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I didn't think that my horse shoeing career would be anything like this. It seems like a get 2 or 3 new horses about every other week or so. Ya'll taught me well and I thank you for that. I learn something new every day with each new horse. I have to read a lot to keep up with what I find in the horses I work with. Many horse owners have not taken care of there horses feet.
Thank you
Update From
Ralph Rodgers
Lexington, South Carolina
May 16, 2010
rerodgers46@gmail.com
(803) 466-1323
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| I've been working really hard the last couple months since my husband deployed and by the time he came back I had moved my horses here & I run my own barn. I'm teaching riding lessons, and I'm doing a bunch of farrier work with new customers calling every week. Mostly doing trims while I'm making a name for myself around here, but all of my customers have been repeat customers and they like my work. I just put on my first set of shoes since school, and I have a few new horses to shoe next week!
I've also been named the official farrier of the Colquitt Co Saddle Club. I attend all their rodeos, shows, and trail rides and do work on site.
Thank you all for the great education (and helpful business ideas/motivation from Ralph.) I can't wait to come back up there for some continuing education soon.
Lauren Dykstra
Warner Robins, GA
February 26, 2011
lauren@friendlyfarrier.com
229-251-8986
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| I enjoyed my time at Casey and Son School. I learned so many things and it's all hands on, I really like that about the school. Most of my expectations were met and the only reason they all weren't met is because I was not able to stay for 12 weeks. I recommend that anyone who wants to become a farrier go to Casey and Son Horseshoeing School.
Josh Lagate
Philpot, Kentucky
July 10, 2010
perrylegate@bellsouth.net
270-275-9798
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| I have been around horses from an early age, I decided I wanted to work with them after working in Australia and being around a farrier everyday.
The way the course is run allows you to learn alot faster and after 2 weeks I was surprised at how much I knew.
Thank you to everybody, you made my stay very enjoyable. I hope to return A.S.A.P. for more stories from Ralph and to learn, learn, learn.
Chris Harrison
Holland, Netherlands
June 27, 2010
chimp58@hotmail.com
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| I decided to attend Casey and Son because they allowed me to attend the course as I could a week at a time. My life is centered around my horses. My plan is to continue to run my Marketing business for another 3-4 years then move to Aiken, SC where I am building a horse retirement and rehab center as well as a small rescue. At that stage I plan to do all the farrier work myself.
In the meantime I will continue to do my horses and help out at the rescue and with my friends horses.
Clive MacLean
Wayne, Illinois
May 23, 2010
macfamily@ameritech.net
630-677-2170
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I decided to get into horseshoeing to make extra money as well as the care of my horses and others horses. My vet encouraged me to come to Casey and Son Horseshoeing School. I am working as a farrier right out of school as my only income.
The school has is laid back and the facility and surroundings make it a great learning environment. In the first 2 weeks, I didn't think I could learn so much so fast. After 6 weeks I was very confidant of my self to be able to start and run my own Farrier Service.
I have a very good working knowledge of the farrier business. I am 63 years old and have been working as a Electrical Design and Machine Design Engineer for 40 years. My goal is to bring good shoeing, trimming and corrective work to the horses I come in contact with, and maintain the integrity of the BWFA. I hope I can help every horse that I work with to stay healthy an bring back the hoof and leg health of the abuses horses. I hope to pass on my knowledge to the owners so they have the knowledge and respect of their own horses and the working farrier.
Ralph Rodgers
Lexington, South Carolina
May 16, 2010
rerodgers46@gmail.com
(803) 466-1323
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April 11, 2010
| I told everyone that asked me to pay attention to what Ralph taught on the business side of it. I have worked for myself in the past, itemizing, personality, promptness and appearance is a big deal when it come to a business. The ways of saving money, caring, being educated and talking to people so they understand where we are going when shoeing a horse means alot. I cannot complain about one thing about the school. I would recommend and promote the 12 week course for anyone that is going to be horseshoeing for a living.
The school met all my expectations. After 12 weeks I was very confident about the tools and getting to the right place using the six steps that were taught. They push each person according to what each individual needs to get us overall at the same place by the time we leave.
