Chip became a computer consultant after college but fed up with the corporate world, he decided to follow his father's path into the horse world. His father, Sam, was a gifted rider, teacher and trainer, well-known from Georgia to Maine. Instead of riding though, Chip chose horseshoeing. He graduated from the Eastern School of Farriery in Martinsville, VA and then landed plum apprenticeships with Paul Goodness and Mark Keppick. Both worked with many Olympic competitors, and both had worked as farriers at the Seoul 1988 Olympic games. Over the years Chip has worked with some of the world's most talented horses and horse people. He has also worked with many critical-care inpatients at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, VA.
Paul Goodness was chosen to be America's lead farrier at the Atlanta Olympic Games, and Chip was on the list of farriers under consideration to assist Paul.
Founder shoe for a miniature horse
Sam Langston training a hunter/jumper.
Since then, Chip has continued to perfect his talents to keep his performance horses sound and competing. His approach has always been to trim each hoof to properly support the leg, and then fabricate shoes that correct any imbalances. Each shoe is tailored to the horse's work load, living and competing environment.
We live in a busy world. Work, travel, and competitions all vie for our ever-shrinking time. Chip values your time and shows up for your appointment on time, ready to work. Before he leaves, he sets your next appointment, and contacts you several days before to verify the appointment. Your time is not wasted on a farrier who doesn't show, or shows up when its convenient for them. Call me today to schedule an appointment!
For most sound horses, radiographs of their shod feet should show that: when viewed from the side, their pastern and coffin bones line up like dominoes placed end-to-end; when viewed from the front, the wings of the coffin bone are parallel to the ground. This balanced hoof capsule provides not only proper support to the leg's bones by evenly distributing the weight across each joint surface, but also weights the tendons, muscles and ligaments correctly. Chip has the necessary expertise to properly balance each one of your horse's feet, for every shoeing.
Radiograph of a properly trimmed foot ready for a shoe.
Feet trimmed by Chip ready for shoes.
Chip learned how to handle horses from his father, and his gentle and compassionate approach always wins over all his two-legged and four-legged clients. Often a horse that's 'bad for the farrier' is really reacting to the pain caused by the farrier putting the horse's limb ina painful position. Chip lets your horse tell him whats the best position to be worked on for a more comfortable shoeing experience.
Sam and Eevi Langston, Chip's parents.
561-275-8153
