American Farriers Journal established the Rising Shoeing Star award program in 2008. This program recognizes farriers making incredible progress in their first 3 years after farrier school. In partnership with industry suppliers, the program highlights the importance of education and motivates new farriers to succeed.

The 2022 program sponsors include Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, Pyranha, Straight Arrow Products, Vetericyn and American Farriers Journal.

This year’s winner is Marie Miyake of Tokyo, Japan. Miyake was awarded apprenticeships and was among the farriers who provided hoof care during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, for displaying her exceptional skills and dedication after graduating from Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif. This horseshoeing school graduate provides insight into her journey and offers advice to others with similar aspirations.

Q. What are your most proud accomplishments in and out of school?

A. There are two things, both of which revolve around encounters. The first is going to the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School and meeting its people. I owe my current self to this school and the people there. The second was during my American Farrier’s Association (AFA) examination. I value a multitude of individuals who have and continue to inspire me.

Q. What are some major obstacles you had to overcome? How did you overcome them?

A. Those would be language and visa issues. Regarding language, everyone was incredibly patient and helpful in communicating with me at first when I could barely speak English. I had studied it before I went to the United States, but it wasn’t practically useful. Despite the short period, I continued to study during my stay in the U.S. I began learning with my body and gradually increasing what I understood. Regarding the visa, I used the Electronic System for Travel Authorization to travel to the United States. While it’s not a problem for short stays from Japan to the U.S., it was quite strict for longer stays (around 90 days). I am still trying to overcome this obstacle by obtaining a visa.

Q. What are some mistakes you’ve made? How did you learn from them?

A. While working alongside a veteran farrier, at the end of a long day, I found myself overwhelmed with frustration and my focus began to wane. This resulted in over-trimming a horse’s hoof. The following day, the horse was lame and I felt immense regret for my actions.

From this incident, I learned the importance of controlling my mind during work, understanding the extent of my concentration span and having strategies to reset when I find myself in such situations. Additionally, I understood the crucial importance of not forcing myself when I know it’s not a good time and possessing the judgment to stop when necessary.

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Q. What are some of the smartest decisions you’ve made getting started? Why were they so important?

A. Coming to the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School immediately after graduating from a farrier school in Japan was the smartest decision I made. This decision allowed me to have more opportunities to learn and interact with horses than when I was in Japan, which greatly expanded my horizons, options, and possibilities.

Q. What advice would you give to others with similar aspirations?

A. I would say learning is a very important thing that never ends, so keep pursuing an education and learning. Try not to overthink, and keep moving on and continuing to learn.

Q. What is the most important thing you have learned? Why?

A. I believe understanding a horse’s behavior is crucial. Of course, knowledge of anatomy, kinetics, physics and various other areas are necessary for the work of a farrier. However, primarily, as we are dealing with horses, it is important to understand their behavior, observe them closely and treat them without imposing our egos. I believe this is necessary for proper horse handling.

Q. Other than school, what were some helpful resources for you? 

A. Among the events I participated in while I was in the U.S., the International Hoof-Care Summit, AFA Convention and various clinics held in different locations were significant. Additionally, I have been utilizing platforms such as podcasts, webinars, Facebook and Instagram.

Moreover, the American Farriers Journal, which includes basics, therapeutic shoeing, forging, health, diseases, business and various other topics, provides a rich learning resource and serves as a repository of knowledge for my daily work.