Jerry Franklin, CJF
Instructor

Certified Journeyman Farrier with over 43 years experience
AFA Approved Certification Tester

Dusty has been shoeing horses full-time since 1992 after working for his father, who is also a Certified Journeyman Farrier, for several years.  He has been involved in the horse industry for over 25 years as a youth competitor, amateur competitor, and now as a father of a youth competitor in both riding and farriery. 

In 1995, Dusty began working towards his Certified Farrier certification.  Soon after, he earned his certification as a Certified Journeyman Farrier.  In 1996, Dusty began competing in horseshoeing competitions around the United States and Canada, advancing from a Division I competitor to the Open Division within one year.  Dusty was asked to become an American Farrier's Association Certification Tester in 1997 and traveled to certifications working with Examiners.   He was then asked to become an American Farrier's Association Provisional Examiner in 1997 and traveled to certifications working with Examiners and became an Examiner in 2003.  He is currently one of twenty Examiners within the AFA that certify farriers under its current guidelines.  Dusty competed at the Convention Competition earning a spot on the American Farriers Association Team in February of 2009.  He was also nominated by members of the American Farrier's Association as "Outstanding Educator", "Outstanding Clinician" and "Edward Martin Humanitarian Award" in 2009 and was awarded the 2010 "Outstanding Educator". Dusty has written a practical study guide for preparing for the certification process called "Let's Get Practical" which is sold throughout the United States.
    Dusty has been given the opportunity to attend and give clinics in Brazil, Canada, England and throughout the United States.  He has been asked to become a Mustad Clinician and travels giving clinics for Mustad/Delta.

Dusty recently competed at the World Championship Blacksmith Competitions coming in 3rd for the season securing a position on the WCB Team that will be competing throughout the United States and Internationally.  He also won the hard-earned Stonewell Striker of the Year for 2011.

He brings all these experiences back with him to his students. Dusty has been lucky to find a trade that he loves to do and his passion is teaching others to love their career and not just settle for a JOB.