Oregon farrier School Staff

Butch Whitaker
Head Instructor, CJF
Butch is the Head Instructor and owner of the Oregon Farrier School and has a thriving farrier business that provides quality services across the Willamette Valley. He loves the freedom that comes with being a farrier, like being able to set his own schedule and building great relationships with his clients and students. He is passionate about the trade and teaching it, with his positive attitude and enthusiasm, he hopes to instill that passion onto his students, teaching them that no job in the Farriery is too large. Driven to see students excel both in and after the program, his goal is to see all students succeed in the industry and become certified farriers and journeymen.

Scott Norgaard
Forging Instructor, CJF, FE
Scott is an accomplished AFA Certified Journeyman, who also obtained a Forging Endorsement. He has made his mark as a talented instructor and clinician who has helped numerous farriers in many different certifications, businesses, and competitions. His work is known for its quality, precision, and effectiveness. With his passion for forge work, Scott teaches the important skill of proper forge and anvil use to students.

Erek Ghros
Instructor, CF
Erek has been in the Farriery industry since 2007. He’s passionate about teaching the trade, not only at the Oregon Farrier School, but he’s also a volunteer with Equitarian Initiative and has traveled to Peru and Costa Rica teaching locals about foot care. His goal is to give students a solid foundation and teach them to think about ways they can better help the horses. Erek is an APF with the IAPF and has a thriving farrier business that provides quality services across the Willamette Valley.