The School
Our school offers a foundation education for people who want to pursue a career in farriery. We offer several 8-weeks courses per year, as well as special seminars for udates.
I am proud to tell you that many of the leading farriers in the USA---shoeing all breeds and types of horses--- are graduates of our program. There is no better proof of our program's excellence than the reputation and skill of the graduates.
If you do decide to attend, I will do what ever it takes to help you.
Danny
Conference and Video Room:
A nice place to exchange ideas, discuss plans and introduce new skill. We also have a collection of 25 years of videos of some of the greatest in clinic situations and field work.
One of the most complete collections of specimen shoes made by the best, from past to present.
Accomodations:
Both men's and women's housing is provided.
Kitchens have all it takes to survive. You need to provide your own bedding, towels, toiletries and any other personal items you might need. Hot water provided!
Note from Danny
I realize you no longer have to be a wizard in the fire to make a living shoeing horses. Lots of products are now available that are real time savers. But I can't help but feel we are slowly losing a very important part of our craft and that is the skill to be able to do it ourselves. Handmade shoes are not for every horse but there are many out there that would benefit if fitted properly, especially with performance and corrective work. Practicing forging, whether it's hand made work or modifying keg shoes, will not only improve your skills but make your everyday work better and easier.
The condition and quality of our tools often reflects the work we do. Most tools are not supposed to last forever. I have found that with some effort, you can always get a little if not a lot of extra life out of them. By learning the basics of tool making, these modications become easier and our work more consistent and besides that , why buy it when you can make it.
There is no doubt in my mind that my dad and his were true blacksmiths and could do any job that came into the shop as well as shoe horses. I am not quite in that category but through the years, I've learned a few techniques from others that, combined with a little imagination one can produce some nice projects that are not that difficult to make if you have some knowldege of the forge and anvil.
The Shop
Forge Room:
Our Forge Room is well equipped with coal and gas forges of various sizes, as well as a large selection of anvils, hand and specialty tools.
Shop is industrial strength and well equipped.
