Who knew that the US military had a program to educate farriers? Private Lucau is one of two such lucky soldiers; he's learning farriery at the Old Guard unit (Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, is also known as "The Old Guard").
The Old Guard Headquarters is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
The farrier candidates are hand-picked for the opportunity to learn to shoe. Their on-the-job training assists resident farrier Robert Brown with the 66 horses that need their hooves trimmed and their shoes re-applied. Wouldn't you love to have the contract that supplies borium to this forge! Do the shoes every wear out? Something I didn't know until today: you can adopt a war horse. The Old Guard's caisson horses need good homes when they're done with service. Giving one of them a good home for life seems like a noble thing to do.
Learn more:
The Old Guard's militarystables.com website
Retired Old Guard farrier Pete Cote
Maj. Lisa Barden is the regimental veterinarian.
Susan Seligman explains how the Old Guard operates.
Darley Newman of the PBS television show Equitrekking visited the stables in 2010.
National Public Radio paid a visit to the stables and the farrier shop a few years ago.
 |
| Click on the image to see a larger image and easily place your order. |
Follow Hoofcare + Lameness on Twitter: @HoofcareJournal
Read this blog's headlines in your Facebook news feed when you "like" the Hoofcare + Lameness Facebook Page
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any direct compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned, other than Hoofcare Publishing. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
