Meet the Artist
I would like to introduce myself. My name is Whitney Carr and I have been a farrier since 2005 . The job of trimming, doctoring, and shoeing horses became the passion that inspired me to branch out into the more artistic metalwork I now create.
My love of horses and the Western lifestyle began in Alaska where I was born and raised. During my childhood years of riding horses, I watched the farriers and became quite enamored with the work. After high school, I chased that inspiration to the Walla Walla Community College where I earned my associate’s degree in farrier science. I then worked part-time as a farrier throughout the years I spent at Montana State University, earning my bachelor’s degree in animal science equine option with a business minor. Later from University of Montana I earned a master’s, in business admin.
Although college and shoeing filled a lot of my time, the joy in my days was the time spent raising my daughter. A single mother, I was able to share my love for horses and shoeing as she tagged along and watched me work.
As my schedule lightened, and my pile of used shoes continued to build, I decided to hone a new set of skills by upcycling the bounty into pieces of western décor. I began making custom horseshoe signs and other unique art.
Today, I enjoy searching through my stash of take-offs, with their unique character of wear patterns, nicks, and bends, for the shoes that offer the best personality for the pieces in mind. I never tire of the treasure hunt, making each piece a custom work of art, and seeing the joy on the faces of those that give them a home.