We are very proud to have such an impressive faculty at our school: a veterinarian, a PhD biology professor-turned-farrier and two journeyman farriers with over 75 years of combined experience.
The faculty members have worked with many different breeds, including Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Paints, Arabians, Morgans, Missouri Foxtrotters and Mustangs. Their experience shoeing in different disciplines also covers a lot of territory, including eventing, reining, cutting, jumping, dressage.
Our faculty have worked across the country from Kentucky through Colorado, and in the process have developed one of the most extensive and reputable equine networks around.
Paul Dorris, Jr.
Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Paul Dorris, Jr. attended Oregon State University, where he learned to shoe horses at the age of 20. He started his career as a hot shoer in 1973 and has operated a successful business as a farrier over the following decades.
Paul Jr. has accumulated numerous credentials and accomplishments, among them working as an official farrier at two of the world’s most prestigious international horse shows, both of them Four Star International Events (the level of the Olympics):
- Four Star 2010 Rolex Three Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky – Official Farrier for 11 years
- Four Star 2010 World Equestrian Games, Official Farrier Three Day Event
- Tunica, Mississipi Hunter/Jumper Shows
- West Palm Beach Nationals
- World Paint Congress
Paul is a Certified Journeyman Farrier Level II Member in the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association and has served as:
- Advisory Board Member for the Colorado School of Trades
- Member of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Horseshoeing Association
Paul has also shod numerous national and world champion horses in various breed associations and disciplines.
Paul Dorris, Sr.
Paul Dorris, Sr, was inspired as a young child by his great uncle (a farrier who shod trotters, racers and fine harness horses) and of course he knew when he began working as a farrier that he was following a family tradition, there having always been a farrier in the Dorris family since 1878.
Paul Sr. also served in the Air Force, where he learned machining, and he attended Oregon State University, graduating at the top of his class.
Paul Sr. has spent many decades operating a very successful business as a horseshoer, and he has earned recognition and respect across a number of states. He was an official farrier for many years at the Four Star Rolex Three Day Event, and enjoyed shoeing at the Kansas State Fair for over 20 years.
In addition to teaching at the Arkansas Horseshoeing School as a member of the faculty, he continues to shoe horses with his apprentice.
Paul Sr.’s qualifications include:
- Lifetime member of the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association
- Lifetime member of the American Farrier’s Association
- Certified Level II Journeyman with the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association and the American Farrier’s Association
Michael Pallone, D.V.M.
Dr. Mike Pallone, the veterinarian on our faculty, graduated from Louisiana State. He and his wife, Dr. Karen Pallone, specialize in equine medicine and operate Pallone Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Pallone is an expert in the field of equine podiatry and laminitis. He and Paul Dorris Jr. have worked together on many cases over the years.
As a faculty member at the Arkansas Horseshoeing School, he puts an emphasis on understanding laminitis and the therapeutic effects of proper shoeing. He also discusses breakthroughs in research with students.
Bubba Fender
Bubba Fender serves as the administrator of the Arkansas Horseshoeing School.
The Arkansas Horseshoeing School has 8 week and 12 week courses for prospective farriers. Many students come from neighboring states like Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky because of the reputation of the school and faculty.
