Bruce Matthews

My name is Doug Halford and I am submitting this letter because I felt compelled to honor my farrier, my mentor and my friend, Bruce Matthews. My wife, Debbie, and I own and operate Cornerstone Stables in Alvin, Texas, which is situated between Houston and Galveston. We have been involved with the draft horse breeds for 10 years now and cannot imagine our lives without them. With Texas being predominantly quarter horse country with very few drafts we found it challenging to say the least to find a farrier that would offer their services for a draft horse. Although there were some that would accept this task, it is of my opinion now that few knew the proper hoof structure of a draft horse and how it should be trimmed per breed.

Our relationship with Bruce began about three years ago, and yes I used the word "relationship." Let me explain. Even though we were having our horses trimmed on regular intervals, it seemed they still weren't moving as freely as we would like. With this being said, we felt like we were providing the best possible hoof care that was available but still not getting the results we were looking for. We were introduced to this "new" draft farrier from Vermont and when I say "new" I mean "new to Texas." Feeling as though we had exhausted all options, we contacted this "new" draft farrier that was now in our area. The day I met this "new" farrier, the first thing I noticed was his hands, and it was obvious that this "new" farrier was anything but. His hands showed the signs of many years of farrier work and countless hours at the forge and anvil. With a firm handshake we began talking about the concerns with our small herd. He examined each horse and suggested recommendations. He didn't know it at the time but we were examining him as well, and it was apparent that this farrier understood the draft horse, not only their feet but also that area between their ears.

Since that day my wife and I have spent countless hours in the barn with Bruce, not only trying to absorb everything that knows as a farrier and horseman, but also his perspectives on life and how we should appreciate every day that the good Lord grants us with the ones we love. Those of you that know Bruce understand exactly what I'm speaking of. Bruce it is a pleasure to have you as my farrier, my mentor and most of all, my friend.

— Doug Halford
Cornerstone Stables
(Alvin, Texas)