Jacob Butler

Coutesy of Charlene Stephenson

I began my farrier training and education at Colorado State University under the instruction of Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF in 1989-1990. After 17 years, my husband and I started up a horse rescue and an equine therapeutic program consisting of therapeutic riding and other equine assisted services. At this point in my career, I could foresee that I was not going to be able to keep up the pace long term. This was potentially a large financial burden for this small non-profit to budget for when approximately 18-20 horses were in need of a consistent schedule. I thought I would mention this concern to Jacob Butler, CJF, AWCF as he tirelessly worked on client horses at a local veterinary clinic. Not long after that, he said he would be willing to bring his students out to help with keeping these horses on a schedule as he runs Butler Professional Farrier School in Crawford, Nebraska with his father Dr. Doug Butler and his brother Pete Butler, CJF.

Not long after we started this relationship, I came down with MRSA infection in my spine, which has, for the most part, ended my physical ability to be under a horse for any length of time. More than ever was I appreciative of this service that Jacob and the Butler Professional Farrier School offered. This was a good symbiotic relationship as we could offer horses for students to learn with, and this small herd of around 20 received good hoof care when I was now unable to give it to them. We are not just talking trims but if the need for some of the rescue horses needed further help, Jacob stepped up and didn't hesitate to take on their needs. So many of these horses were lame, arthritic and difficult to manage as they are not able to not only stand well for very long but also may have limited flexion on some legs. All this adds to the physical demands put on the farrier. Using horses to help children and adults with special needs is getting to be more and more recognized. Using a variety of horses with a variety of backgrounds and medical/farrier needs makes the work and professionalism of Jacob Butler a sure candidate for the Farrier Spotlight.

(Photo: Farrier class with Dr. Doug Butler on the far right with Jacob Butler second from the right.)