Buck O'Neil's Professional Biography

I began shoeing horses for money in 1966 after working with several farriers in Minnesota. I was subsequently mentored for six years by Frank Fleischhacker, a German born and trained farrier. His training was completed through the Guild program of apprenticeship before WWII and he served as a farrier in the German cavalry in WWII before immigrating to the US where he had a flourishing business for over twenty years.

In 1984 I earned a journeyman.s certificate from the American Farriers Association. This is the only internationally recognized US certification. I am the only AFA Journeyman in WNC.

I am a retired member of the International Journeyman Horseshoers Union. The IJHU governs farriers on pari muteul racetracks. I have held pari muteul licenses in 5 states.

I have participated in regional, national, and international farrier competitions, winning the Thorobred Racing Plate Platers. competition in 1987. Additionally, I have attended numerous seminars, conferences and clinics in advanced studies of Farriery.

I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Franklin Pierce College, Salem, NH, in 1992.

I received a masters Degree in Taxation from Georgia State University, Atlanta, Ga. in 1995.

I received a Certificate of Public Accountancy form the State of North Carolina, 1997.

In February 2006 I presented 2 lectures at the International Congress of Farriers and Veterinarians in Rimini, Italy.

In February 2007 I will present 2 lectures at the American Farriers Association Convention in Albuquerque, NM.