Clayton Wilber (St. Cloud, Fla.)

I’d like to say that Clayton is extremely pleasant to work with.  Very knowledgeable, patient, and gentle with your horse.  He takes the time to answer questions, helps you and your horse feel comfortable, and always follows up with you to make sure everything is still acceptable.  From the time I called to make an appointment to the time he came to the farm, the time and attention given to myself and my horse was phenomenal.  He took the time to speak to my previous farrier (as I was in Pennsylvania before), asked for any X-rays I had, along with any medical procedures performed.  The process was seamless.  His wife is amazing as well.  Even through this awful tragedy, Clayton and his wife have taken the time to make sure my family and I are doing as best we can.  Whether it was phone calls, texts, etc.  They’ve become friends, not just my farrier.  My horse became part of their family as well.  I’m thankful to have met them, and am even more proud to have him as my farrier.  My horse was extremely comfortable with them, as their ground manners mean the world to me.  I never felt like just another client.  No matter what time of day I called, he was there.  Even if my horse lost a shoe and I couldn’t meet him there, I knew my horse would be well taken care of.  For that, and the time they’ve taken to care for us even now, I honor Clayton (and his wife and team) for this farrier tribute.

— Ashley Felix and Mr. Grey (4/05/2013-07/07/2020) 

There are almost no words to describe the amount of dedication our farrier team, Florida Farrier Services has for our horses, King, Hawk and Hickory. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion. It’s not just a livelihood, it’s a love, not only for the horses they serve but the clients they support. 

Clayton hands down is the BEST in the business. When people call for a recommendation, I am always willing to share him and when asked why him over others, it’s simple. It’s his level of caring, commitment, education, dedication and love for our horses. 

He brings that “extra mile”, that “we are going to get this right”, that “you are a winner” attitude to each horse he shoes whether it’s our 15YO 3D gelding, Hickory or our 7YO 1D World Champion, Tampa Bay Rey Deal. 

Clayton’s dedication knows no boundaries....does your farrier fly to TX to shoe your 1D horse for the American Semi’s? Because ours did! He believed in Ava Grayce and he believed in King so much that he wanted to be sure they had their best feet forward! 

I could go on and on about this team; Teri who never misses a beat in scheduling around our crazy travel or Leif and Colton who work with Clayton to make sure our horses feet are finished with a shine! They deserve every and all positive recognition afforded to them and we wish them a very Happy Farrier’s Week!! We truly can’t do what we do, without them!

—Ava Grayce and Cathy Sanders (St. Cloud, Fla.)

Simply the best farrier available in the state of Florida for performance horses and ponies. Exceptional at problem-solving and strategic partnering for overall horse health. During the last decade, together we have laughed, cried, mourned losses and celebrated successes. A true partner, I can’t imagine the equestrian competition journey without Florida Farrier Services/Clayton and Teri Wilber.

— Barbara Justice (Cocoa Beach, Fla.)

Clayton is not only an excellent farrier but also a true craftsman who takes pride in his work, as it clearly show on each horse he shoes. Clayton and his team are true professionals. I really enjoy watching as they work.  He answers my questions and I am a smarter horse owner after each time they visit. 

And if it weren’t enough said that these guys are pros — they are personable, funny and just nice to be around!

Thank you Clayton for all you guys do!

— Andrea Gayle Stapp (Cocoa, Fla.)

We cannot say enough great things about Clayton and Teri Wilbur! Clayton never says no when it comes to that tricky situation where the horse needs help, and it looks impossible. He always figures it out. He’s the guy that gets a phone call at 5 p.m. on his last stop on a Thursday (he’s worked 12-16 hour days that week) that a horse needs him bad and he drives an hour to get there and fix it! His passion for these animals is undeniable! We truly couldn’t do it without our Florida Farrier Service family! In our book Clayton is the BEST around!

— Jamie Vanosdol (St. Cloud, Fla.)

Clayton has been my farrier for years and is by far one of the best! Not only is he on time (a rare trait in the farrier world) but he is effective and skilled at keeping my horses happy and sound. Being the owner of a difficult, poorly footed thoroughbred I have quickly learned Clayton is the go-to guy in central Florida and the only farrier I trust completely.

— Diana Husband (Cocoa, Fla.)

