 6 months (maybe 6 more after that giving me a full 2 years). After that, I will be going back to Casey & Son for good 6 or so weeks to brush back up and improve my skills then it is back to business. I will then be able to realistically pursue my goal of working full time as a professional certified BWFA farrier. So, I will not make the convention this year but I look forward to seeing everybody the following year and in the many years to come.

See you all soon!

Pete Mitchum

Spotlight Date          July 2006

Sam Mannira

Approximately 4 years ago I was working many hours in the construction trade. That trade had become a task to me instead of something I enjoyed doing. With the encouragement of a long time Farrier and friend I decided I needed to change my career towards a path of something I enjoyed. I have been around horses since childhood and always enjoyed it but never realizing I could make a career around them. I researched many schools and decided on Casey and Son’s. I went to school for 6 weeks and came back wondering how I would get my business going. Everyone at the school helped with encouraging words and lots of advice. I quickly got my business off the ground and put to use all the knowledge I learned. Word of mouth travels fast in the equine industry and I found myself with a phone that never stops ringing.

I didn’t want to stop there. I just recently went back to Casey and Son’s for another 6 weeks to earn my Journey II. I have been back each year for the Convention and enjoy the value it brings. This year I had a booth to show the value that Thermography has in the equine world. The BWFA has been an awesome supporter. I joined the BWFA because they believe in continuing education for ALL Farriers, educating the public and horse owners on the importance of having a certified Farrier. My children love helping me and have learned so much about the needs of the equine species. They have their own chaps and tools to assist their dad with the horses we have at home. 

       Respectfully,

       Sam Mannira

Spotlight Date                 November 2006