Horseshoer Daniel Bishop Turns Trade To Science Farriers typicaly have a tough job, but without them, the very nature of human relationships with horses would be remarkably different than it is today. While the profession has a history that goes back to at least the 6th century, it is often considered a “dying art” in today’s times. However, there are always individuals who take up the vocation, and will be as long as people continue to ride horses. Daniel Bishop is one of those who chose blacksmithing and the farrier’s art as his vocation when he was a young man, and continues to explore the latest techniques and technology available in the field. The 26-year old farrier has been shoeing for more than 10 years in the Memphis Tri-State area. He developed a passion for riding, showing, and training Tennessee Walking Horses as a high school student, and he soon began shoeing and trimming his own horses. After extensive self-study, he purchased his first set of farrier’s tools and began developing his skills in the art and honing his natural talent. By the time he graduated high school in 1998, he was caring for more than 80 horses. Shortly after finishing high school, he enrolled in the Eastern School of Farrier Science in Martinsville, Virginia, where he graduated with a degree in this “dying art.” Bishop returned to his home, purchased a truck and more tools, and began to build a reputation as an honest and dependable farrier. During the application of his craft, he was frequently asked about typical founder and lameness cases, but it was the foundering of his own Tennessee Walking Horse stallion in 2003 that prompted him to delve deeply into the mechanics of therapeutic horseshoeing. Despite numerous, aggressive veterinary treatments, Bishop was advised to euthanize the animal. Not wanting to give up on the horse, he consulted well-known farrier Lim Couch for guidance. His stallion was rotated 10 degrees on his right front hoof and 8 degrees on the left front hoof. After aggressive farrier work, which included removing 2/3 of the hoof wall and numerous resets of various therapeutic shoes, his stallion today is totally pasture sound and living out his life pain free. This experience made Daniel very interested in doing more cases of this nature. Couch took Bishop “under his wing” and encouraged him to attend continuing education seminars and clinics around the country, and they have attended many such events together over last 3 years. Daniel helped celebrate Lim’s fame when he was inducted into the International Horseshoers Hall of Fame in 2005. The knowledge and hands-on experience in lameness/therapeutic cases that Daniel has gained from continuing education has not only given him an outstanding reputation with his clients, but also prompted local veterinarians to request his assistance with problem horses. He has fabricated numerous shoes, braces and specialty equipment not only for hoof problems, but also for leg and neck injuries. He has also assisted in a variety of hoof-related surgeries. Today, Daniel Bishop is responsible for over 700 horses in all areas of discipline, employing Glue-on and Drill Tech methods in addition to regular shoeing and trimming. Most of his work focuses on performance horses: those participating in dressage, roping, and barrels. He is currently handling several therapeutic cases and frequently gets gets calls for advice from owners who do not want to put down their loved ones. Bishop plans to continue his education through clinics and seminars, maintaining his commitment to excel in this dying art. He says he will never be too proud to seek guidance where and when needed, if it will help save a horse. With the purchase of his new 14’ Turnbow trailer he now has more room to fabricate special shoes, carry a wider variety of shoes for any discipline, and custom make therapeutic shoes and braces for future cases. Bishop offers complete boarding for horses that need continuous care or daily treatments, and is exploring the idea of opening a full service lameness clinic in the future. For more information on Daniel Bishop’s farrier services, you can contact him at 901-371-8890.