For the 2021 Summit Mail-In Forging Exercise, I wanted to bring back concave as part of the challenge. When I choose a shoe for this contest, I want something that will test skill, but also something that is practical. The overall steps should have lessons practical for your everyday work, and hopefully have a shoe that can benefit some horses on your books.

I really like this diamond toe hind shoe. I used it in an earlier contest with the Florida State Farriers Association and liked seeing how it challenged the farriers who entered. This is a beneficial shoe for a horse that might grab a shoe on the diagonal, without taking foot length. I view this as a simple shoe, but I think it will force you to take multiple tries to get it right. This is a good shoe for self-evaluation.

This is the seventh annual Summit Mail-In Forging Exercise. Thank you to VICTORY Racing Plate Co. for sponsoring this challenge again. You can watch a video of making this shoe at AmericanFarriers.com/Summitshoe. You’ll improve your skills and earn a free T-shirt just for entering. You may win the buckle. But remember, it isn’t about winning — it is about the journey. Good luck!

Sponsored by VICTORY, this forging exercise requires making this…