Bent Tree Forge

01/28/2025

📣 What We’ve Been Up To!

Last week, we had the incredible honor of working with Sam Durham, CJF, and his multifarrier team as a coach for a few days. Sam is someone we greatly admire for his exceptional knowledge of anatomy and skill in the trade, so it was both humbling and inspiring to be part of his team. Based in Petaluma CA north of San Francisco.

From there, we traveled together to Cal Poly University to serve as Examiners for an AFA (American Farrier’s Association) certification event. It’s always a privilege to give back to the farrier community, supporting education, skill development, and excellence in our craft.

Opportunities like these remind us that even as teachers and professionals, there’s always something new to learn from those we respect and admire. A big thank you to Sam for trusting us to contribute and to the AFA for the chance to help others grow in this amazing trade!

We’re looking forward to bringing all this fresh knowledge and inspiration back to our clients and horses here at Bent Tree Forge. 🐴

01/13/2024

Eric was Champion of the Open Division for the FSFA 2023 Contest. He was asked to judge Division 1, and is fully dedicated to teach, inspire, and motivate the next generation of forging farriers.

09/01/2023

02/23/2023

Eric Gilleland pays it forward. He has dedicated his life to the farrier trade. He spends most of his time trying to help the next generation improve the way we shoe horses. Either in the shop, under a horse, or on the phone in meetings discussing how to make the AFA Great!

Next on our leadership list is none other than
Eric Gilleland Director | CJF, TE, FE
Eric is part owner of Bent Tree Forge, Inc., a farrier service based out of Social Circle, Georgia. He is also a part owner of Hoof House Farrier Supply which he helped start in 2013. Eric began shoeing in 1990. Within the American Farrier’s Association he has served as Treasurer, Board of Directors Region 4, Certification Examiner, and Certification Instructor. Eric competes at the local contests and encourages other farriers to compete and strive for AFA Certification.

01/08/2023

We had a great time in Florida! Thank you all for putting on a great contest.
Thank you Sam and Kate Gooding for your time and knowledge to help us improve and attempt to make the horse more comfortable. Lucas Gilleland won Best Shod Foot!
Eric Gilleland is the FSFA Highpoint Open Champion!

11/15/2022

Going through the motions to improve.