I am nominating Clayton Wilber, for the Farriers Week 2020. He is beyond committed to his clients’ horses. The knowledge, developed skill sets, and understanding of the horses mechanics and movement are the best I’ve seen since having Tom Curl doing my barn. Nobody puts in more heart, sweat and work than Clayton. He and his wife operate at a level that is setting the bar for our industry. I am blessed to count them as a major asset for my horses' sport careers as well as their quality and longevity of life. A true friendship has been forged (pun intended). I feel lucky and blessed that my horses have him for their farrier. Thank you for your consideration. 

— Sally Wright, Ballyclare Sport Horses

Clayton is not only an amazingly dedicated farrier but is a good teacher and a great man. He always strives for excellence, he never throws in the towel to quit and is always looking for new ways to help his clients horses. I’ve come to know Clayton not only as my farrier but my friend, he is kind, smart and extremely hand with a set of tools. He has done wonders for my horses and I have recommended him to several of my friends and will continue to refer him. Clayton and his wife Terri have always made he feel included in their Florida Farrier Service Family and are always just a call or text away. They never disappoint. I will forever be thankful for Florida Farrier Service.

— Lily Bates (Vero Beach, Fla.)

Clayton is the epitome of farriers. It is apparent that Clayton's job is not only a profession but his passion. He revels in understanding the science of everything he does and works to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual horse. He has proven himself to be a dedicated professional that does his job the best that is possible. He has fixed issues for my horses that other farriers failed to accomplish.

— Stephanie Rettemnier (Fellsmere, Fla.)

He is the best! Knows his stuff, is personable, and knowledgeable.

— Amelia Hampshire (Melbourne, Fla) 

Clayton is the most knowledgeable person I know! He’s so caring I’m blessed to have him as a part of my team! He cares for my horses just as much as I do! 

— Emily Tomlinson (Edgewater, Fla.)

Clayton whole team is amazing, his wife Terri who schedules everything to his assistant Leif always go the extra mile to help. Clayton was referred to Winsome Blue farms from our local vet due to a therapeutic shoe needed for an injury. Shortly after our normal farrier left with no warning, Clayton and Terri jumped in and have been taking care of all of the horses ever sense. We are so lucky to have such a knowledgeable and caring farrier who really will go above and beyond for all clients and horses no matter the situation.

— Sabrina Bray (Melbourne, Fla.)

Clayton is the hardest working individual I know. He goes above and beyond what is asked of him for both the horses as well as the customers. He is always there to help when it is needed even if it does call for late nights and hours of work. We love him and the work that he does!

— Morgan Tripp (Okeechobee, Fla.)

Roughly 2 years ago, 2 days before we were supposed to leave for a 5 day horse show my daughters horse became very sore on his right front leg. Luckily there happened to be a vet at the barn that day. He examined the horse and determined he was sore on the outside of his hoof. He told us the horse needed a Z-bar shoe and the ONLY farrier he recommended was Clayton at Florida Farrier Service. 

I then contacted FFS and the short notice was no problem (as far as I knew anyway) and they promptly came and did what they do and Ozzy was like brand new. My daughter went on to have an amazing show. I’m not sure any of that would have been possible if we had not been referred to FFS. 

Since that day we have been loyal customers of FFS. They are an amazing team. His wife is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know. Scheduling has always gone as smooth as possible and they are there when they say they will be. And if something comes up on our end they are more than willing to work with us. She even reached out to me when my father passed with the kindest words. 

All that being said I’m grateful to have gotten to know the team at FFS and feel like I am part of a great family.

— Dwayne Postlewait (Melbourne, Fla.)

Clayton is a wonderful Farrier. He always explains everything and every question I had about the my horses feet. My pony foundered the last year he came out on the weekend built some cushions for my pony and got him sound again. He is always a text or call away when you have a question or an emergency.

— Taryn Howes (St. Cloud, Fla.)

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I was fortunate enough to have Clayton take on my horses case when she came up abruptly lame and my gut told me something was seriously off. After x-rays and upon my vets recommendation I knew we needed help so I contacted Clayton! He worked me in in the same week to come out for a consult and at that consult he spent hours addressing her case and starting the correction process with therapeutic shoeing on all 4 feet. Just in that one appointment she was already almost 100% sound with the work he had put in. I already knew Clayton was knowledgeable and highly regarded in his field from what I had heard from others in my horse community and I’m ecstatic and beyond blessed that she is now under his excellent care. What I did not expect was the passion and care that he puts into his work with every single case. The hours and dedication he puts in and the follow up from him as well as his wife Teri was more than I ever would have expected! It has been quite a process to get her corrected but each time they made sure to follow through with me and see how she was doing! They actually feel the anguish horse owners go through and what it it means to strive for perfection. I look forward to each appointment because I know my horse is getting the care that she needs and deserves. The hours and dedication he puts for his horses and clients is unrivaled. You can see and feel the passion he puts into his work- even when he isn’t under a horse and that is beyond commendable. In a farrier world filled with average Joe’s we need more Claytons!