I also enjoyed the different instructors Ronny DeBoard, Chris McColloch along with Ralph and Link.
Jeff Elliott
Jasper, Tennessee
January 17, 2010
Jeff_Elliott16@hotmail.com
(423) 595-5192
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| While in the Army, I broke my back and was medically retired. I love horses so I thought I would give this a try. I enjoyed the work and think I will make a good farrier.
All my expectations were met.
Jacob Pate
Mobile, AL
March 14, 2010
sparky_051729@yahoo.com
(251) 767-0255
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March 14, 2010
| I really liked my educational stay at Casey and Son Horseshoeing School. It has taught me so much about the hoof. It's amazing how much you don't know even after having your own horses for so long. I can't wait to educate the public, help repair bad hooves and shoe horses in the correct manner.
I found out about the school from a past student and from watching Horseshoe'n Time on Dish Channel 9411. The school gets better the longer you are here. I really liked the instructors I met here. Ronny DeBoard, Chris McCullough, Scott Ledbetter, Link Casey and Ralph Casey. They are great!
Abe Green
York, SC
March 14, 2010
ramsay@comporium.net
(803) 242-6246
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| After being laid off and unable to find a job in my field, I decided to look into horseshoeing as a profession. I've wanted to take up horseshoeing classes for some time but my work schedule would not allow it. Now I have all the time I need.
I also like the idea of controlling my own future. I can be as successful as I want to be without the worries of a company letting me go because they aren't making enough money.
I am very happy I attended Casey and Son Horseshoeing School.
Reese Hatch
Hendersonville, NC
February 28, 2010
rcdrhatch@morrisbb.net
(570) 721-0462
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February 14, 2010
| My time at Casey and Son Horseshoeing School was very entertaining and fun, which I think that is what it takes to learn. I learned alot in the 6 weeks that I have attended school here.
Tim Chancey
Blue Ridge, GA
February 14, 2010
levelwood2@tds.net
(706) 889-3291
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| This 6 weeks have been very informative. Link Casey has been very helpful with all my questions and problems, helping me get used to the horses and putting safety first. Everyone has been nice.
Thanks for everything.
Rodney Moon
Temple, Georgia
February 14, 2010
am.moon@earthlink.net
(770) 596-8622
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(931) 809-0300
AdamsFarrierService@hotmail.com
www.AdamsFarrierService.com
| I was looking on the internet for a school that was close to home and would work around my military duty. I attended under the AVOTEC active duty funding.
After 6 weeks of class I felt confident between the business classes, the convention, forge time and time working on horses, that I will be successful at my business.
After being in Afghanistan and seeing the way horses, mules, etc. were cared for I wanted to work with animals. I chose being a farrier as I preferred not to carry a weapon of any kind as a profession when I returned home from the Army.
All the Instructors, office personnel and cook were professional, honest and timely.
Christopher J Adams
Clarksville, Tennessee
December 5, 2009
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| I am seventeen, and am excited about starting my own business shoeing horses after graduation from Casey and Son Horseshoeing School. After 6 weeks, I was starting to get comfortable with my work and enjoying the work more and more. After 12 weeks, I was very happy with my work and ready to get home and get to work.
I have always wanted to work with horses and I like to talk about horses so I thought this would be the perfect profession for me. I really enjoyed attending this school. I have learned alot and I can't wait to put it to use. I also really enjoyed the business lectures given by Ralph. I also enjoyed working with Link and having him as my Instructor. I learned alot from both of them and have enjoyed all of it.
Jacobie Morris
Earlysville, Virginia
November 22, 2009
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Charles Belcher
November 21, 2009
Newport, Tennessee
| I plan to shoe professionally as my only income right out of school. I liked the fact that I was working on a horse my first day. I could not believe how much I learned in the first two weeks about the anatomy of the horse and how the horse travels. The Instructor was very helpful, very professional and made safety number one.
My goal is to operate a horse barn that we own and to shoe professionally for a living. I came to horseshoeing school because everyone in our area, including myself, was having a hard time getting a farrier out to shoe horses.
