This Bio was originally written for someone who knew nothing of the farrier industry. Farrier associations please feel free to use what you need for your clinic/contest info.
Shayne started working with his father before he began elementary school. At age five, he would hand tools to him; at age 11, he was trimming horse hooves and by 13 shoeing horse. After being rejected by local farriers for an apprenticeship, Shayne looked elsewhere to get an education. In his quest, he went to many different clinics in neighboring states which usually had a contest afterwards. In a farrier contest, participants are given a piece of bar stock and then told what horseshoe they need to make within a certain time limit. The best shoes win. But keep in mind, these are not the horsehoes we see everyday. A lot of the shoes that are made are from the 1800's and from countries that depended on horses for a living. Every type of working horse had different needs. Therefore, the shoes were different, some for hauling heavy loads, some needed more traction, etc. Roadsters, Cob, Hunter, Caulk and Feather, Spavin horseshoes. Very elaborate and difficult to make in a coal or propane fire. Shayne was a quick learner and very diligent in his practice. He feels that competition makes him a better farrier for his everyday work, shoeing horses. He developed his talents, but not without a lot of hard work.
In 1984, Shayne was the first American to win the World Champion Blacksmith Competition (WCBC) held in conjunction with the Calgary Stampede. Matter of fact, he was the only American who won this prestigious title until 1999. Shayne is still the youngest participate to win the WCBC title at age 23.
Over the years, Shayne has been very active in competitions. Winning spots on the American Farriers Team in 1986,1988,1990,1993, 1997, and 1998. A competition held at the annual American Farriers Association Convention. The top ranking farriers participate in classes that last for several days. The top four Americans are placed on a team that represents the USA at International Competitions in Scotland, England and Canada. Shayne was the team caption (National and Overall High Point Winner several of the years he was on the team.
A very meaningful award to him was in 1998 when he received the Jim Linzy Outstanding Clinician Award.
Shayne travels all over the world teaching clinics to other farriers. It is a trade one can never master and it is a continual educational process. He not only teaches other farriers horsehoeing skills, but also tool making. He is very advanced in his blacksmithing as well and makes beautiful decorative and functional items such as coat racks, gates and dragons. Everything is made the old-fashioned way, no fabricating here. Shayne also makes knives, hatchets and swords. Presently, he is working towards his Master Bladesmith in the American Bladesmith Society.
In 2000,Shayne was voted "Farrier Industry Legend". This was awarded to the top 25 most influential contributors to the farrier industry. And finally, in 2003 Inductee to the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame.
This trade which is very beloved to Shayne has taken him all over the world England, Scotland, France, Alberta, Quebec, Japan and nearly every state in America.
Needless to say, he bought the Damascus nail at the auction.
