Yesterday I attended the 21rst farriers day put on my Meaders Supply in Rochester,N.H.

I watched a Georgia Farrier by the name of Doug Workman evaluate-trim-and shoe a thorobred used for 3-daY eventing. Explaining his every thought and reasons as he went along step by step.
Doug mentioned he was a person who works pretty concervatively on a new horse, making slow changes over a couple of visits. (a very good habit for all of us)

He had some pretty interesting hooves to work with and there was a fair amount of questions and answers on angle and why Doug was making certain modifications to the shoe's he was putting on.

I want to mention that it was being covered with a video camera so others could see everything on a big screen.
The video distorted the hoof enough that it did not look the same as the hoof in close up inspection.

The finished work that Doug did was pretty spectacular. NOT CONTEST SHOEING, but the kind of work he does everyday in his practice.
Functional work for everyday farriers to watch and learn from.
Everyday work that would ease the stress and give the foot support and stability while performing its job.

Thankyou to Doug and Meaders for putting on such a fun day.

Doug is down to earth and very easy to talk to, and soft spoken in speach and also mannerisms.
I mention this because I am always watching the approach a farrier has with the horse he/she is working with.
(the mare was relaxed and/or falling asleep thanks to the great handler and the horsemanship skills Doug used in his Farriery work on this mare)

Mr. Workman caught me off guard by recognizing this old man, and coming up to me to speak to me as I sat in the audience.
My first time meeting Doug and I am sure it won't be my last.

I encourage others to attend any of his clinics.

my 2 cents worth

I was there also he did seem a little conservative explaining that there was a shoer on every block where he lives trying to take your horses. Although he did a very clean job he only ran the rasp over the hoof a couple of times(the horse was at 7 weeks) it didn't appear that he took off enough toe. In fact I believe you pointed that out to him.


Jeremy Lacroix