Shoeing horses is a passion and a profession for me. I enjoy my job and I try do it well. I'm constantly striving to improve my abilities as a farrier and as a businessperson.
- 1991 - 1993:
- I began working with a sixth-generation farrier, Gary Stern of Cedar Grove, IN while still in high school. I worked on weekends, during breaks throughout the school year, and full time during the summer. We worked largely in western and northern greater Cincinnati area. We had a 500-horse clientele between the two of us (which is very large). Most were 4-H, trail and pleasure riders. Mr. Stern is an excellent horseman and farrier, and I have never known a person before or since with the ability to work so hard. Under his instruction, I learned the basics of farrier art and science and how to work effectively and efficiently with a wide variety of horse types. After graduating from high school, I began working full time with Mr. Stern.
- 1994:
- I moved to northeastern New York State in an attempt to start my own farrier business in the area where I lived until entering high school. I worked on many draft horses used for maple sugar industry and for pulling contests. My clients horses also included standard-bred racing horses in Saratoga Springs, dressage horses, reining horses, and trail horses. It was during this period that I realized that I would need to improve my skills in order to succeed in this industry.
- 1995 - 1998:
- I returned to Cincinnati and began working under farrier industry expert David Farley of Professional Quality Horse Shoeing, Inc. Mr. Farley is world renowned for his reputation as an expert in lameness and show shoeing (competition and therapeutic applications). His ongoing clinics throughout the world and his efforts in teaching and in producing videos regarding the art and science of farriery are a testament to this. At Mr. Farleys suggestion, I started competing at national farrier competitions with Mid Eastern Farriers Association (the most actively competitive membership in the country). As part of my education, Mr.Farley also sent me to work around the country with renowned farriers like: Dwight Sanders (reining horse expert), Roy Bloom (world famous blacksmith), Danny Houssman (leading hunter/jumper farrier), and others. Working among the top farriers and trainers in the world was a rare privilege that I took very seriously. As a result of these efforts, I mastered working farrier forging skills as well as the art and science of farrier work. During this time, I also traveled to the East Coast, working at many shows and barns, and competed in numerous farrier competitions.
- 1998 - 2000:
- In 1998, Mr. Farley relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida. I began to take note of the market and technology available and started a business and personal plan. At this point, I focused my business on the east side of Cincinnati. I began establishing myself locally and regionally as a show farrier. Most notably, I began working as the show and event farrier at Paxton Farm. In doing so, I had the benefit of being involved with the 100 Day Stallion Test and numerous dressage, hunter/jumper, and eventing competitions.
- 2000:
- Lisa and I married. We filed as a subchapter S Corporation and spent a great deal of time developing our business and personal plan and a bit on our web site. I continued to work mostly on the east side of Cincinnati with my local clientelle and regional shows. I was fortunate to be the official farrier for the Cincinnati CDI*** from here on.
- 2003 - 2005:
- We moved to Owenton, KY, which is geographically centered on Cincinnati, Lexington, and Louisville. I continued to work mostly in the Cincinnati area and also began investigating opportunities in the Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, areas we also began working as the official farrier at many local events at which my clients compete. In this time of course was the 2004 100 Day Stallion Test.
- May 2006 CDI*** weekend:
- We leased land from Mr.& Mrs. Paxton who very generously make it possible for us to work to purchase the land. At this time, focus is toward advancing skills and knowledge of sport horse and therapeutic applications through clinics and communication with top talent in the industry. We continue our show season schedules.
- June 2007:
- The Silver Bullet Project concept begins. This is a continued effort to acquire information, materials, and tools enabling an understanding and ability to apply any device to any need. e.g. rail shoes, wooden shoes, hospital plates, whatever. This is probably my favorite project so more information will be forthcoming in this 2010 rebuild of our site.
- August-November 2007:
- The 2007 100 Day Stallion Test. The best group of horses I have ever seen.
- 2008:
- Lisa and I began Equine1 which was to organize, develop, and promote equine activities at Paxton Farm. Paxton Farm sold, but the information and experience we gained during the 10 years previous was eye opening to say the least. We now have the templates and resources to run most types of equine events.
- 2009:
- Most of our spare attention this summer is on house hunting and looks to be continueing into the fall. Without going into detail, I can assure you it has taken all of our communication and organizational abilities. The experience is making us a more "well oiled machine". The following 2010 entry was intended for this year, but this is where we are. Fall of this year marks the beginning of the movement project.
- 2010:
- Our primary focus is intent upon full certification through the American Farriers Associaion. We are also rebuilding this web site with truly unique and deep content. Our business and personal plan has changed significantly and we are very excited about our future prospects. If all goes well, 2010 will be a re-birth of our services and will benifit all. With our family doing well we feel up to the task.
