Danny Ward practicing as an alternate member for the North American Horseshoeing Team at Bruce Daniel’s shop in Mullica Hill, New Jersey (1980). Photo Credit: Doug Butler

By Doug Butler PhD, CJF, FWCF

Danny ward passed away a few days ago (22 Mar 2018) leaving a great legacy as a teacher and friend to the farrier industry.

Danny was known as a friend to many. I particularly appreciated his patient accepting attitude.

In 1979 I was asked to judge the Florida warm up competition in Tampa. Danny was a contestant. He did a nice job, but his shoes ended up having eased heels on the front feet. I didn’t place him. He was not happy about it! I was afraid I’d made an enemy for sure.

The next year (1980) after I won the North American championship, and he was chosen as a team alternate, he was one of the first to congratulate me. He said, “Doug, you can judge my work anytime!” I’ve always admired him for that. He was a big man in more ways than one. He was the first American chosen to the International Competition in Stoneleigh, England.

In 1985, right after I published the 2^nd edition of my Principles of Horseshoeing book, he invited me to present at his annual clinic at his school where he raised money for charity. We enjoyed our time together. His father Smokey, who started the Eastern School of Farriery in 1964, and his secretary, took me to the airport afterwards. They were full of comedy! I laughed so hard, my side hurt! What a great family! His sister Jesse is also a talented artist as well as a great soul.

At a Don Jones North Carolina Tool Company clinic several years ago Danny gave me a pair of tongs to hold pritchels for sharpening that he had made from some clincher blanks. I’ll always treasure them just as I will always treasure my association with Danny Ward, the tallest farrier – a giant among men – I’ve ever had the good fortune to know. He helped everyone he met.