International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Chris Gregory explains a forging technique with a Heartland Horseshoeing School student. Image: Jeff Cota

Editor’s Note: American Farriers Journal is celebrating its 50th anniversary and we’re reflecting on the relationships and partnerships we’ve forged, the milestones and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. In the famed Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” protagonist George Bailey gets to see, via a dramatic intervention by an angel named Clarence Oddbody, what the world might have been like had he never been born. International Horseshoeing Hall of Famer Chris Gregory of Heartland Horseshoeing School shares his thoughts on what the farrier industry would be like if AFJ never existed.

My “what if” with American Farriers Journal is probably a lot more personal than most. In the early days, the AFJ staff’s belief in me and my ability to write allowed me to push forward and publish over 100 AFJ articles, and eventually a textbook that dramatically changed our lives. That sort of exposure before the internet was instrumental in the success of Heartland Horseshoeing School. Pat Tierney and Christopher Nielsen were also key players in getting those articles and the textbook to the market. 

At the beginning of my career, the AFJ came with my American Farrier’s Association membership, and I couldn't wait for it to arrive. I devoured every article and tried to apply what was appropriate to what I was trying to do to horses’ feet. Without that, my farrier business would have stalled, and I think it would have taken a lot longer to get past my CJF and other exams. Even the simple calendar of events was a huge thing that helped me connect with other farriers.

The golden age for a printed magazine may be behind us with the media available at everyone’s fingertips, but the AFJ was a massive golden pillar of that era, and I am thankful for the part that it played in my career. You have helped me help many horses in my care, and the countless thousands in the care of every farrier that you have been able to influence. Thank you very much for all you have done for all of us.