Laura Ritonia (Williston, Fla.)
I appreciate my farrier so much. She keeps my horse balanced and sound — she's a great farrier but she's an even greater human being! She has been one of the regular farriers at Beauty's Haven Equine Rescue in Morriston, Fla., for many years. There is always a wide variety of hoof-care issues, as well as health, recovery from abuse and training. Some are so starved they cannot stand but they do recover! One pony has to be hoisted for her trims.
She has a generous spirit and often donates her time, skills and products to those in need. I was lucky to accompany her and two other farriers April and Madeline to the Panhandle area, where Cat 5 Hurricane Michael hit in 2018. These gals gathered hay, grain and shelter supplies and drove over there and trimmed as many horses as they could pro bono for 2 days.
She attends a continuing education programs with IAEP, as well as joining other farrier friends at the big conventions ... always learning.
She has the most generous and helpful spirit of anyone I know, both as a farrier and as a human — she helps as many or more people as she does horses. Everything from trapping and transporting feral cats for spay/neuter to providing food, funds and shelter to homeless and low income individuals — she sees opportunities to help every where and she does it!
Her approach is quiet and gentle, always patient, her nature puts horses and people alike, at ease.
I really think the world would be a better place if there were more like her.
— Kimberly Furse, Archer, Fla.
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