Winter Classic Warm-Up: A Celebration of Skill, Resilience, and Community at White Nickel Ranch

White Nickel Ranch was honored to sponsor the Winter Classic Warm-Up, an incredible opportunity to support the farrier community and showcase the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship that go into the art of horseshoeing. This three-day contest brought farriers and teams together in Culleoka, Tennessee, to hone their craft in preparation for the prestigious WCB Winter Classic Team Challenge—one of the most esteemed farrier competitions in the world.

Despite battling a fierce snowstorm and freezing temperatures, competitors and spectators braved the elements for an intense weekend of teamwork, learning, and camaraderie. Hosting this event at White Nickel Ranch was not just about competition—it was about celebrating the hard work that keeps performance horses at their best.

What Is the Winter Classic Warm-Up?

For those unfamiliar with the world of farrier competitions, the Winter Classic Warm-Up is a unique event designed to prepare teams for the upcoming WCB Winter Classic. Farriers work in teams of four to compete in various events, including hunter shoeing, roadster, and draft shoeing. The Warm-Up serves as both a practice ground and a celebration of the farrier profession.

The WCB Winter Classic itself is a prestigious horseshoeing competition where farriers showcase their craftsmanship in shoeing, trimming, and hoof care. This year’s Warm-Up at White Nickel Ranch provided an invaluable opportunity for farriers to refine their skills ahead of the main event in March.

A Weekend of Challenges and Triumphs

The Winter Classic Warm-Up wasn’t just about competition; it was a test of endurance and community spirit. The snowstorm and freezing temperatures didn’t deter participants, who displayed remarkable resilience and determination. “Even during a snowstorm, this event was possible thanks to the commitment of everyone involved,” said Kayla Irene Shepherd, the event organizer.

White Nickel Ranch provided a welcoming space for the event, complete with facilities to host the farriers, horses, and spectators. The contest featured a variety of horses, including Brabant crosses, Percherons, Shires, Gypsies, and hunter horses from the ranch. Each type of horse presents unique challenges for farriers, requiring specialized skills to craft the perfect shoe for their needs. Whether it was draft horses or hunter cobs, the farriers showcased their expertise, demonstrating why this profession is both an art and a science.

Honoring the Competitors and Judges

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the competitors who participated in the event, including teams like WCB, Team Emerson, and Team Texas Farrier Supply. Each team demonstrated exceptional skill and camaraderie, proving that farrier competitions are about more than just winning—they’re about learning and growing together.

The event was judged by Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF, whose expertise and dedication to the farrier industry elevated the competition. Volunteers, including horse holders and scribes, played a crucial role in keeping the event running smoothly, braving the cold with unwavering commitment.

Celebrating the Winners

After three days of intense competition, Team WCB—Stan Mullen, Troy Wood, Daniel Russo, and Matt Findler—emerged victorious. Matt Findler had an especially outstanding performance, winning Best Shod Foot for all three disciplines and taking home the title of Overall Best Shod. Their dedication and skill were evident throughout the event, setting a high standard for excellence in the farrier community.

Looking Ahead

The Winter Classic Warm-Up was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the farrier profession and the community that supports it. As participants head home, they carry with them not only the lessons learned but also the memories of a weekend that showcased the best of what this industry has to offer.

With the WCB Winter Classic Team Challenge just around the corner, we can’t wait to see how these teams perform on the big stage. Until then, we extend our gratitude to everyone who made the Winter Classic Warm-Up possible and look forward to seeing this event grow in the years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events at White Nickel Ranch—where community, craftsmanship, and the love of horses come together.