Aspiring farrier apprentices in Sisters

At only 19, Canyon Bork is determined to become one of the best professional farriers in Central Oregon.

"I truly care about horses and want to contribute to their well-being," said Bork.

Bork has been around horses since he was 4. Although he didn't own one, his dad's friends had horses that he was permitted to ride. He took riding lessons during the summer breaks from school.

After graduating high school in 2011, he enrolled in equine science and production at the Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon.

"That covered training horses, breeding them and just about everything about horses in the industry," recalled Bork.

What captivated Bork's attention was a basic horseshoeing class that he had to take along with the course.

The major reasons to shoe a horse are hoof protection, traction or to effect a therapeutic change in the way a horse moves. Shoes protect a horse's foot from the hard surface of the road or rocks in the field, preventing cracking, bruises and breaking.

"This really intrigued me and I decided to pursue this as my career."

Bork then attended a 10-week professional farrier program at Oregon Farrier School in Silverton, Oregon.

"I would leave for Silverton every Sunday evening then return Thursday night so I could work the weekends here in Sisters," Bork recalled.

After completing the program Bork became an apprentice under farrier Paul Weston to further his learning.

"I had met Paul right before going to Oregon Farrier College," said Bork. "He let me know that if I needed help I could call on him."

Weston is a certified journeyman farrier through the American Farrier Association. He has been a farrier since 1994. Weston and wife Alison own Weston Equine Services, LLC in Sisters.

"I think Canyon is doing things right, he is above average for just starting out," said Weston. "He has talent."

Bork now lives in a rental on Weston's 10-acre property, which makes life more focused for this ambitious young farrier. The Westons usually have between 18 and 20 horses boarding at Weston Equine, plus three of their own.

Horses, like people, sometimes need corrective shoes. Incorrect motion, gait problems and hoof irregularities and imperfections can be corrected with proper shoeing. Correctly applied shoes can help alleviate pain and aid in the healing.

"There are many aspects of shoeing, every horse is different. Some horses need special care. You need to look at the overall horse," said Bork. "I want to make sure the horse is capable of its full potential. I want to continue expanding my knowledge at what I do; there is always more to learn."

For more information visit www.canyoncreekfarrierservice.weebly.com.