Hello, everyone. I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season. I’m sure for many of you the next couple of weeks will involve a lot of catching up on the horses that you had to push over the holidays. Just before Christmas, I travelled to Ottawa, Ontario to give a clinic on breakover. Mark Struthers who graciously hosted the clinic at his farm suggested that, while I was in the neighborhood, I should do an interview with his mentor Terry Osborne CJF. Terry has always been a bit of a distant legend to me. He lives and works in an area five and a half hours from where I do, and until the clinic had never actually met the man. I had heard many stories about the quality work he did and the unhuman efficiency at which he did it. I also knew that he worked on many of the top horses in his region, and an interview was the perfect chance to meet and find out more about this enigmatic character that I had heard so much about. Before we start here’s a brief bio provided by Terry
Terry started shoeing in 1980. Over the years his clientele has evolved to primarily hunter jumper and dressage. He was an avid competitor and won the Ontario Highpoint in 1986 and 1992. Seeing the need for continuing education he was a founding member of the Ontario Farriers Association. He is at present a member of the AFA, AMFQ, AAPF and the NEAEP. Terry was part of a team that got three different horses onto the Canadian show jumping team. He’s also an educator and a clinician. I was thankful to have the opportunity to sit down and have this conversation with Terry. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Stratem Tectorium
Favourite Book: Chris Gregory’s Textbook of Farriery and Principles of Horseshoeing – Doug Butler
Favourite Work Boots: none
Favourite Rasp: Heller Legend
Dream Farrier Rig: DIY
Favourite Rounding Hammer: Jay Sharp
Favourite Bar Stock: Flat ¾ X 5/16
Gas or Diesel: Diesel then gas then back to diesel
Favourite Pastime: Scuba diving and bladesmithing
Favourite Keg Shoe: Kearkhart
Leather or Synthetic Pad: Leather
Favourite Horse to work on: Saddlebred
Ideal # horses to shoe all around in one day: 5
Accounting Software: Simply Accounting
Favourite Drink: Red Wine and Scotch
Preferred Social Media Platform: Facebook
Injury Insurance: Yes
Planner or agenda? Paper agenda
Favourite Jeans: Levi’s
Favourite Quote: None
Method of soothing Aches and Pains: Rest and massage
Meditate: Yes
What would you have been if not a farrier: Truck driver