What is the meaning behind the word “farrier”?

For more than 9 million horses that exist in this country, there are only a surprisingly modest amount of hoof care professionals. Recent surveys suggest that the number of farriers is as low as 25,000. And, despite this alarming fact, after centuries of ever-changing ideology regarding the horse and its increased popularity with the public, … Read moreWhat is the meaning behind the word “farrier”?

Horseshoe sculptures by Tom Hill

A reader sent me a few images of an artist from the UK named Tom Hill. He uses horseshoes for sculpture!

I think creating horseshoe sculptures appears easier than it really is… have you ever tried to make anything other than bridle hooks and candle holders out of horseshoes? They don’t bend easily.

Sure, we have zillions used ones around… but they’re dirty and hard as, well, steel.

So, I was intrigued to find out more about him.

TOM HILL

He must be a man of few words or maybe he has no publicist. I don’t know… but gathering information about him was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

The only way I knew he was from the UK was because we don’t have castles here. (I did find that a Lord from a castle had commissioned a piece from Hill.)

Another clue to his whereabouts came via a comment about most of his work being sold in the UK.

Finally, after using my best sleuthing, I found his website. It wasn’t intuitive. And, obviously he had switched from his former – very inutitive – website name to a somewhat obscure URL.

Read moreHorseshoe sculptures by Tom Hill

Choosing the right horse riding school

The dream of getting paid for doing something they love is what attracts young people to the horse business. And what better way to start that career than with a solid education in equestrian studies. Education is, after all, concentrated experience, and two years in a good horsemanship program can be more valuable than 10 … Read moreChoosing the right horse riding school

Interview with John Burgin of the Texas Horseshoeing School

Can you tell me a little about your program and school? The Texas Horseshoeing School was started in 1988 and has been in business for 24 years. It’s different from other schools because we really specialize in individualized instruction. Also, the student’s begin shoeing and trimming horses the very first day they’re here. Who does … Read moreInterview with John Burgin of the Texas Horseshoeing School

Interview with Turley Forge Blacksmithing School’s Frank Turley

Can you tell me a little about your program and school? If a person wants a tailor-made program in farrier forge work, we can do that, but no horses on the floor. We do ironworking only. Students are taught how to use the coal forge, anvil and accessory tools. Some essential techniques developed during the course include … Read moreInterview with Turley Forge Blacksmithing School’s Frank Turley

Interview with Jack Roth of Oklahoma Horseshoeing School

Tell me a little about your program and school? Oklahoma Horseshoeing School has been in continuous operation under the same management since 1973. Students at Oklahoma Horseshoeing School will learn all aspects of the horseshoeing trade with a large emphasis on craftsmanship. Our program is distinguished from others by the much greater amount of time … Read moreInterview with Jack Roth of Oklahoma Horseshoeing School

Interview with Mark Plumlee of Mission Farrier School

Tell me a little about your program and school? Students learn basic barefoot trimming, basic horseshoeing, and advanced shoeing, with particular attention paid to therapeutic systems. Mission Farrier School produces farrier graduates with the highest rate in the nation (90 percent or more staying in the profession three years or longer). Graduates are able to be … Read moreInterview with Mark Plumlee of Mission Farrier School