I believe it is a tragedy if farriers don’t continue to learn. I am grateful that I have recognized that one’s skill level can and must continually improve — especially when I look back over my own difficult experience.

Yet, there are no defined or required policies for established farriers to continue their education. For example, after leaving the scheduled environment and curriculum at farrier school, how would that new farrier continue to learn and improve their skills? After all, the farrier school experience should only be the foundation of getting started.

Nonetheless, there are many conferences, clinics and competitions available. But how can you prepare to get the most out of these events and then return and apply what you have learned to your business? This is critically important when one considers the time and financial investment made in pursuing various avenues of continuing education.

I was fortunate to grow up in the farrier industry with some incredible opportunities. However, things did not come naturally, and I struggled to achieve my own individual skill level. It required me to possess a strong desire, which continues to motivate me to continue even when things don’t work for the first, second or third time.