In Fall 2025, Boehringer Ingelheim invited equine enthusiasts to nominate caregivers who go above and beyond in their professional or personal lives to take extraordinary care of horses. Of over 300 nominations, Gaffney, S.C., farrier Andy Painter was selected as one of the 5 Share the Care finalists.
Growing up in South Carolina, the International Association of Professional Farriers member dreamed of being a cowboy. He spent time working on ranches and learning the rhythms of life around horses. Today, he has been a farrier for more than 20 years.
“Even though I don’t ride anymore, I still get to play cowboy all day,” he says.
Painter was nominated by Stephanie Melton, an administrative assistant at The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run, in Columbus, N.C. For the past 2 years, twice a week, he can be found at The Sanctuary, a refuge for horses with medical, behavioral or age-related challenges.
“He is an extraordinary caregiver because he treats every one of our special-needs equines like they are his own,” Melton explains. “Andy's skill as a farrier is matched by his kindness. Whether he’s working with our biggest draft horse or kneeling down to trim the hooves of our dwarf miniature horse, Andy is patient, gentle and calm.”
His skill earned him the trust of the animals in his care.
“That’s the best part of the job,” Painter says. “When a horse that’s been nervous starts to relax, when they realize you’re there to help — that’s when you know you’ve done your work right.”
He exemplifies the spirit of the program, says Sarah Happel, the U.S. head of marketing, equine, for Boehringer Ingelheim.
“He always arrives with a smile and a laugh, ready to help, and his positive attitude brightens everyone’s day — both the animals and the people here at The Sanctuary,” says Melton.
From draft horses to donkeys and rescues to retirees, Painter’s hands-on care ensures every animal gets the attention they deserve. For him, sharing the care isn’t just part of the job — it’s who he is.
Other finalists include veterinarian Kaylee Montone of Cusseta, Ala., equine caretaker Amber Lockwood of Bumpass, Va., equine manager Olivia Dixon of Simpsonville, Ky., and barn owner and trainer Beverly Jovais of Santa Rosa, Calif. Learn more about the other finalists here.
