In the spring of 1995, Chris and Kelly Gregory took a chance.

Leaning on Chris’ talent as a farrier and in the fire, and Kelly’s business acumen, the couple started Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo.

“I had five students who lived in the upstairs bunkhouse, which was just barely that,” recalls the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Famer. “Below them was a dirt floor dairy barn.”

Twenty years later, that bunkhouse has been transformed into a 2-story dormitory with all the necessary amenities to house students from around the world as they earn their farriery education from one of the most respected schools in the country.

The Gregorys — along with their son Cody — celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of the school in late May with a clinic and contest, featuring Cody, Chris and Oklahoma farrier Dusty Franklin as clinicians. The trio drew upon their collective experiences to pass along forging tips to attendees during their demonstrations. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Out Of The Fire