I began my shoeing career in 1978 on a ranch outside Cody Wyoming.  It was part of my job to shoe my “string” of horses, or horses that I was assigned to ride.  While on the ranches I trained and rode horses and learned horsemanship skills while working cattle. 

   I soon returned to Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas where I continued to work on area ranches while I pursued a degree in Education.  While at the school I took classes in Farrier  Science.   The instructor I studied under was none other than Farrier Hall of Fame farrier Dr. Doug Butler who wrote four texts on horseshoeing.  His books are considered by many to be the gold standard  of farrier texts.   At the time he was preparing to be on the first American Farrier team to compete in Europe.  We watched as he made shoes and prepared for the international contest. He is the first American to earn the Fellowship or Fwcf of the British Worshipful Company of Farriers, to date there are 34 living  fellows and only 5 in the United States.  To say the least he was a tough task master.  I fell in love with the study of the horse’s foot and received the top grade in Dr. Butler’s class which is a huge accomplishment as many of the students were pre-vet students and were working hard to maintain grades to get into vet school.  I remember one question where there was a cadaver foot with a nail driven into the sole of the foot exiting near the coronary band.  Our job was to name every structure the nail had passed through in order.  Here we also learned to build horseshoes from barstock and  make the tools to build the shoes.

   After Graduation I went on to teach elementary school for thirty years.  I continued to shoe horses after school  throughout my teaching career.   In 1988 I earned the AFA Basic level certification and then in 1991 I earned the AFA Journeyman certification.  I have been active in both the Texas and New Mexico farrier associations, holding offices in the New Mexico association for over 20 years.  I have also been active in the AFA or American Farrier Association and have been an active tester since 1991.

   

 

  I have spent countless hours in continuing education.  I have sat in classes taught by the top farriers in the world., many whom I consider my friends.   I spent several years flying to Houston to work with Bob Marshall when he came down from Canada to work with AFA team member Jeff Engler and his son Jake Engler who later was also on the AFA team.  I recently spent several days catching up with Bob, a five time world champion with over 50 years experience shoeing horses and a fantastic teacher, in Canada, where he taught me new forging skills and  retaught me things  I had forgotten or didn’t hear the first time.   

       Since retiring from teaching it is my goal to become internationally certified.  I have passed the written part of the FITS test which is used in Africa and Australia.  I am studying and attending classes to sit for the Worshipful Company of Farriers  Associate or AWCF, which is considered equal to having a masters degree from a university.  This is a lofty goal but the journey has been great.

  I continue to strive for excellence by providing high-quality farrier services to my clients.  I continuously update my education through regular attendance in various classes and clinics. Utilizing the most modern equipment, I keep my knowledge up-to-date on cutting edge innovations in the horseshoeing industry. I combine this with a strong work ethic to maintain my position as one of the top farriers in the nation. 

I believe in showing my clients the utmost courtesy by being punctual and reliable, and before I leave, I make sure your next appointment is already scheduled. For my clients’ peace of mind, I find the time to help you with issues that may crop up suddenly with your horse’s feet.

My number one goal is to help you maintain a sound horse. I provide you with top expertise in therapeutic/corrective trimming and shoeing as well as the basics for horses that have no therapeutic needs. I am well versed in the latest advances and techniques in adhesive shoeing, and have successfully utilized complicated hoof reconstruction procedures as well. I will work closely with your veterinarians and other horse professionals to ensure that the best program for your horse is being followed. I recognize that each client and horse may have very specific needs so I make it a point to listen closely to your concerns about your horses and will take the time to address any issues you may have about their feet.