Six leading farrier industry suppliers and American Farriers Journal are co-sponsoring a new recognition program designed to promote the importance of further horseshoeing education while encouraging young shoers to be successful in their careers.

Co-sponsors of the “Rising Shoeing Star” program include Anvil Brand Shoe Co., G.E. Forge & Tool, Life Data Labs, Mustad Hoofcare Center, Vettec, Victory Racing Plate Co. and AFJ.

This program will honor three outstanding farriers that graduated from horseshoeing school in 2005 who have spent the past 3 years working in the hoof-care profession.

The winning “Rising Shoeing Star” farrier will receive $1,000 and also have his or her expenses paid to the 2009 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati in early February to accept the award in front of the industry’s leading hoof-care professionals. Two runner-ups will each receive $500 awards and be provided with free Summit registration.

The three winners will also receive a plaque, a 1-year subscription to American Farriers Journal and the American Farriers Journal “Kitchen Sink” package. This valuable reference package includes 8 “Farrier Classics” books, 7 additional shoeing books, 26 Special Hoof-Care Reports, an American Farriers Journal cap and an International Hoof-Care Summit shirt. With a value of $575, this is a practical 3,406-page footcare reference library.

The schools that produce the three winners will receive a plaque that…