I got laid off from TRW Fuji Valve, that gave me the opportunity to come to school which was the BEST decision I ever made. Casey and Son Horseshoeing School is the best school that I could find anywhere. I searched for several days on the internet when I found Casey and Son School and the Research Center. I liked the fact that it was a Research Center as I thought I could learn more here than any other school. When I called and talked to the people in the office, they were so nice and professional and they made me feel like they cared very much about the students. The food was excellent and Shelley the cook was super nice.
I also learned some Flexion Therapy on horses that I think will come in handy in the future for my horses and my customer's horses. I look forward to getting certified in Equine Flexion Therapy.
I consider it a privilege to have attended the Casey and Son Horseshoeing School.
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Antwan Lucas
October 4, 2009
Pine Mountain, Georgia
| Dear Ralph and Link,
Three weeks after I left school, I had a horseshoeing clinic at a local stable and won over every boarder there. There were about 20 people that showed up all together. Not everyone boarded their horses there, but they all came out. I got all 12 people that boarded there to convert to have me shoeing their horses, and I got the others too. I have a good clientele since I left, but this by far was the best thing that happened yet! A local farrier told one lady that "you can't learn to shoe no horse out of a text book". That's when I told my customer that she could call and ask Ralph how much we read the book there, and that we didn't. I read it daily here at home though, because it feels good to know what you're talking about. I also have Dr. Perry on my side. He's the Vet here in this part of Alabama. He tells the world that I do corrective shoeing, and that I know the foot better than any farrier around here and I would be his first choice. Thanks so much. I can't wait until I can come back at at least hang around a day or two and help out. I love being a farrier!
Thanks,
Antwan
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Geronimo, A miniature horse, was donated to the school in 2008 to correct his deformed hooves. He received a new home with former student, Antwan Lucas in 2009, and a new name.
From Antwan;
Thanks so much for Nemo. We love him! We give little Damian rides and it takes 3 of us. One person to pony him, one person to help him stay centered, and one person to take pictures. He laughs and giggles everyday when he gets on his horse.
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Baby Damian and "Nemo"
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Upon graduating, our students are asked to evaluate the school and give an honest opinion about our school and the training that they have received. Here's what Kevin Epps of Swainsboro, Georgia had to say....
Q: How did you find out about this school?
A: Friends and internet.
Q: What was your impression on the first day?
A: Got right to working on horses.
Q: Our location, facility and surroundings:
A: Were great.
Q: What is your overall opinion of the students you worked with during your training?
A: They were great, helpful, and easy to work with.
Q: What was your impression of the school and your own work after 2 weeks?
A: Hard work and was learning a lot; not bad.
Q: What was your impression of the school and you work after 6 weeks?
A: Still learning more everyday, but better at trimming and shoeing and more comfortable around horses.
Q: Did we push you too hard, or not hard enough?
A: Just right.
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November 15, 2009
| I grew up with horses from the age of 3. Never did I know that there was so much involved in taking care of a horse's feet, or that the feet were so important. You, as a horse owner, don't think about it. I have come to school and really focused on learning all that I could. As a graduate of Casey & Son Horseshoeing School, I now feel better equipped to educate horse owners of the importance of taking care of their horse's feet, and I'm confident I can make a career out of Hoofcare.
Jason Holcombe
Decatur, Georgia
September 20, 2009
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I really liked the idea of being my own boss, and would be able to work with horses, which I really enjoy doing. So I came to school to learn my new trade at Casey & Son Horseshoeing. I feel that I learned the fundamentals and much more in my 6 week course. Everyone here was very friendly, helpful and willing to help in every way they could.
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I am very pleased with the school and would recommend it to anyone interested in being a horse farrier.
Shane Patterson
Pickens, South Carolina
September 20, 2009
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The school was laid back and I thought I'd have a good time to learn. The location and surroundings were awesome. After the first 2 weeks, I learned a lot but there was lots to learn and the school would teach me. After six weeks, I learned a lot but I wish I would have taken the 12 week course. I really liked meeting people from all over the country. They really become your new family while you're here.
Tyler Bridegroom
Hanna, Indiana
September 20, 2009
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September 20, 2009
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I love being around horses. I have worked construction in the past, but started learning how to shoe horses from an old farrier friend. I decided I loved shoeing and to become a professional farrier. I was recommended to come to Casey & Son Horseshoeing School.
