Dear Mr Gregory,
Thank you for your response on forging the circumference clip. The advantage of the "round tool" that I assume goes in your hardy hole for leveling the shoe and punching the nails is a really smart idea. It seems to me, you have other unique tools such as a custom made tool for stamping a crease for a toe wear plate. Do you have a source for fabricating these unique items, (that would be willing to make others)? I also have a couple other quick questions for you. 1) Can you recommend a good clip pein hammer? I am currently using a chip hunt, but the it really seems to require very accurate hammer control to prevent drawing too wide of a clip base, at least for AFA standards. I have seen advertised Jay Sharp, Justin, and Brooks Lane hammers all of which look to be "pointier," but I would have to order a new hammer sight unseen, as my local supply shops do not carry these brands. Any suggestions? 2) I would very much like to attend your school. I would like to attend the 24 week class in 2007. I have been shoeing full time for nine years and have only recently concerned myself with certification. I attended a pre-certification clinic with Scott Davidson and Phil Fisher a couple months ago and passed my "dry run" attempt. I am now working on my shoe board and waiting for the next certification to be given in the Southeast. My goal in taking your class would be to pass the CJF exam upon graduation. My question to you is, what percentage of students graduating from this 24 week class pass the CJF exam? If I attain my CF level prior to taking your 24 week course, do you think this goal is attainable in that time frame of preparation? I am specifically referring to the practical portion of the exam. I am confident about passing the written, but I have little experience using handmades in day to day work. How soon would I have to apply to reserve a spot for the 2007 class? Is the 24 week class the right class for me at the level I'm at now, or would another class be better suited to my needs?

I have been following your work for a few years and I have the utmost respect for your accomplishments and your opinions. Your manner of teaching seems very natural. And you have an articulate way of putting forward ideas that seems to click with my thinking and stick with me. I am saving my money and hope to see you in 2007. Happy holidays to you and your family! - Rick T

Thanks for all the kind words. You will be happy to know that I just finished an article for the American Farriers Journal on the contiuous clip shoe. It will probably be in the January edition. As to the tools in question, we make most of them ourselves to meet the needs of a particular shoe. The round tool had some other features, and Dallas Morgan had it made for me by a machinist in Kansas. I don't think it would be hard to duplicate for any machinist. As for the clipping hammer, I really like the Jim Poor made by Flatland Forge. My main competition one is a Dave Showen that I think is available from Double Bar One in Leoti, Kansas. You might give them a call, and I bet they carry both. As to your desire to take the Journeyman Farrier Course, I doubt that it would take that much for you to get to CJF level. However, we would welcome you for that length of course. You might be best to take the Farrier Blacksmith Course in February, and then perhaps the Practical Farrier Course. If you get a chance, call the school at (417) 682-6896, and we can visit. Have a blessed holiday season.