On this Memorial Day, let us remember and appreciate those who have served our country – the men and women who have voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life in America. 

While those of us who weren’t there can’t know what all you’ve been through, we can express our appreciation for the sacrifice of time and talent you have given to be between us and the danger you faced in the service of your country. 

Our American media has done a poor job of keeping the public informed of your value and contributions. Those of us who have traveled to other countries have noticed that foreign news services often do a better job of reporting important news than the media here at home. American reporters seem to be more interested in the sensational, rather than accurate reporting and analysis of significant news events. 

We recognize that many veterans feel underappreciated and see little hope in a future they once thought was theirs. If you have had a dream of working with horses, working with your hands, and being self employed, farrier work may be a career worth considering. The benefits of the G I Bill to help cover the cost of your schooling are available to you. The best time to get training might be now during what appears to be a stagnant job market. We understand some states are more ‘vet friendly’ than others. 

We provide 12 week training divided into two six week courses to those who have a dream of gaining new skills. We are approved for G I training. Check us out at www.butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com. We’ve had veterans as students who have been able to go home and begin successful businesses after initial training. One example is a recent graduate, former Marine Brenton Flohe, who came to our school after serving in a helicopter unit in Afghanistan. 

After taking our course, Brenton returned to Pennsylvania and began his farrier business by apprenticing with a local farrier. He learned quickly and picked up speed and confidence as he started his own business. He recently moved to Texas to enroll in a university there. He is now a full-time college student and a full-time farrier. When he started working in an area where he didn’t know anyone, most of his work was trimming. Now most of his work is shoeing and he is beginning to get therapeutic work. Recently, he has helped foundered and navicular horses get on the road to recovery using the methods we taught him. He intends to come back to school for one of our week long courses to learn more about shoeing Walking Horses as they are popular in the area where he lives. Following are his comments from a letter we received from Brenton May 21, 2012: 

“I cannot begin to convey my appreciation I have for you, your school, and the education I received from all of you. I owe my success as a farrier and a horseman to this education, and my family and I are very grateful. Looking back at my first year of business, I have learned an awful lot through many unique experiences. Through these experiences I often asked myself, “What would Dr. Butler, Jake or Pete tell me to do?” That is where I would often find the answer I was looking for. 

“After graduating from your school, I came home to Pennsylvania with eager plans of starting my business. I worked with some of my own horses first. I experimented with various shoes on a lame horse and saw great results. This horse and the experience I had with him taught me a great deal. Not only to be more sure of myself, but it built my confidence and prepared me for many future experiences. 

“My farrier business started out slow, but grew over time. I followed your advice to apprentice with the best farrier in the area. I was able to spend several days per week at first with him while my business was growing, and now he is one of my best friends. He was also a veteran out of the Navy. Together we shared similar backgrounds and agreed that the most vital aspect of shoeing is balancing the foot. 

“Working with him gave me time to get my business going. This also afforded me a great deal of time under a lot of horses which I would not have been able to do otherwise. At the suggestion of this mentor, I sought experience with other farriers. I found some of them were doing things drastically different from what I had previously learned and knew worked. Since we could not see eye to eye, we went our separate ways. This caused a lot of unintentional exposure of my name to other farriers in the area, many of whom seemed to applaud my decision. My mentor helped me tremendously, and I continue to consult with him on special cases whenever applicable. I hope to one day be able to help a new farrier the way he helped me. 

“I am continuously pleased to see a client’s excitement when their horse is able to return to service. That is what it is all about: sound horses and happy clients. I have surveyed many of my clients asking why they hired me, and why they stay with me. They gave me numerous responses that immensely humbled me. Honesty and integrity were always amongst the top reasons. I was raised by my parents to be honest and always have integrity. This was reiterated during my time in the Marine Corps. 

“My clients go on to say that being a ‘horseman’ first greatly matters to them. This was emphasized by you at school and has proven to be true. This combined with my education, experience, and the ability to explain to the client both what I am doing and why, as you taught us in school, has been most valuable. A combination of my clients’ responses, my life goals, and professional ethics in my relationships, have all led me to my way of doing business. 

“My time spent in the Marine Corps taught me a great deal about life. I take great pride in the lessons I learned there. They have been applicable to everyday life, both personally and professionally. I am thankful I was able to serve my country, and I pray for our men and women who continue to ‘put it all on the line’ to serve both stateside and abroad. 

“As stated before, I cannot begin to express my appreciation for the time I spent at your school and all that you and your sons were able to teach me. I owe my success as a farrier and horseman to you. You have taught me not only how to shoe a horse, but how to approach problems and find the correct answers – whether it is shoeing an abnormal horse or repelling a fad – you have been the truest example of a horseman that I have ever known.”