Welcome to the
Vermont Farriers Association
Promoting The Art and Science of Farriery
We are a group of hoof care professionals aiming to promote the art and
science of farriery; to educate the public and horse owners about the quality of service to which they are entitled; and to assist hoof care professionals who are entering the trade or looking to further their skills.
Our Story
The Vermont Farriers Association (VTFA), founded by Bruce Matthews in 2004, enabled farriers from Vermont and surrounding states to attend clinics and meetings throughout New England. The first meeting consisted of 35 hoof care professionals from Vermont and New Hampshire.
The first Board of Officers consisted of Bruce Matthews as President; Ken Norman as Vice President with his wife, Eli-Anita, voted in as Secretary; Anthony Peduto took the position of Treasurer; and Diane Saunders became the Member at Large.
In September 2006 VTFA was granted recognition as Chapter 64 in Region 5 of the American Farriers Association, and became a 501(c) 3, non-profit association thanks to assistance from William Miller, Esq. of Langrock, Wool and Sperry.
VTFA's first clinic was held in 2004 with Rick Banker as the clinician. The clinic focused on strengthening forging skills and working on live horses. Since then clinicians have included Michael Savoldi, Grant Moon, Craig Trnka, Chris Gregory, John Blombach, Allie Hayes, Mitch Taylor, Dr. Tracy Turner, Bob Pethick, Bob Skradizo, Michael Wildenstein, Esco Buff, Ben Mangan, Dr. Robert Ange, among other notable farriers.
VTFA is grateful for charter members Wayne Albert, Phil Armitage, Rick Banker, Seth Butler, Don Chandler, Marcel Cyr, Scott Doner, Debbie Frederick, Steve Hazen, Dave Hendee, Fran Jurga, Bruce Matthews, Susan Mellen, Jeff Myrick, Ken and Eli-Anita Norman, Anthony Peduto, Danny Reynolds, Diane Saunders, Mark Schneider, George Spear, Sarah Thrasher, Vermont Large Animal Clinic and Todd Wheeler.
