When it comes to dedication and volunteerism, it’s difficult to match the 14-year record turned in by hoof-care professional Margie Lee-Gustafson. 

That’s why she was named as the 2010 winner of the Summit Achievement Award, which was presented during last winter’s seventh annual International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. Co-sponsored by the Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center and American Farriers Journal, this annual award recognizes an outstanding hoof-care professional who volunteers his or her hoof-care knowledge, services and time to the equine community.

14 Years Of Service

Gari Merendio, the executive director of the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT) in Woodside, Calif., nominated the Palto Alto, Calif., farrier for her exceptional work in providing trimming and shoeing services to the organization.

He says this group provides therapy to children, adults and military veterans by using horses to facilitate movement. Established 38 years ago, the organization provides over 4,100 separate riding therapy and therapeutic riding sessions each year.

Lee-Gustafson works on up to a dozen horses every 6 weeks — at no cost to the group. In addition to keeping the therapy horses feet in good shape, she also makes recommendations on general horse care issues.

As you might imagine, trimming and shoeing a dozen or more horses in one day while the organization is working with these patients requires plenty of coordination and flexibility. The farrier often brings extra help and makes sure each team member understands the group’s unique situation so that they can deliver their services safely…