BROOKFIELD, Wis. — American Farriers Journal is proud to announce a re-imagining of the Red Renchin Leadership Award, an honor that recognizes outstanding leadership in the farrier industry. As part of this evolution, the award will now be known as the Red Renchin Visionary Leadership in Innovation Award to better reflect the spirit of progress, creativity and bold thinking that defined Red’s legacy. Nominations for the first-ever 2026 Red Renchin Visionary Leadership in Innovation Award are being accepted through March 22, 2026. 

Nominees must meet the following criteria to be evaluated by an independent panel of three judges: 

  • Candidate must be an active or retired full-time farrier
  • Have a high degree of integrity and ethics
  • Possess qualities that are held in high regard by the industry
  • Have made significant contributions to the betterment of farriery in one or more of the following categories:
    • Innovation in Farriery Techniques
    • Advancement in Farrier Tools & Equipment
    • Contribution to Equine Health & Welfare
    • Education & Knowledge Sharing
    • Practical Application & Industry Impact
  • The recipient cannot be a veterinarian who trims and shoes horses
  • The award cannot be made posthumously

Red Renchin was more than a farrier. He was a connector, a storyteller, a mentor and a tireless advocate for professional excellence. An award-winning writer for American Farriers Journal, Red brought insight, candor and curiosity to every article he penned. He was an American Farrier’s Association Certified Farrier, a member of Anvil 21, an honorary life member of the International Association of Professional Farriers, a long-time contributor to the Upper Midwest Horseshoers Association and a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame.

He had no singular allegiance. His dedication was to the profession as a whole.

As a frequent speaker, clinician and moderator at the International Hoof-Care Summit and events across the country, Red’s influence spanned associations, generations and disciplines. His legacy is not defined by one organization but by his commitment to education, craftsmanship and community across the entire hoof-care landscape.

In that spirit, the Robert "Red" Renchin Visionary Leadership in Innovation Award will now be stewarded solely by American Farriers Journal with expanded criteria that reflect the full spectrum of leadership and innovation in hoof care. This award belongs to the industry at large — and it honors individuals who, like Red, elevate the craft, challenge the status quo and inspire others to grow — no matter their path or affiliation.

All active or retired farriers are eligible. An independent panel of judges selects the deserving recipient. The recipient receives an achievement plaque, free registration to the upcoming International Hoof-Care Summit, recognition at the Summit ahead of the Red Renchin Innovation Lecture, public recognition through a media campaign and will be the focus of a feature story in the July/August 2026 issue of American Farriers Journal.

For more information, contact editor Jeff Cota at jcota@lessitermedia.com or by calling (262) 777-2415. 

Past Red Renchin Award Recipients

We wish to honor and recognize the distinguished recipients of this award over the years, whose contributions have shaped the profession and exemplified the values Red held dear:

  • 2016: Robert "Red" Renchin, CF, APF – Mequon, Wisconsin (Awarded Posthumously)
  • 2017: Dr. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS & Linda Gravlee – Cherokee, Alabama
  • 2018: Robert "Bob" Schantz, CJF, APF – Foristell, Missouri
  • 2019: Donald R. Jones, CJF, APF – Pleasant Garden, North Carolina
  • 2020: David Birdsall, CJF, APF – Water Mill, New York
  • 2021: Joseph Yoder, APF – Fredericksburg, Ohio (Awarded Posthumously)
  • 2022: David D. Farley, CF, APF-I – Loxahatchee, Florida
  • 2023: Royden "Roy" Bloom, CJF, APF-I — Drummond, Wisconsin
  • 2024: Steve Kraus, CJF, APF — Trumansburg, New York
  • 2025: Dan Burke, CF – Shelbyville, Ky.


Nominate A Deserving Farrier Now!