The transition from a horseshoeing school student to a full-time farrier can be rough, even for those who graduate at the top of their class. New graduates and those just starting their horseshoeing business understand the challenges you’ll face, regardless of education and skill.

In 2008, American Farriers Journal established the Rising Shoeing Star award program. This program honors farriers for making outstanding career progress in their first 3 years out of horseshoeing school. Along with farrier industry suppliers, this program promotes the importance of education and encourages new farriers to succeed.

Sponsors of the 2013 program include Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center, G.E. Forge & Tool, Life Data Labs, R.J. Matthews Co., Purcell Farrier Supply, Vettec and American Farriers Journal.

This year’s program honored three up-and-coming farriers who graduated from horseshoeing school in 2009 and have spent the past 3 years establishing their equine footcare careers. The farriers honored include Jake Giguere of Smithers, British Columbia; Justin Court of La Grange, Ky.; and Wayne Whitson of Viola, Del.

Giguere took home the top honor at the 2013 International Hoof-Care Summit. A graduate of the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif., Giguere did well in school and made an impression on Bob Smith, owner of the school.

“Jake is a people person,” recalls Smith. “He’s very likable and was always ready to help any of the other students.

“His ability to connect with people, his upbeat attitude and enthusiasm for shoeing are what marked him for success.”

In addition, Giguere…