Jason Critton's journey into the world of farriery began at a young age when he was just 13 years old. As an exercise rider on the race track, he spent his mornings galloping horses. However, when his track duties ended at 10 am, he found himself drawn to the horseshoers, spending time with them and learning to pull shoes and clinch nails. He did this during every summer until he graduated high school.

 

After high school, Jason pursued his interest for farriery by attending Horse Shoeing School in Oklahoma. He then continued to use his skills while attending college at Utah State, in which he received his degree in Engineering Education. However, in 2004, he faced a crossroads and realized that engineering was not his true calling. He decided to embrace his passion for shoeing horses and began taking his education to the next level.

 

Under the mentorship of a seasoned farrier named Dodd Stone in Colorado, Jason worked for two years, gaining knowledge and experience. Dodd's teachings about equine biomechanics and the importance of precision in horse shoeing left a lasting impact on Jason, inspiring him to start competing in various competitions from 2009 onwards. In 2010, he achieved his first certification and became a Certified Farrier.

 

Jason's commitment to learning and growth led him to become a Journeyman Farrier in 2011. This achievement fueled his desire for further education, and he set his sights on obtaining a Therapeutic Endorsement (TE). After a rigorous two-year study of equine anatomy and biomechanics, Jason passed the extensive TE exam in 2013, placing him among the highest-ranking farriers in the United States.

 

Continuing his pursuit of excellence, in 2022, Jason set his sights on a monumental challenge: achieving the highest farrier credentialing in the world with The Worshipful Company of Farriers. He became the eighth person in the United States to earn the AWCF while also holding the CJF, and TE credentials. In January 2023, Jason was honored at an official ceremony in London, England, accompanied by his family.

 

It was around 2012 that Jason and his wife Dawn decided to start a family, prompting Jason to focus more locally on his farrier business. He established C-Cross Farrier Services, Inc., and together with his farrier apprentice, they built the business, which has now grown to include about eight farriers and services over 1,000 horses.

 

Jason and his team pride themselves on customer service and being able to provide the best quality of service on the Front Range. With a team of skilled farriers, they can handle any shoeing need or emergency, often attending to emergencies on the same day or within 24 hours.

 

The high standards set by the team ensure zero complacency, with everyone constantly pushing each other to be the best they can be. The camaraderie among the farriers has elevated the quality of their shoeing and the level of their work.

 

For Jason, being a farrier is more than just a job; it's a way of life. His love for horses has deep roots, as he grew up around racehorses and has always been involved in rodeos and roping. His wife Dawn shares his passion, having grown up with hunters and jumpers. Their household is a blend of Western and English horses, with their children also actively participating in rodeos and horse shows.

 

For Jason, being a Certified Journeyman Farrier, Therapeutic Endorsement holder, and an Associate Worshipful Company Farrier, has been the result of unwavering dedication to his craft and an unyielding passion for horses. He considers himself extremely blessed to wake up every day excited about going to work and being able to contribute to the well-being of the horses and the satisfaction of his customers. As he says, "We are horse people, and we wouldn't have it any other way."

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Don't hesitate to get in touch with C-Cross Farrier Services today, learn more about their comprehensive range of farrier services or have your questions answered. Let Jason and his team take care of your equine family, and experience the level of care and dedication that comes from people who love what they do. Contact them now and give your horses the care they deserve.

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