Hall Of Fame Horseshoer Bud Willimon has spent about 60 years working with Saddlebreds, Morgans and Hackney ponies.

“In all that time, I learned there is nothing new,” he reasons. “Just things are new to those who haven’t tried it.”

Among the attendees of the inaugural Forge of July farrier gathering in Shelbyville, Ky., show horse farriers were few and far between, so much of what he would cover was “new” to them. Nonetheless, attendees walked away with a greater appreciation of this type of shoeing, as well as some insight that would lead them to think about the type of horses they work with.

When To Use It

Willimon says it is important to remember that there is a reason and goal behind using such a package with a show horse.

“Maybe you have a horse with a crooked foot or a knee-knocking horse or real bad short feet, you can pull the shoes and line up with the balance of the hoof, you can put the pad anywhere you want it. Then you can put the shoe where you want it to be. You can get the proper balance to toe to heel. It is more work, but is a lot safer way to nail it on and to line it up more precise.”

Before making the package, Willimon discussed the flexibility of the shoe choice. The shoe type and size is variable based on the need for the horse. He surveyed a selection of shoes, touching on…