Love of horses anchors East Texan in horseshoeing business

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Benny Joe McCoy positions a new shoe on a horse at Rafter G Mesquite Rodeo Ranch in Terrell. McCoy, a former rodeo'er and ranch worker, is working to expand his business in East Texas. -- Staff photo by Kramer

March 24, 2005 - Benny Joe McCoy, 40, spends the majority of his week doing what he says he loves, shoeing horses.

McCoy, an East Texas farrier, has been in the business for 21 years. He grew up on a working ranch in West Texas, where becoming a farrier first interested him.

"I have always been intrigued by the farrier trade," said McCoy. "As a kid I would have the job of gathering the horses for the farrier. It was also my job to hold the horses while the farrier would work on them."

Benny McCoy (right) enjoys his profession. He is often helped by his wife Barbie (left), and while on spring break, step-sons Garrett and Travis (center). -- Staff photo by Kramer

After years of holding horses, McCoy decided to learn the trade himself.

"I was never much on standing around and watching work to be done, although all my years of observing has paid off," he said.

He, like many others in his profession, did an apprenticeship to begin learning. He said education is vital to becoming a good farrier.

"If you have a guy that's been in the business 10 years, he's still learning," said McCoy. He added that a good farrier should always be continuing his education through reading and attending clinics and seminars. "I read something every night about horses' feet."

In addition, McCoy, after 21 years of experience, still observes other farriers, hoping to absorb more knowledge he can use for his business.

"By observing other farriers and through continued education, I have been able to improve my skills and become a better farrier," said McCoy.