Johnny Ringo is a 5-year-old mixed breed and faithful companion to White Hall, Md., farrier Brandon Amos. He enjoys Chick-Fil-A, cleaning up hoof scraps and playing with kids throughout the workday with Amos.

The Dog of the Year contest is meant to both have a little fun and honor the important bond between farriers and their dogs. Photos of Johnny Ringo and 11 other top dogs are featured monthly in a 2025 calendar, downloadable for free here.

1. What’s the story behind your dog’s name?

There is a famous Western movie called Tombstone. There is a character named Johnny Ringo. Always thought that was a great character and name.

2. When and where did you get the dog?

We got Ringo from a rescue called Homeward Bound. He was rescued from Louisiana. We picked him up July 2019.

Calling All Farrier Dogs: Enter the Farrier Dog of the Year Contest!

Do you know a loyal canine companion who stands by a farrier's side and travels in the rig during long days of work? If so, nominate them for the second annual American Farriers Journal Farrier Dog of the Year Contest, sponsored by Hemp for Horses and Hounds. Whether you're a farrier yourself or a horse owner, we're celebrating the hard-working, faithful dogs that support farriers everywhere. Share your best photos and stories of the farrier dogs you know for a chance to win prizes and be featured in the 2026 Farrier Dog of the Year calendar featuring the top 12 pups. Winners will be chosen via online voting by American Farriers Journal readers.

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3. When you’re working, does the dog come into the barn or stay in the truck? Does it vary among barns and specific horses?

Ringo runs around most farms, playing with all the children. On some farms, I will tie him to my trailer. For the most part, he stays away from the horses while I am working.

4. Do you have liability or insurance concerns when taking your dog on the road?

I have absolutely no concerns at all.

5. Does your dog help you clean up by eating those extra-nutritious hoof scraps at the stops where you work?

As soon as I take my apron off and the horse is put away, Ringo will come into the barn and help clean up.

Food Motivated

White Hall, Md., farrier Brandon Amos isn’t a big breakfast person but prefers scrambled eggs now and then. Johnny Ringo, on the other hand, is a big fan of Chick-Fil-A nuggets. Image Courtesy of Brandon Amos

6. What’s the craziest thing your dog has ever done while on the road with you?

Ringo isn't a crazy kind of dog, except for the way he plays and watches over the kids at the barns!

7. If you could have dinner with anybody in the hoof-care world, who would it be and why?

Jim Poor. I listened to a podcast he was on with Chris Gregory. I would love to listen to his stories.

8. How long have you been shoeing, and how did you get started?

I have been shoeing horses for close to 30 years. I got started when a now-friend came to shoe our horses. I found it very interesting. As soon as I rode with farrier Mike Vannoy, I knew this was the life I wanted.

9. What type of shoeing or trimming do you specialize in doing?

For the most part, hunter/jumpers, with some trail horses sprinkled in there.

10. Do you normally have another person in the barn when trimming and shoeing? (Your dog doesn’t count.)

90% of the time, there is another person around.

11. What brand, model and year was your first farrier truck, and how many miles and years did you drive it?

1997 Chevy Silverado. I think I had it for 6 or 7 years. I am not sure how many miles it had.

12. What has been the major key to your success as a farrier over the years?

Being a decent horseman and truly caring for the horse and their owners. Also, never being afraid of asking for help when I didn't have the answer.

13. What one piece of advice would you have for someone just graduating from farrier school?

Make sure to still ride with farriers for years to come. School is the beginning of learning. Start off with small clients, and take your time.