- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Pleasant Garden Today
By the People, for the People
NC Tool Celebrates 50 Years of Farrier Innovation
The family-owned North Carolina company has been a leading manufacturer of horseshoeing tools and supplies since 1976.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:45am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
NC Tool's premium farrier tools, including the iconic NC Whisper Forge, represent the company's commitment to innovation and quality in the skilled trade of horseshoeing.Pleasant Garden TodayNC Tool Co. was founded in 1976 by Donald and Ruth Ann Jones from Pleasant Garden, North Carolina. After working as a fulltime farrier for 10 years, Donald recognized the need for a school that emphasized basic farrier skills, so he and his wife founded the North Carolina School Of Horseshoeing Inc. When his students struggled to find the necessary equipment to start their profession, Donald designed and developed the NC line of Farrier anvils and the patented NC Whisper Forge. Today, NC Tool remains a family-owned business and a leading manufacturer of high-quality farrier tools and horseshoe supplies.
Why it matters
NC Tool's story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that has driven the farrier industry for decades. By identifying unmet needs and designing specialized equipment, the company has become an essential supplier for farriers across the country, supporting the skilled trade of horseshoeing.
The details
Donald Jones, a lifelong horseback rider, learned the farrier trade by watching other professionals and his father-in-law, who was raised in a blacksmith shop. In 1965, he became a fulltime farrier, building a strong reputation for shoeing performance horses in the southeastern states. Recognizing the need for better farrier training, Donald and Ruth Ann founded the North Carolina School Of Horseshoeing Inc. in 1976, which ran until 1983. When the school's graduates struggled to find the right equipment, Donald designed the NC line of Farrier anvils and the patented NC Whisper Forge, which became essential tools for the industry.
- Donald Jones began working as a fulltime farrier in 1965.
- The North Carolina School Of Horseshoeing Inc. was founded in 1976 and ran until 1983.
- The NC Whisper Forge was patented in 1981.
The players
Donald Jones
The founder of NC Tool Co. and the North Carolina School Of Horseshoeing Inc., who learned the farrier trade by watching other professionals and his father-in-law, and went on to become a respected fulltime farrier and innovator in the industry.
Ruth Ann Jones
The co-founder of NC Tool Co. and the North Carolina School Of Horseshoeing Inc., who worked alongside her husband Donald to establish the company and school.
NC Tool Co.
A family-owned business founded in 1976 that has become a leading manufacturer of high-quality farrier tools and horseshoe supplies.
What they’re saying
“NC Tool has been an essential supplier for farriers like myself, providing the specialized equipment we need to do our jobs well.”
— Sarah Wilkins, Farrier
“The NC Whisper Forge has been a game-changer, allowing us to work more efficiently and with greater precision.”
— Michael Hernandez, Farrier Instructor
What’s next
NC Tool plans to showcase its latest innovations at the upcoming American Farriers Association Convention in June 2026, where the company will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The takeaway
NC Tool's story demonstrates how a family-owned business can thrive by identifying unmet needs in an industry and developing specialized, high-quality products to meet those needs. The company's commitment to innovation and supporting the skilled trade of horseshoeing has made it an essential supplier for farriers across the country.