I was very pleased with the education I recife and the people around me. It is by far the best 6 weeks of learning that I have ever had.
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On the first day, I was very impressed by the staff and the atmosphere at the school. As for the students that I worked with during my training, I'll miss everyone of them. We had a blast! I am nervous about leaving and being on my own, but I think with the education I got here, I'll be fine.
Bradley Criswell
Trenton, Tennessee
September 20, 2009
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| I worked in a steel mill most of my adult life. I would have finished my career there, but a sudden change in the economy turned my life around. I was at the unemployment office with everyone else and was told of the WIA Program. I saw that Casey and Son Horseshoeing School was part of the program. I thought this was my big sign to finally do a job that means so much to me.
My future plans are to keep up with my farrier education and become the best farrier I can be.
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The Casey and Son Horseshoeing School was everything and more than I expected. My roommates in the school have kept in contact with me since I left. It really feels like a brotherhood.
I really enjoyed the class work, the shoeing pad and the golf course with Link. I learned alot from Link and Chris. It was also a great privilege to spend alone time with Ralph Casey who taught me business, welding, and about life in general. Thanks Ralph
I have owned horses since I was 18 years old. I have always wanted to learn a trade dealing with horses. I was impressed as I walked up on my first day. A real research center for horses! The facilities and grounds were very professional in appearance. All the students had the same goal, the overall health of the horses. I came to school knowing it would be hard work, it was. I could see the patience on the instructor Link, but he made us do the job right. I was pushed but just hard enough.
I am glad I stayed for the 12 weeks. I was glad to help other students less educated about horses than I was, it made me better.
Jeff Rockholt
Rock Hill, South Carolina
August 28, 2009
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I was pleased, we went to work on horses right away. Loved the location, food and bunkhouse. It started clicking for me at the beginning of the third week. The school is great. You get out of it exactly what you put into it. I hope to be able to come back to further my education. To be a farrier has been a dream of mine for a long time. This school has made it possible. It was not easy but effort and attitude made it possible for me. I give all credit for me being here to my wife whom has encouraged me and made me know I could reach my goal.
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I knew I had made a good choice of schools. I believe hands on is the best way to teach. The buildings are well maintained and easy to get to. The guys and gals here are extremely friendly and fun to learn with. I was very pleased with my progress, and again I think I chose well. The pace is great. One of the most impressive attributes is that we work hard, but smart, and a bunch of information is relayed in a short amount of time. I would like to thank everyone at Casey & Son and I look forward to continuing the relationships, and furthering my education here.
Brad Johnson
Jonesboro, Georgia
August 8, 2009
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April 26, 2009
| The school is set in a great location and it's clean and well maintained. All of the students that I worked with were friendly and I made a few lifetime friends. My brother went to a farrier school in Minnesota and became a full time farrier. After I graduated from high school, me and my brother decided to work together, so we decided that I should go to one of the best farrier schools in the country to get educated. I recently completed the 12 week course and enjoyed every
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minute of it. All the instructors and people in the office were very friendly. I feel I got the best education in this field of the equine world. I feel comfortable to go out and shoe horses and tackle any problems I may run into. I would like to thank everyone at Casey & Son Horseshoeing School for the great summer and a top notch education. Thanks!
Matthew Bonte
Glenwood, Wisconsin
August 23, 2009
Email: bontemat@hotmail.com
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| I had been trimming my own horses for 2 years, I came to learn more on proper balance and trimming. They were friendly and helpful. It was a great experience and good to learn at my own pace. Link was great in helping to understand the basics. I plan to attend more in the future. Thanks for all your help and knowledge.
Kenneth McDonald
Newnan, Georgia
July 18, 2009
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| I'm glad I made the choice to change my life to a farrier. My last job was my life-it wasn't going anywhere. No I get the chance to do and work with something I enjoy. It is nice to work with horses, and you can see your progress. The school was great. No waiting around. We jumped right on a horse's feet the first day. You learn so much. I would like to say thank you for everything.
