Heartland Horseshoeing School

The Staff

Chris Gregory

Kelly Gregory

Chris has been shoeing for a living since 1987. In 1991, he achieved his first major milestone by passing the American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman Farrier exam. Since originally passing the CJF exam at the age of 22, Chris has passed the test several more times. In 1998 at the age of 30, Chris became the second American to receive the title of Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, London. There are 42 people in the world who are currently FWCF and still living, most of them being in the United Kingdom. The Worshipful Company of Farriers has existed since 1356, with their modern history beginning in 1674. They have set the highest standard of farriery exams in the world and are Internationally respected and revered

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. Additionally, Chris has done quite a bit of writing, with articles appearing in Western Horseman, The American Farriers Journal, Loose Shoe, Anvil Magazine, and Rural Heritage to name a few. A collection of articles for The American Farriers Journal have been compiled in a book titled, Better Basics, Better Horseshoeing, which is available from the school. He also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for The American Farriers Journal. Chris was also selected as the American Farriers Association Outstanding Farrier Educator of the year in 2004, and was a co-winner of the award with his wife, Kelly, in 2006

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 5 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.

Kelly has been helping Chris with their shoeing business since before their marriage in 1988. She took a 4 year break from the rigors of farriery after college to stay home with their 2 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 that attest to her competence. In 2006, Kelly was named as a co-winner of the American Farriers Association Outstanding Farrier Educator of the Year award with Chris

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 help to give students confidence and guidance. You will never be asked to do something a HHS that Chris or Kelly would be unwilling to do.