By Doug Butler PhD, CJF, FWCF

Lee Liles passed away May 12, 2018 at home in Sulphur, Oklahoma. He was one of the great farriers, blacksmiths and horsemen of our time. Lee was extremely knowledgeable on many subjects and possessed the finest library on farrier science of well over 1000 volumes.

Lee started shoeing in 1965 and became the principle farrier at the Walking Horse Celebration and many World Champion Quarter Horse Shows and Congresses. He collected horseshoeing tools for many years and eventually housed them in his fabulous museum at Carousel Farm in Sulphur, Oklahoma. I have traveled extensively and have never seen its equal anywhere in the world. He was especially keen on William Russell, the dean of competitive and scientific horseshoers.

Lee was a great collector and historian, but more than that he was a great friend to all farriers. He preserved the history of our craft in a way no one else could. I cherished his friendship and appreciate the hospitality of he and his wife, Alma. They were hosts to our Farrier Focus Conference in 2004 held at the museum.

I first met Lee in 1979 in Fresno, California at an American Farrier’s Association Convention. We became great friends and corresponded frequently. I admired his knowledge and attitude. We were privileged to donate the first copy off the press of The Principles of Horseshoeing 3 to him.

Lee was also a great craftsman in leather and steel. He made saddles, holsters and dealt in power hammers for many years. His collection of anvils and hammers is the best ever. He had a beautiful bit and spur collection in addition to many trophy saddles that he won with his horses.

Out thoughts and prayers are with Alma and Samantha during this sad time. God bless you.

We were privileged to donate the first copy off the press of The Principles of Horseshoeing 3 to our good friend, Lee Liles.

You can listen to our interview (2/14/17) with Lee Liles for the Farrier Focus Podcast on iTunes (for iPhone) or Stitcher (for Android)