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 Electric Hoof Knife, Hawthorne Products, Nature Farms Farrier Supply, R.J. Matthews Co., Texas Farrier Supply and Vettec. Each firm is a leader in recognizing the value of developing new players in the equine footcare industry.

2018's program will honor students who graduated from horseshoeing school in 2014 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 2017 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati in January to accept the award in front of the industry's leading hoof-care professionals. Two runner-ups 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 receive a plaque and the American Farriers Journal "Kitchen Sink" package.

To enter, send your nominations by July 31, 2017 to: Awards, American Farriers Journal, P.O. Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624. Fax: 262-782-1252. Email: ajohnson@lessitermedia.com.

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