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3rd Annual Draft Shoeing Competition Honors Scottish Farrier
The third annual Edward Martin Perpetual Draft Horse Shoeing Competition will be held at the Draft Horse Classic on Sept. 24 and 25 in Grass Valley, Calif.
In this event, a farrier, with the assistance of a striker/fireman will be judged on one shod foot and one specimen shoe crafted using a coal forge.
The inspiration for this event is Edward Martin, the late, legendary Scottish farrier. The event is based on the format of the competition Martin held at his Closeburn shop every year. For the organizers, it is natural to base this on Martin's legacy.
"Even though he only had a fourth-grade education he was still one of the most well-read and articulate men I've known," said Don Gustafson, CJF. "It is such a shame that those involved in the competition will never get to meet Edward because he was such an infuential horseshoer, businessman, and person.
"There were two things that Edward was devoted to," explained Gustafson, "traditional skills and foundations on the one hand, but also taking opportunities to continuing learning at every stage of your life. This competition addresses both of these parts of Edward's life."
The judge of the event will be Austin Edens, CJF. On Sept. 24, Edens will host a clinic on fire management of a coal forge where interested parties can learn the ins and outs of what makes a coke fire different. The competition will be on the following day.
Proceeds of this competition will be used for to the Edward Martin Perpetual Scholarship Fund. This scholarship goes to help fund the education of a student in farrier school.
Last year's scholarship recipient, Chad Shaw used his scholarship to attend the Five Star Horseshoeing School in Oklahoma.
"Our goal is for the effort put into the competition to give rise to education and enlightenment for everyone involved from the competitors, to the judge and the scholarship recipient," Gustafson said. "We hope that they can get a glimpse of Edward through us and through the some of his traditions."
For more information, visit the Draft Horse Classic Web site or contact Jean Meneley at (775) 233-9937 or fetlockfarms@msn.com.