  — Kelly Moody (Valkaria, Fla.)

Clayton and Terri Wilber of Florida Farrier Service go above and beyond for their clientele and employees! There are the regularly scheduled days, but once a client calls with a problem, Terri is quick to fit them in and Clayton pulls out all the stops to do whatever is possible to have a sound horse by the end of the visit. I can\'t count the 11pm-midnight end times. But I wouldn\'t change it for the world! I love my career and they make the career loveable!

— Leif Thompson (St. Cloud, Fla.)

I love my farrier, Clayton. My horses are barefoot, compete in hunter/jumper shows and Clayton keeps them so balanced, they are always comfortable in their feet and move so balanced and smooth. But Clayton is special because he is so kind to the horses and his clients. His knowledge is so extensive but he is also wonderful at explaining things in laymen’s terms.

— Lyssa Braga (Chuluota, Fla.)

Having horses can be scary especially when you don’t know about their feet. In the last year that we have had Clayton my daughter and I have both been able to learn more about our horses hooves thanks to his love of teaching, than we had from previous farrieRd. I feel good about being in such knowledgeable and capable hands of a man that passes in values and work ethic as well to my child.

— Joy Gunn (Astatula, Fla.)

Clayton has changed my horses lives for the better. He has so much knowledge and uses it for good, truly caring for each horse in their own individuality. For example, my foal had deformities in both front legs after birth. Clayton didn’t just jump to conclusions he knew when something was out of his scope, sending me to the best vets in my area. He did this because he cared about my foals future and continued to communicate with the vet for her ongoing treatment. I have never met a farrier that goes above and beyond at every visit.

— Bailey Gerlach (Malabar, Fla.)

Clayton is an amazing farrier. His knowledge far surpasses any farrier I have met. His ability to think outside the box allows him to formulate custom solutions. My horse never made it through a cycle without throwing a shoe and presented lame. Once we found Clayton that all changed! I am very greatful to know my horses feet are now healthy and so well cared for. Clayton also has an amazing way with his apprentice. He is a patient and thorough teacher. There is no one else I would rather work on my horses. Thank you for all you do!

— Lynne Cotter (Palm City, Fla.)

Clayton Wilber is the best! We have 2 horses on 5 acres of land. A mare 28 and a gelding 30 years old.  Clayton has been there for us on numerous occasions from quarter cracks, abscesses, to thrush.  When it comes to hoof problems, I call him before I call the Vet.  He is usually there the same day or the day after contact. His knowledge in the farrier business and in my opinion goes above and beyond many of the professionals. We are grateful to have such a responsive and knowledgeable farrier in our area. He’s a God fearing man with a great personality that loves his job.

— Cindy Olsen (St. Cloud, Fla.)

Foundation, in the most literal terms, is the lowest load-bearing part of something. Foundation is that very first layer between and object and the ground it is anchored to.  When I think of foundation I think of stability and balance. Without the foundation everything else literally crumbles.

The very first conversation I had with Clayton Wilber was about foundation.  Of course, we were talking about my horse, Quinn, and his feet.  At the time Quinn was a five-year-old OTTB and a very new addition to my family. Quinn was also retired from the track less than five months and super green.  I knew I was going to have to take Quinn’s feet very seriously based on his breed and his age. My goal was to ensure that he had the best foundation to learn his new vocation and to ensure he was comfortable while doing it.

Of course, being new to the area, I stumbled through a few farrier appointments and subjected my horse to cookie cutter shoes.  It was obvious after three different farriers I was going to have to search for better.  Neither Quinn nor I were happy with the results of those appointments.  Clayton was recommended to me from a friend in Ocala.  She told me he was the best in the area. Well she was right!

I knew right away that Clayton and I were on the same page. He talked me through an evaluation of Quinn and what would be the best course of action to put Quinn on the best foundation possible. After the very first appointment I could already see a change in Quinn, his shoulder movement was more open, and his back was free to move without hitch or hesitations.

