Melvin L Jones, APF

Hello, my name is Mel Jones.

I’ve been a farrier in the Central Ohio area since I graduated from Penn State University’s Horseshoeing School in July of 1980 under the instruction of Ward Studebaker.

While on the Columbus, Ohio Police Department in the 1970’s I had the opportunity to work Special Duty at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. During this time I was fortunate enough to watch and meet many of the best farriers in the industry working with some of the best horses in the World. These farriers told me that after I finished farrier school I could apprentice with them.

Three of these farriers, Dave Farley, Lee Liles and Henry “Arkey” Pilsbury, took me under their wings and taught me the fine points of becoming an accomplished farrier. I was introduced to the American Farrier’s Association (AFA), and the Mid-Eastern Farrier’s Association (MEFA). Through these organizations I met farriers Randy Luikart, Bob Peacock, Burney Chapman; all members of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. They all helped develop my abilities and philosophy as a farrier. I am a life-time member of the AFA and member of the MEFA as well as a new organization that began in 2010 called the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF). (Source)