Loyal companion to Adrian, Mo., farrier Blake Hartzell is Cash, a 7-year-old Chihuahua mix. Just like his owner, Cash loves McDonald’s and being around horses everyday.

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 Cash 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?

Cash was named after the legend, Johnny Cash.

2. When and where did you get the dog?

Got cash 7 years ago as a pup when I first got into shoeing.

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.

Enter Now!

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?

It varies. Cash loves to learn every inch of the barns, so he wanders. Mostly, I have to know which horses he's safe around.

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

No, I don't have any concerns. He's loved by everyone, and he's not got a mean bone in him.

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

He does, but he's notorious for waking me up at 2 am to puke ‘em up!

Food Motivated

Both Cash and his human companion Adrian, Mo., farrier Blake Hartzell are fans of McDonald’s. For breakfast, Harzel prefers a sausage biscuit, while Cash’s favorite is a small fry. On his TikTok (@cash_monies18), you can catch Cash with his favorite snack. Image Courtesy of Blake Hartzell

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

Hmm…he's had a seizure.

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

Grant Moon. I’ve always looked up to him.

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

Seven years. I went to Heartland Horseshoeing School. I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and needed a career.

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

Mostly, the all around show world and pleasure horses.

10. How many different horses have you worked on in the past 12 months?

Oh Lordy I don't wanna give a number lol.

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

Absolutely.

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

2006 Chevy Silverado. Drove it 350,000 miles and still in it! I built a new motor and transmission.

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

The guys who paved the way before me. I've gotten a lot of help from guys who have done well for themselves.

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

Go ride with someone who's got a great reputation. Learn that, then ride with someone who's great at something different. Keep on meeting and learning more. Continue your education.