FINGER LAKES FORGE
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MATTHEW RICE, CJF

Picture


QUICK FACTS

  • 20 Years in Farrier Trade
  • Certified Journeyman Farrier
  • Works with: TB, WB, QH, etc.
  • English & Western Disciplines
  • Hand-builds custom shoes & tools
  • Competition Level Shoes
  • Therapeutic Shoes
  • Attends Continuing Education
  • Active Competitor
American Farrier's Association #15093
www.americanfarriers.org/member/matthewrice
EMAIL MATTHEW RICE, CJF

TIMELINE

2008 to 2011 - APPRENTICESHIP

I was 16 years old when local farrier Tom Martin, CF took me under his guidance as an apprentice.

At 18, I attended Heartland Horseshoeing School with Chris Gregory, CJF FWCF.

I began my business upon returning to the Finger Lakes Region in July 2011, continuing with Mr. Martin and also learning from Dallas Morgan CJF, AWCF over the next ten years.

2013 to 2017 - CERTIFICATION

In 2013 I earned the Certified Farrier accreditation through the American Farrier's Association, earning the highest Certified Farrier Written Exam score during that year.

As an active member of the Western New York Farrier's Association, I held the position of Secretary for two terms until 2018

I participated in numerous contests and competitions, notably winning the nation-wide International Hoof Care Summit Mail-In Contest in 2016

In 2017 I earned my Certified Journeyman Farrier accreditation through the American Farriers Association

2018 to 2023 - REFINEMENT

Focus shifted to further improving and integrating the practical skills I had learned into my day-to-day work with horses.

Time was given to refining various areas of business operations while continuing to fine-tune shoe and tool building skills during this period.

2024 to Present and Beyond 

The current period is marked by an renewed interest in competing, increased engagement with the local farrier association and continuing to build on my 15 plus years of commitment to the farrier trade.

There are several potential paths forward I am excited to explore and develop.

The next 15 years will be defined by the commitment to give back to the community which has afforded me such a wonderful life, and provide the horses in my practice with hoof care which is founded in the time-tested, rich traditions of the farrier trade.


PERSONALLY...

Born and raised here in the Finger Lakes Region, I am grateful for the opportunity to travel as a farrier and meet so many of the kind and resilient folks who call this place home.

The Finger Lakes Region has been my home for all these years and will be until my dying breath, lord willing.

My primary passion is the farrier trade. 

Beyond horses, I'm an active outdoorsman.

I can often be found hiking any of the hundreds of trails that cross the region and cowboy camping under the stars.

My life-long passion for white-water canoeing finds me crashing through rapids whenever conditions permit throughout NY and PA.

I am creative at my core, spending my spare time with music, art, and building things with my hands.

As an avid reader, I enjoy a wide range of material, namely local history along with sociological & biographical works.
Louis L'Amour fills in the blanks.

I'm glad to be here & I hope to meet you somewhere along the way.

- Matthew Rice, CJF
FINGER LAKES FORGE

Matthew Rice
Certified Journeyman Farrier

Time Honored Principles
Proven Methods


[email protected]


Stay Connected
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Matthew Rice, CJF
  • Founding Principles
  • General Information
    • Service Area
    • Farrier Services
    • Scheduling
    • Payment
    • Business Hours
    • Workplace Safety
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • FLF Blog
    • Client Resources >
      • Hoof Issues >
        • Thrush
        • Hoof Cracks
        • Navicular Syndrome
        • Founder