I made it the Big 1,000!!!!

[Old Timer]

I wanted something special for the 1000th post since we started the new forum format. I can't think of anything more fitting than to pay tribute to one of my children. Most of you have seen pictures of all the kids at one point or other over the last few years, but Sam is the latest to recieve honors. Sam is my second child and first son he's 28 and lives in Midland TX where he is a farrier and tool maker. He was resently selected to represent the USA along with four others on the US Farriers Team. They competed as a team and indvidually at the World Championship Blacksmithing Competition in Calgary, Canada. I had the pleasure of going to watch him compete against 80 of the best blacksmiths and farriers in the world. There were competitors from 15 countries. From this group Sam placed in the top 10! I was very proud to say the least. Here are a few images from my trip to Calgary. These are not presented as great photographs, just a father being proud of the accomplishments of a son.

1. Sam awaits the results of a round of competion. (The hammer on his shoulder is one of his own design and hand made my him.)
2. Sam nails on a shoe.
3. Sam shaping a hot shoe on the anvil.
4. Sam and the USA team before the competition began.