I just wanted to take a second to thank Smitty for taking the time to put the contest together and organize it. It was a nice distraction in the middle of the holiday madness. And I got to learn a few things out of it.

I wouldn't mind having a contest like that every couple of months or so. Any takers? I think we have quite a few qualified guys on here that we could pass the judging responsibilities around. So what do you guys say anyone up for 4 or 5 of these a year?

I'm all for it Michael, it was fun, and got to learn something at the same time.

I don't know why, but it is easier to get motivated with something like this than it is to go to the shop and just make shoes.

clearthinkingone wrote:
the pleasure was mine
it would be nice to keep things ticking over with shoe-making and shoeing

i was thinking you could get a league going
and the judges could be everybody in the forum

kind of a poll
what you think

Add my gratitude, John. It was a great idea, got me motivated, and I got a lot out of it. I've especially got to work on my speed, and it got me to think about ways to do that.

Regards

It was a good exercise and well worth doing John. Thanks for taking time to manage and judge the contest.

I'd be up for another if it's something I'm actually capable of doing. If it's hand forged roadsters or a double-nailed foot waver package I might have to participate in a role more suitable to my skill level. Enthusiastic spectator comes to mind!

John, judging by poll sounds fun.

Cheers,
Mark

How about some lateral support hinds, sidebones, etc? Any one up for making some. Come to think of it I need to make some tonight.

I like making shoes I can use.

clearthinkingone wrote:
I`m in next week!

I'm in, and I'm still ging to finish the last one's. I got to busy with family over the holidays, we had all my wife's family in for the 50th wedding aniversary party for thier parents. It was crazy. So I'm still going to make the bar shoes and put them on just cause I think it will be fun and educational. Let me know what's next!

So what do you guys want to make? We could make it a two to three week class (Depending on what guys want)

clearthinkingone wrote:
Could make 3 classes again as Smitty did?

Hand made single.

Hand mades on horse.

Keg Mod: on horse..

Time....

Or ?

you could put up a selection of shoes on the forum

and get the members to vote to see what the top 6 shoes

they would like to make or see being made

have one a month

Ray and Smitty I like the ideas. I will look through the book of shoes and see what are more practical shoes that guys could try and work into their everyday business.

I think every now and then a class involving shoeing horses works but I don't know if they will get as much participation as fitting to a pattern then guys can do that on there time. I would think it could go back and forth every month or so..

Might not be a bad idea for just some keg modification classes as well...

I like the ideas too...something every month or so sounds good.

I have talked with Mark Gough and he was excited and had a good time being a part of this exercise Smitty came up with.

Now that I have a permanent home here in Texas I think I will join in and see if I still remember how to turn a shoe.

I have time now while my new business is growing so it would be a good time for me to become a participant. (and NO snow so I can work outside)

I am speaking with a friend and in the near future I just may be working on setting up a Smithy shop to work in and improve my skills on her property.

So YES count me in. Texas is bringing me back to life and full of enthusiasm.

my 2 cents worth

Count me in for the contest and the gratitude, That was a lot of fun. I liked having multiple classes.