In two highly powerful idea-a-minute presentations at the recent International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, veteran shoers from five states offered the best ideas that have paid off for them over the years. 

Their goal was to provide attendees with plenty of fresh ideas to produce even higher quality hoof-care work in 2005. These farriers included:

• Blake Brown, Penryn, Calif. He recently retired after a 41-year shoeing career, of which the last few years were spent working full-time in an equine veterinary hospital’s shoeing shop.
• Ada Gates-Patton, Monrovia, Calif. Having shod horses for 33 years and working as a track farrier, she still works closely with footcare professionals through Harry Patton Horseshoe Supply.
• Lee Green, Yucaipa, Calif. A long-time shoer and owner of The Shoein’ Shop, he shared the best ideas he’s gleaned from a 51-year shoeing career.
• Donald Jones, Pleasant Garden, N.C. In over 40 years of shoeing, Jones has shod thousands of horses, operated a shoeing school and developed a line of tools and other products at NC?Tool Co.
• Jim Keith, Tucumcari, N.M. A long-time shoer and farrier school instructor, Keith has qualified for the top 10 in the World Championship Blacksmiths’ competition at the Calgary Stampede in three different decades.
• Will Lent, Shelby, Mich. Having spent a lifetime in the farrier field, the owner of the Will Lent Horseshoe Co. specializes in draft horse shoeing.

O Jack Roth, Purcell, Okla. He offered many shoeing ideas from several viewpoints, including a career…