A Farriers Story
On a cold winter day in Pennsylvania, in 1995, I nervously picked up a horse's foot to trim it under the watchful eye of the farrier that I was apprenticing with. Little did I know that this attempt to learn "only the basics" with this farrier would turn into a passion for improving the health of the equine foot. For the past 11 years I have been proud to make my living as a farr
ier. Many horse owners here in Virginia don't know me yet, but I am hoping that they will get the chance to. For the past 4 years, I have worked as the resident farrier at an equine podiatry hospital in the Lynchburg, VA area. It was there that I learned many advanced skills in lameness prevention and therapeutic techniques with a heavy emphasis on shoeing horses by radiograph. Prior to this, I operated a successful 8 year farrier business in the southwestern Pennsylvania area. While there, I worked with many disciplines including dressage horses, jumpers, three day eventers, fox hunters, rodeo horses and more. I am also a certified farrier with the American Farriers Association, pursuing the Journeyman level. My unique experiences in the hoof care industry have given me unique perspectives that I believe sets me apart from other farriers. I have a strong background in practical traditional farriery as well as experience with nontraditional techniques. I combine these experiences to help me help horses and owners. I have had the fantastic fortune to work with great horses, horse owners and farriers alike. If you are contemplating find a farrier (or know someone that is) I'd love to talk to you. Call today so that we can set up an appointment, you won't be disappointed! Shoeing Philosophy
Over the years I have heard many horse owners discuss what was important to them in a farrier. The good news for the horse world is that there are as many ways to approach the world of farriery as there are horse owner expectations. Let me tell you a bit about me and hopefully we'll be a good fit. I am much more a quality over quantity style farrier. As a result, I tend to shoe and trim fewer horses in a day than the numbers driven farriers. I am methodical and meticulous about shoeing horses. When I am done shoeing a horse, I want the horse to feel good and move well and the owner to admire the finished product. Currently, in the hoof care world, there are a few main shoeing theories. I personally prefer to not get stuck within a single theory. Truth be told, all of the major theories have great points. I work hard to combine all of my experience and education to find a solution that works best for a given hoof. Any less is short changing horses and people. Commitment to Client Communication
A horse owner that is invested in their horse's hoof health is the best kind of customer. As a farrier, I invite horse owner input, communication, and questions. The better that we understand each other, the better that we can help your horse's hooves. Truth be told, talking about hooves is my favorite subject. Let's be honest wtih each other. You know your horse better than I possibly ever could. After all, you ride them, groom them, clean their stalls, and love on them. As a horse person myself, I understand this. This time does count for something with me! I have spent the last 16 years devoted to either helping improve or maintaining healthy hooves. Let's combing our love of horses and our sincere desire to help your horse move and feel good. References available upon request. Call today to schedule an appointment for your horse!
