American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Peyton, Colo., farrier Chase Rutledge blends knowledge from different philosophies and keeps an open mind to best serve the horse and his apprentices. IMAGES: Maclaren Krueger
Colorado Farrier Brings a Fresh Perspective to Hoof Care
Chase Rutledge takes a holistic approach to mentorship
Takeaways
- Chase Rutledge provides his apprentices with many hands-on learning opportunities to build practical skills, confidence and teach them how failure can be beneficial in the long term.
- Taking bits and pieces from the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization and the American Farrier’s Association has given him the tools to see beyond differences in philosophy to better serve the horse.
- For Rutledge, mentorship goes beyond horseshoeing; it’s about helping young people move through the world with confidence and mental clarity.
“I’m not afraid to get critiqued by my fellow farriers,” says Peyton, Colo., farrier Chase Rutledge. “I’m not afraid to post my mistakes. Not every shoe job is perfect. We all have something to work on.”
Rutledge is an educator at heart, something that requires a passion for learning, a thrill at new ideas and the willingness to be wrong.
“If somebody has something valuable that they do better or differently, I’m all ears,” he says.
Taking a dogmatic approach to hoof care isn’t his style and ultimately doesn’t benefit the horse, which is the reason he does what he does. As a former Equine Lameness Prevention Organization (ELPO) instructor and American Farrier’s Association (AFA) certified journeyman, he’s in a rare position to approach hoof care from multiple perspectives, integrating bits and pieces from each organization into his practice.
If he has a philosophy, it’s to do right by the horse. On this Shoeing for a Living day, Rutledge does just that, taking into account the horse’s activity level, comfort, conformation…
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American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Videos
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Events
Anatomy, Trimming and Hoof Protection
Date: 06/20/26
Location: Quincy, CA
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