A pair of farriers and three equine veterinarians earned Hall of Fame recognition during induction ceremonies during the recent 10th annual International Hoof-Care Summit. These five individuals were honored for outstanding careers in equine footcare during the American Farriers Journal sponsored event held in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The best in hoof care for horses
A pair of farriers and three equine veterinarians earned Hall of Fame recognition during induction ceremonies during the recent 10th annual International Hoof-Care Summit.
Farriers Marshall Illes and Dean Pearson were added to the membership of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame. Veterinarians Susan Dyson, Nicholas Frank and Harry Werner joined the International Equine Veterinarians Hall Of Fame.
Honored Farriers
The International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame was established in 1992 to honor farriers around the world who have made significant contributions to the profession and who have left a permanent, positive impression on their peers and clients. American Farriers Journal and the Kentucky Derby Museum sponsor the program.
Farriers are nominated by their peers, trainers, veterinarians, horse owners, friends and family members. The names and qualifications of nominees for both Halls are submitted to current members, who serve as the board of electors.
Marshall Illes, of Calgary, Alberta, has shod high-level hunters and jumpers for more than 20 years. A graduate of the Olds College advanced farrier science program, he is well known for his commitment to farrier education through his work as a clinician and as a long-time volunteer with the annual World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition held during the Calgary Stampede.
Dean Pearson of Nottingham, Pa., has earned an international reputation for forging excellence while shoeing high-end performance horses. He has been a member of the American Farriers Team, shod for the Canadian Olympic Equestrian Team, and is known for his commitment to his clients and his profession.
Equine Veterinarians
Established in 1997, the International Equine Veterinarians Hall Of Fame honors veterinarians who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses.
Vets are nominated either as practicing equine vets who work closely with farriers in the field, or as college and industry vets involved in teaching, research or other important aspects of equine veterinary and hoof care.
Susan Dyson is the head of clinical orthopedics in the Center for Equine Studies of the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, England. Known for both her work with horses and extensive research, Dyson has published more than 190 papers on lameness and diagnostic imaging in scientific journals. She has co-authored several veterinary textbooks and has also trained and competed as a high-level rider in international events.
Nicholas Frank is the chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, Mass. Born in the United Kingdom and trained in the United States, Frank is known for his exploration and research into laminitis, metabolic syndrome and endocrinology. He previously served on the veterinary faculty of the University of Tennessee and as a consulting member of the faculty at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
Harry Werner of North Granby, Conn., has been practicing equine medicine and surgery since 1974. His career has focused more and more on lameness cases. He is a student of the equine foot and has been instrumental in emphasizing the importance of good hoof care to the membership of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, of which he is a past president.
Home Of The Hall of Fame
The International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame has a permanent home at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Located on the second floor — above the museum hall that features the pride, tradition and excitement of the Kentucky Derby Experience — the horseshoeing exhibit includes a display of Lexington, Ky., farrier Pat Hillock’s tools and shoes, along with photos and graphics depicting the history of the farrier profession.
The exhibit also includes a special International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame logo and a plaque that explains the history behind the Hall and a video of a farrier at work shoeing a horse.
Nominations are being accepted for both Halls Of Fame for 2014. If you want to nominate a candidate for either Hall Of Fame, please send a two- or three-page summary explaining why the candidate should be considered. Mail the summary to American Farriers Journal, P.O., Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624 or email it to lessitef@lesspub.com before July 31, 2013.