Stuart Greenberg has been named to the Equus Hall of Fame for his thirty years of humble and dedicated service as a classical farrier, and as teacher and mentor to hundreds of equestrians in Sonoma County. Stuart was born in Louisville Kentucky. As a child, Stuart remembers starting to ride at Mrs Brownís farm, where he would take lessons with his brother. ìShe hollered at us a lot, I remember,î says Stuart. After that Stuart took the opportunity to ride any friendsí horses he couldÖusually bareback. Stuart reports that he has never had much formal training, and doesnít ride Western or English, but rather just focuses on communication with horses.
Stuart studied psychology at the University of Kentucky, until he moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. There he met his mentor, Dave Lewis, a journeyman and classical farrier, who hailed from a long family line of blacksmiths. He studied with Lewis for a number of years. Stuart received recognition in several iron-working competitions while working in Colorado.
Stuart moved to Occidental in 1983. In 1988 he began teaching Farrier Science at the Santa Rosa Junior College. Over the last twenty three years he has taught owners, veterinarians, and aspiring farriers. He has consistently received the highest evaluations for his class. Stuartís farrier technique is a dying art. He forges all his own shoes, making each set at home before he leaves for his shoeing appointments. His practice has evolved into shoeing horses that need special care and rehabilitation. Stuart views ìhelping the horseî as his primary focus, whether itís a little girlís pony with founder, or a retired horse needing comfort during its senior years.
Stuart loves horses, but he doesnít own any. He will ride on occasion when invited by friends. He does love to ride his Harley. He says likes to spend his free time doing something that is not so close to his daily work.
When not shoeing horses, Stuart is also a blacksmith. He makes custom fireplace tools and irons, and small decorative pieces. Stuart lives in Glen Ellen.