Kevin Epps
Swainsboro, Georgia
July 17, 2009
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| I have been a police officer for 7 1/2 years and have decided to change careers. I decided Farrier work was better for me as I can be my own boss. I have several horse clinics coming in the future this year including a Master Horseman Class. I want to be a well rounded Horseman and shoe full time in the future and start colts on a part time basis. I can not wait to finish my 6 week course and become a certified Farrier through this school. Thanks!
Mark Fontenot
Sulphur, Louisiana
May 24, 2009
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| I feel that what I have learned here at this school has me off to a good start! Casey & Son school can teach quiet well to those who will apply themselves, study the books, and ask questions. I feel comfortable shoeing on my own. I think it was about right for a learning environment.
Clint Faison
Wendell, North Carolina
May 24, 2009
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| As a farrier for 17 years, coming down to Casey & Son Horseshoeing School was a real treat. Ralph, Link, Ginger and Chris all made it a well focused, entertaining place to continue on the Researching end of the farrier business.
Aiden West
Randolph Center, Vermont
May 24, 2009
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| During my time at Casey & Son Horseshoeing School, I was able to build a strong foundation of the principles of horseshoeing and gain confidence in my ability to correctly trim and shoe a horse to his own best benefit. I have no doubt that upon leaving here the horses that I service will have the healthiest hooves possible and their owners will have every opportunity to learn more about their horses feet through me and resources offered by the school.
The instructors have very positive "can do" attitudes for every student and are excellent at coming up with tips and techniques that suit each students
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learning style. I recommend Casey & Son Horseshoeing School to anyone considering a career as a farrier and to all owners who care about their horses and want a sound understanding of their hooves.
Tina Entzian
Indian Head, Maryland
May 3, 2009
www.ahealthyhoof.com
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| I have spent years working at a job I didn't like and have dreamed and wished for years that I could be in the horse industry. All of that wishing and dreaming didn't do anything until one bad day at work. I had had enough. Lucky for me I had plenty of vacation time. I took out a loan and just did it.
It was hard being here and learning so much, at the same time being away from my family. But I don't regret any of it. Thank you so much Ralph, Link and Ginger. You were great, you pushed me when I needed it most. My confidence is climbing everyday and now I'm afraid to advertise because I have more customers than I am ready for.
Ralph, you made me do things I didn't think I could.
John Goos
Marne, Iowa
March 1, 2009
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August 24, 2008
| After leaving and starting his own business, he called 6 weeks later and commented:
All of what Ralph said was true! I have some of the worst horses to shoe. I am finding that most of them have shoes too small and all are out of balance. I am just now shoeing behind myself on the next 6 week schedule so I can evaluate my work myself. My customers are thrilled. I had a case of thrush that just destroyed the frog. I used the Vettec CS products just like we used in school and 6 weeks later, the sole was clean and the owner was so happy, she started calling her friends about it
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while I was there. I have a case where a horse will just not grow any hoof. I called Wayne Blevins of E3 Algae products from the literature I received from school and the BWFA and he is sending me a quantity of product as a case study with a money back guarantee. The owner is willing to adhere to a better nutritional plan and regular trimming now and we can both see the results.
I would like to say now… that while I was in school, it was hard for a grown man like myself to re-learn everything and take instructions. I had been doing a little on my own before school. I am appreciative of everything I learned. I love it to death and life is better!! I am proud to say that with the training I received I can keep shoes on these horses when other shoers could not and making $120.00 per horse with no problem.
Michael Johnson
Benson, North Carolina
December 21, 2008
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February 2007
More than a month has passed since I graduated and I feel compelled to write and convey my feelings concerning your school. Actually, it was more than a school; it was an experience. Having students at all levels allows individuals to be mentioned by not only an instructor but by their fellow students. The limited number of students allows the instructor to focus a maximum amount of time on training. The school not only teaches horseshoeing but also equine behavior and about diseases.
Mr. Casey commented on several occasions that a twelve week student is more knowledgeable and better educated than ninety percent of the both full and part time working farriers. After returning home I can safely say that Mr. Casey is right on target. The only element not imparted is experience, which must be acquired by each farrier in his or her own. A Casey School graduate is well equipped however with farrier techniques and skills.
