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Chad Petard

Farrier Apprentice

Chad Petard is a dedicated equine enthusiast whose journey into the world of horse care began with a profound career shift. Hailing from Southern Illinois, Chad spent years building grain bins before heeding a deeper calling to work alongside horses. Since joining Rocking Speer Ranch as an apprentice in May of 2023, Chad's passion for equine well-being has flourished, particularly in aiding lame horses to regain and maintain soundness. In April of 2024, Chad furthered his education by attending the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School's Two-Week Horseshoeing Course, where he delved into a comprehensive curriculum covering equine anatomy, tool making, shoemaking, trimming, and horseshoeing. Throughout the course, Chad dedicated himself to learning the intricacies of basic anatomy, therapeutic shoeing techniques, and forging skills. With 90 hours of hands-on horseshoeing training under his belt, including crafting essential tools from raw steel, Chad is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful impact in the equine care community. His unwavering dedication and newfound skills position him as a valuable asset in his quest to improve the lives of horses and their owners alike.

Education

2023 - Current

Apprenticeship at Rocking Speer Ranch

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and science of horse hoof-care under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll gain hands-on experience in all aspects of equine care, from advanced hoof trimming to therapeutic shoeing techniques. Working alongside our experienced team, you will learn the nuances of horse behavior, healthy hoof maintenance, and management practices. Our comprehensive program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a rewarding career in the equine industry. 

January 2024

2024 International Hoof-Care Summit

A 4-day learning opportunity featuring more than 70 targeted sessions that deliver the latest research, ideas and tools to help build a better footcare practice and increase value to hoof-care clients.

The IHCS features the most respected and knowledgeable farriers, veterinarians and equine professionals in the industry, reporting on the latest trends and topics critical to the hoof-care industry today.

April 2024

Oklahoma Horseshoeing School

The Basic Horseshoeing Course, ensures competency in shoeing almost any type of horse with or without special requirements with few limitations.

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