In 2008, American Farriers Journal established the "Rising Shoeing Star" program, which honors outstanding young shoers who are enjoying successful careers as farriers 3 years after graduation from one of North America's more than 60 public and private horseshoeing schools.

Co-sponsors of this program include AIM Equine Products, Dechra Veterinary Products, G.E. Forge and Tool, Hawthorne Products Inc., Nature Farms Farrier Supply, R.J. Matthews Co. and Texas Farrier Supply. Each firm is a leader in recognizing the value of developing new players in the equine footcare industry.

2019's program will honor students who graduated from horseshoeing school in 2015 and have developed a successful career in the equine footcare business.

An independent panel of hoof-care industry leaders will evaluate the nominations and select three winners. The winning "Rising Shoeing Star" farrier will receive $1,000 and also have his or her expenses paid to the 2019 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati in January to accept the award in front of the industry's leading hoof-care professionals. Two runners-up will each receive $500 awards. The three winners will also receive a plaque, a 1-year subscription to American Farriers Journal, free Summit registration and the American Farriers Journal "Kitchen Sink" package.

The schools that produce the three winners will also receive a plaque and the American Farriers Journal "Kitchen Sink" package.

To enter, send your nominations by August 15, 2018 to: Awards, American Farriers Journal, P.O. Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624. Fax: 262-782-1252. Email: mnelson@lessitermedia.com. Please include a letter detailing when your nominee graduated, what shoeing school they attended and what they've accomplished since graduating.

RISING SHOEING STAR PROGRAM SPONSORS

Past Rising Shoeing Stars

2009

• Mike Caldwell, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Keith Green, Danny Ward Horseshoeing School
• Robert Whitt, Sierra South Horseshoeing School

2010

• Sara Ellen Pennell, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Tom Richmond, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Allen Rynda, Minnesota School of Horseshoeing

2011

• Steve Hedges, Midwest Horseshoeing School
• Martin Zimmer, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Joe Nygren, Heartland Horseshoeing School

2012

• Gwen Nardi, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Maximo Gomez, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Armando Herrera, Heartland Horseshoeing School

2013

• Jake Giguere, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Justin Court, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Wayne Whitson, Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School

2014

• Diego Almeida, Midwest Horseshoeing School
• Austin Fisher, Oklahoma Horseshoeing School
• Riley Kirkpatrick, Heartland Horseshoeing School

2015

• Cassidy Robyn, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Sarah Coltrin, Midwest Horseshoeing School
• Sam Zalesky, Heartland Horseshoeing School

2016

• Joanna Bailey, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Eddie Cleckler, Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School
• Victor Frisco, Kentucky Horseshoeing School

2017

• Brody White, Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
• Ellie Pugh, Heartland Horseshoeing School
• Jayce Fulbright, Montana State University's farrier science program

2018

• Stanley Mullen, Kentucky Horseshoeing School
• Richard Hassenmayer, Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School
• Seth Holestine, Heartland Horseshoeing School