For the 2022 Summit Mail-In Forging Exercise, I wanted to try something we haven’t used in this contest before. It is a practical shoe that uses a jump weld.  

I like this toe weight shoe because it is a good measurement for your self-evaluation. There are many solid, basic forging elements in it so there are no “cheats.” This is a straightforward challenge because it will gauge your understanding of feet and anatomy.

I hope this will encourage farriers who work with these horses to send in a shoe. I made a few of these shoes and appreciate the help of the gaited horse farriers who gave me advice. I wanted not only to create a challenge, but make a good shoe that matches the expectations of these farriers.

This is the eighth annual Summit Mail-In Forging Exercise. Thank you to VICTORY for sponsoring this challenge again. You can watch a video of making this shoe at AmericanFarriers.com/Summitshoe. We’ll place the top finishers at the Summit. 

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!