Olds College Hosts Successful Annual Horseshoeing Contest, Raises Funds for Farrier Benevolent Fund
March 23-24, 2024 was Olds College annual horseshoeing contest "The Olds Classic". Aaron Perry and Madeline Kwan collaborated with the competition company, North 49 Farriers, to organize and run this significant industry event. We had the great pleasure of hosting the incredible Justin Fountain as our judge, he has been on the Canadian farrier's team multiple times and is currently on the team this year. He came all the way out from Kamloops, BC to participate in our contest.
There were 35 competitors total and around 100 individuals came to observe, volunteer and mentor during the weekend. We had 7 students competing in Division 1, which was their first time; we deliberately worked with the judge to design the shoe list so that it is relevant to the material we teach in class and helps prepare them for their final exams. For the students who didn't compete they were a part of the stewards crew which is a vital group of individuals that do all the grunt work that help make the contest run smooth and on time, they did a phenomenal job and worked very hard all weekend. On top of that, we had 3 former students from last year's class return to compete again at the class but they leveled up to Division 2. These former students also took one step further and striked for current students.
Striking is a role conducted by a more experienced farrier, their job is to manage the forge so it doesn't get out of control, ensure the competitor's horseshoes don't get burnt from the extreme heat of the fire and also swing a sledge hammer to help them build their shoes faster. Strikers are also there to guide and support the competitor throughout their time at the anvil.
Matt Brett placed first overall and recieved "Best Shod Foot" for Division 1. Saskia Kelly placed 3rd overall for Division 1. Our former student Mindy Leshenko placed 3rd overall in Division 2 . Madeline Kwan came 3rd in the shoeing class. Every single one of our students and former students performed beautifully. They all had exceptional attitudes, great work ethic and exhibited an enormous amount of pride in themselves. Aaron and Madeline couldn't be more proud of our students and seeing how much the former students have developed their skills post graduation. It is so wonderful how the industry has a platform for newcomers to build and challenge themselves to make the most of their careers, do better for the horses and have a great time with friends. The Olds's Classic has always been a huge industry event for the College to host and has traditionally been the very first contest opportunity for students to experience. We have had such high entries from our students the last couple years because of the College's Industry Engagement Fund, without that funding we wouldn't be able to expose as many students to the wonderful learning opportunities that exist for them post graduation.
This contest is also a major fundraising opportunity for our community Benevolent Fund. We have an anvil raffle, a card game and a mail-in shoe contest to help raise money to support sick and injured farriers. This year we raised close to $4000.00 which will help any farriers who reach out to us to help cover their expenses while they convalesce.