Since that first appointment Clayton and his wife Teri have become like family.  Clayton continues to amaze me with his knowledge and his desire to build the best possible foundation for every horse he meets.  He continues to educate himself in all things equine to ensure he has every possible tool required for every horse.  Every appointment begins with an evaluation of the whole horse and ends with a happy horse. The dedication and commitment that I see in Clayton is a rare find these days. It would take me longer than a few pages to express my praises for the work Clayton does, but I hope this small snippet allows you to see that Clayton has immersed himself in his trade and truly knows the value of foundation. Both Quinn and I are forever grateful!

— Heather Hayduk (Satellite Beach, Fla.)

Clayton is one of the most compassionate and knowledgeable farriers I have ever had and when he started this healing journey with my old man we realized in conversations that we went back years together. He had apprenticed with my farrier when I lived in Osceola County years earlier. What a small world. I have battled with laminitis through Rangers lifetime. I bought him knowing he had been foundered and I was OK with that because of his breeding and training. He was 4 when he came to live with me.

Over the years he had had a lot of work done on his feet and many different farriers all of which mostly wanting to keep him in shoes. That was OK, too. Then in December of 2017 he went lame. My farrier at the time was inexperienced in laminitis and it was getting worse. I needed a farrier who knew what to do. Ranger was 27 at the time and several well-intentioned folks advised I put him down, citing reasons like age, arthritis etc etc. No, I need a good farrier, I was adamant!

Finally, the barn owner recommended Clayton so on his next visit we talked. He was brutally honest: told me he could fix this......maybe......we would know in a few months and it was going to take a lot of work on my part and it was going to be expensive and require very special handmade shoes. OK let’s do this! We scheduled an appointment with him and the vet because Ranger was in so much pain he required sedation and nerve blocks. This was first every four weeks then it went to five weeks.

As a holistic healer I asked Clayton if he thought it would help and explained to him what I did and how and he was open and honest and said anything that promoted blood flow to the feet could only help and not hurt so I started doing my thing on that first visit and we continued forward. We started this journey in March of 2017. From the first visit he was able to walk again. We knew going in his sole thickness was about a 2-3 mm. In September we were going to do X-rays and Irma hit the Saturday before our Monday appointment. We had to wait until Friday before the vet and Clayton could get there at the same time and X-rays were done powered by a generator.

Yea team! Ranger sole had gone from a 2 mm sole to an 11 mm sole in 6 months. He actually went into a regular shoe with special pads on that day. In January of 2018 he was sound enough to go barefoot. I’m sharing a video so you can see how well he is doing. I will add here that I am a vigilante when it comes to making sure his feet stay dry and his stall stays clean but Ranger turned 30 in January and as you can see in the video he isn’t ready to check out yet. Clayton and his team turned a death sentence into a successful fabulous quality of life and Ranger and I are back at living and loving life. Words cannot express the appreciation I have that he is so filled with compassion and knowledge and the ability to think outside the box to find solutions for these most magnificent of Gods Creatures to keep them not only sound but comfortable and happy and healthy! 

— Ronda Wheeler (Cocoa, Fla.)

Clayton is one of the best when it comes to a horse with lameness issues. He listens to you as the horse owner and thinks outside the box to fix the issue!

— Stephanie Gose (Lorida, Fla.)

I would like to thank Clayton Wilbur and his team at Florida Farrier Service for there incredible care of my mare. He has always gone above and beyond. He trainers and educates not only young farriers but his clients as well. I have learned so much about hoof care and just how important a good farrier is. He has incredible people that he works with to help solve any issues your horse may have. We know he is often asks to help veterinarians and lameness specialists on cases that require special attention. I have witnessed him build shoes for all kinds of different issues. He shares his stories and experiences on social media so we can follow the progress of a special case. I would like the team at FFS to know how incredible you are and how extremely grateful we are for you! 

— Tammy Mount (Melbourne, Fla.)

Clayton is an outstanding farrier, and the kind of person that can brighten up anyone’s day, including my horses! What an awesome man he is and true to his clients. Always providing outstanding service and being extra detailed oriented when it comes to the work on my horses. Clayton with Florida farrier service is the definition of an amazing crew.

— Elizabeth Nelson (Port St. Lucie, Fla.)

Clayton is a good man who honestly cares about his clients both two legged and four! 

— Jane Hite (Vero Beach, Fla.)

Clayton is very friendly, professional and very informative. Our horse “Halo” has a chronic fetlock issue and Clayton makes sure she is comfortable. Customer service is also super.

— Greg Greenamyer (Melbourne, Fla.)

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