Casey & Son Horseshoeing School is more than a horseshoeing school; it is an academy of farrier science. The people I encountered during my twelve week course have become life long friends. Thank you for my opportunity to attend your facility.
James E. Russell
Charleston, West Virginia
March 26, 2006
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I own, train and race Standardbred horses in England. I wanted to further my knowledge on the shoeing to achieve a better run. I knew it was important to have the hooves balanced. I searched on the Internet for a school that would suit my needs. I received a nice package with a DVD to better learn from a distance but decided to travel to the US for hands on training. Since England will not allow a training apprentice to touch the horse's foot, only observe, I knew there was a better way to learn. During my short stay I was also part of the Student Farrier Contest during the convention and met other farriers from all over the US. I was introduced to the Nolan Hoof Plate and Noavel Headstall training of which I took each back to England. I worked at a steady pace daily and feel that my training was excellent. I plan to return next year for more studies.
George Newton
England
October 21, 2007
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I had no previous experience with horses at all. A local farrier and friend of mine suggested I look into going to school. I was looking for a new career. So I sent down to the WIA office and applied for funding and got it. I felt like a fish out of water my first week. I had no idea what was involved in being a farrier. I admit it was hard and I was frustrated up till my third week or so.I started catching on and feeling more confident. By my sixth week, I was so excited that I wish I could have stayed six more weeks. I bought all my equipment and will be out on my own and riding
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with my farrier friend for awhile. I love it and told the Casey's to use my comments anywhere they wanted!
Stacey Humphrey
Aragon, Georgia
January 11, 2009
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| I saved my money for 10 years to attend horseshoeing school and change careers. My goal is to continue my barrel racing hobby as a profession and start a professional farrier business to support me and my son. I chose Casey & Son and loved every minute of it. The students I met there will be lifelong friends. I listened to everything Ralph had to say about the business.
My sons pony became foundered in 2007 and the local farriers would not help me. He suffered for over a year. While I was in school in 2008 I took it to the Nolan Hoof Plate Class. That day, he ran around like I had not witnessed in over two years. I was so impressed. This gave me the knowledge to care for a customers pony as one of my first clients. My local newspaper came out to do a story on it and that launched my recognition in my area. I am so excited every day I get up to go to work. I am making a good living and proud of it!
Laura Cole
Roopeville, Georgia
October 21, 2007
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I am a Yankee from Illinois who has been involved on the police force for most of my adult years. I moved to Tennessee and married my beautiful wife who owns a boarding stable. She decided I needed to go to horseshoeing school, so we visited the Caseys. At first I was certainly a duck out of water. I struggled for a while but began to enjoy it and now I am proud of what I have accomplished. Link seemed to put his heart into his teaching and Ralph I would like to say "is the school". I am glad I came to this school. Actually the farrier who serviced our barn was a past graduate and recommended me. We have had no problem sharing the horses in our area to make a good living for each of us. I leaned towards the big horses and acquired a Belgian and wagon horse to my wife's amazement. I am hooked. Living less stressful has been the best part.
L'il bit of Heaven Stables in Athens, Tennessee
Michael Knight
Athens, Tennessee
September 30, 2007
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| I am over 55 years old, out of the military and involved with police work most of my life. My ultimate goal in life was to become a professional farrier. So I can now say that checked this off my "bucket list." I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every hard day in school. I am only interested in shoeing what I want to shoe as my retirement. I have already attended two continuing education clinics and plan to keep returning to learn all I can.
Charles Hall
Blaine, Tennessee
February 1, 2009
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| I love hunting, fishing and horses. I have always been around them on the farm, training, buying and selling. I have had my share of injuries including a kick in the head that almost killed me. I decided I wanted to get into the "right way" to shoe so I attended the Casey & Son Horseshoeing School. They worked with me knowing the concentration problems I sometimes have due to my injury. I was good with the horses and that helped in horse handling while shoeing. I plan to make a living at shoeing and want to say that I love the Casey family and consider them to be my friends for a lifetime. I could listen to Ralph talk all day-
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I always learn something. Link gave me my nickname "Camo" because I wear camo clothes every day, so I named my business "Camo's Horseshoeing."
John "Camo" Baldwin,
Lyndale, Georgia
November 23, 2008
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