The Staff

Chris Gregory, Owner/Head Instructor

Kelly Gregory, Instructor/Owner

Cody Gregory & Jacqui Gregory, Future Staff

Chris Gregory, CJF, MS, FWCF
Chris began shoeing for a living in 1987. In 1991, he realized his dream of passing the American Farrier's Association Certified Journeyman Farrier exam. Since originally passing the test at the age of 22, Chris has passed the test several more times. Additionally, Chris is a Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF), in the United Kingdom. At this time, only 182 people have received this honor, with only 42 being alive today. Chris is the second from America.The Worshipful Company of Farriers has been around since 1356, but their modern history doesn't start until 1674. They are internationally respected and revered. Their Associateship test is world renowned as the most difficult test of practical and therapeutic farriery. At 30 years old, Chris is one of the youngest to be bestowed the honor of Fellowship. You will not find another school in the United States taught by an instructor with comparable credentials.

Chris has been competing in horseshoeing contests since 1988. International level contests include both the AFA convention contests and the World Championship Blacksmiths Contest at the Calgary Stampede, where he earned a 6th place finish in 2003.

In addition to teaching and shoeing, Chris as also done quite a bit of writing, with articles appearing in Rural Heritage, Western Horseman, The American Farriers Journal, Loose Shoe, and Anvil Magazine, to just to name a few. A collection of his articles for The American Farriers Journal have been compiled in a book titled, Better Basics, Better Horseshoeing, available from the school. He also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for The American Farriers Journal.

Academically, Chris holds a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Development, 2 Bachelor of Arts Degrees, a minor, and an Associate of Arts Degree. Although college took five years, working as a farrier was the perfect way for Chris and Kelly to get through the college years financially.

This school is Chris and Kelly's dream. In 1991 they moved to Colorado and Chris started a farrier school for someone else, but tired of working for the "other guy" (much like the majority of farrier students who are ready to be their own bosses). In 1994 they moved to Missouri with the goal of opening the best shoeing school in North America. The result is Heartland Horseshoeing School.

Chris is online as the virtual blacksmith to answer your questions about hoof trimming, shoeing, and forge work.
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Kelly Gregory
Kelly has been helping Chris with their shoeing business since before their marriage in 1988. She took a four-year break from the rigors of farriery after college to stay home with their two kids Cody and Jacqueline. Once they moved to Missouri and opened Heartland Horseshoeing School, Kelly became an American Farriers Association Certified Farrier and began working with Chris full time as an instructor. She has competed in several horseshoeing contests, including the World Championship Blacksmiths Contest in Calgary, and has some buckles on the wall attesting to her competence.

Kelly brings another element to the art of education, and is a huge asset to the school. In addition to being an extremely capable horsewoman, Kelly is especially adept at helping beginners understand the practicality of what they are being taught. Kelly attended college on track and cross-country scholarships, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics as well as a Minor and an Associate of Arts Degree.

Kelly is an irreplaceable member of the team that is dedicated to making you one of the best farriers in the industry. Her ability to work on even the most uncooperative horses helps give students confidence and guidance. You will never be asked to do something a Heartland Horseshoeing School that Chris or Kelly would be unwilling to do.
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