A friend, who knew that I had experience with horses since childhood, once asked me to give him a hand with a few trail and pleasure horses that needed to be trimmed and shod. As he observed me handling the horses, he suggested I should consider a career as a farrier.

Recognizing my potential, he introduced me to Tim Phillips, a farrier for 32+ years. In his practice, Tim has done -and still does- some of the top horses in all disciplines, and all types of riding and showing. He is often called in to help with the rehabilitation of injured horses. Observing Tim and working with him, I learned a lot about shoeing and trimming and various lay-ups and pathologies. I recognized soon, that I especially enjoy this kind of rehabilitative work. It is tremendously rewarding to see a horse's recovery.

Apprenticing with Tim, I've learned the basics of shoeing, how to shoe a horse properly and to recognize different pathologies and health issues concerning the horse's foot by examining a horse, along with how to deal with common horse ailments from a farrier's perspective.

Continuing Education and Professional Associations

I also had the opportunity to work with and learn from several other farrier's, including some award winning, internationally recognized clinicians, to further my skills & knowledge. (see, continuing education).

In addition to seeking individual training by experienced experts I am constantly upgrading my skills by attending highly regarded continuing education seminars, conferences, and clinics.

I am currently a member of the World Champion Blacksmiths (WCB), the American Farrier Association (AFA) and the Pennsylvania Professional Farrier Association (PPFA) as well as the more regionally oriented DELMARVA (Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) Farriers Association.

Last updated February 22, 2008