American Farriers Journal would like to thank the many farriers who dedicate their time and skills to the equine industry. This year marks the 25th annual Farriers Week — a time dedicated to celebrating your contributions to the profession. As part of that celebration, we invited everyone in the equine community to share tributes to their farriers. Here we’ve highlighted just a few of those submissions. More stories and photos can be found on our website in “Farriers Spotlight,” which launches July 9th. Visit this page to read more about these special farriers.

Appreciation from Horse Owners

Clayton Wilber is an excellent blacksmith who goes beyond the normal duties of a blacksmith. He continued to keep my 29-year-old mare sound by forging and welding custom, heel-plated shoes. My younger, sensitive mare who is usually scared of men is not scared of him. The best thing he does is to take the time to explain what he is doing and why. He educates the owner.

— Louisa Killian, Melbourne, Fla.

Good things come to those who persist.  My 12-year-old rescue Mustang gelding arrived April 2022 with hooves that looked as if they’d never been trimmed and not picking up his backs. We went to work training him for the farrier, not knowing it would take 5 months with a dozen refusals from vets and farriers and a relay of referrals across Texas to get us to Hunter Glisson-Warner. Before Hunter came in September, it seemed a life-or-death situation. My horse’s hoof walls were separating from the sole and he was lame on his right front, stumbling, unable to exercise or train. Hunter calmly, coolly and perfectly trimmed for over an hour without incident. When she checked his progress after 3 weeks, all his issues had been resolved and it’s been regular trims ever since. Aside from this remarkable gift, Hunter’s equine education and certification, business practices and whole horse approach combine to make her one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable horse professionals around. There aren’t words to convey our gratitude, but Hunter’s work says it all.

— Liz Welling, Smithville, Texas

Danny McWhorter always does a superb job. He also mentors and teaches young farriers. We need more like him!

— Lorna Thomason, Adams, Tenn.

Courtney Caron is amazing! He is the best farrier for any kind of a lameness, especially laminitis. When our farrier of many years retired, we had gone through numerous others, causing my pony to have more and more foot problems. When I got to the horse park, my pony could barely walk. Courtney came out right away and used therapeutic shoes and pads to make our pony comfortable. 

— Leslie Whitney, Sandwich, Mass.

Johnny Argus has been a farrier for 60-plus years and still shoes. He’s taken care of many of my horses. I wish everyone could have trained/apprenticed under him — he’s a fountain of knowledge.

— Paula Alario, Folsom, La.

Jeremy Jarvis is a kind and caring farrier. I don’t have a big, fancy barn like a lot of folks, but that doesn’t mean that I love my horses any less. Even in the heat of the Florida summer, he’s never complained about working under the shade of a tree instead of in a barn. He has never lost his temper even though they have given him reason to by refusing to stand still or pick up a foot on command. He has always treated them — and me  — with respect. Two years in a row we were on vacation and the person watching the animals called to say my husband’s mare was limping. Jeremy fit a visit into his busy schedule to check on her, calling to update us each time. My husband has passed now, so I’m alone and Jeremy has never made me feel like he was in a rush. He lets me chat while he continues to work. It may sound silly, but there are weeks when I have no one to talk with and I look forward to his visit. He seems to know that I need his kindness as much as my horses do. Jeremy is the best farrier around, but he’s also the kindest person you could meet.

— Terri Maucher, Molino, Fla.

Thanking a Mentor

From the first time I met Brandt Chastain, CF, his professionalism and attention to detail made him stand out from any other farrier I’ve worked under. If you’re in the jumping world, chances are you’ve heard of him. He’s worked on Olympic and World Cup winners. It’s been a privilege to work under him. I appreciate all of the knowledge and guidance he’s provided.

— Jose Gonzalez, Cardiff, Calif.   

Read more tributes in the Farrier Spotlight.