Three up-and-coming farriers are being honored for early career success as American Farriers Journal’s 2020 Rising Shoeing Stars:

• Gilad Friedman of Blacksburg, Va.
• Mia Durham of Lake Luzerne, New York
• Scott Bushaw of Ames, Iowa

Friedman is a graduate of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif., while Bushaw and Durham are, respectively, graduates of Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo., and the Cornell University Farrier Program in Ithaca, N.Y.

American Farriers Journal introduced the Rising Shoeing Star Award 11 years ago. Along with leading farrier industry suppliers, this recognition program promotes the importance of further footcare education, while encouraging young shoers in their careers. Co-sponsors include Adeptus Nutrition Inc., American Farriers Journal, Dechra Veterinary Products and Pyranha.

Friedman, who was the first-place winner, will be awarded $1,000, while runners-up Bushaw and Durham receive prizes of $500 each.

Rising Shoeing Stars will also receive free registration to the 2022 International Hoof-Care Summit, a commemorative plaque, a 1-year subscription to American Farriers Journal and the AFJ “Kitchen Sink” package (a practical footcare reference library with a value of $575). The schools that produced the three 2017 graduates also received plaques and a copy of the AFJ “Kitchen Sink” package for use by its students throughout the year.

Meet the Winners

Gilad Friedman

After graduating from horseshoeing school, Friedman wanted to continue his hoof-care education through apprenticeships. He purchased a…