I think the school is set up real well because of the way we do class in the morning and then right after have an example in a horse to work on that we had talked about in the lecture. We work on horses until lunch and then forge in the afternoon … it’s a pretty well rounded day. It helps you learn because you do it. You talk about it, you go out and actually get to see it on the horse, hands-on so you feel and experience it. For your homework, you read it, write it down, think about it, and also draw it. It applies to all your senses in every way it can. The horse I worked on for my final was great, and I felt real good about the job; once again, it gives me even more confidence – knowing I can do the job.
-- Guy Nelson, OH
I found Pete to be one of my favorite teachers because he’s such a hands-on guy, and he didn’t mind coming over and helping me anytime. Pete is very knowledgeable.
-- Duane Sapp, GA
I liked the fact that we were under horses everyday. Hands-on experience and knowledge you learn at BPFS are things you can’t get by just sitting in a classroom or watching somebody at the anvil. A lot of the same things I learned as an apprentice were even more important in the way they were taught here. It made what I learned out in the field and what I was taught here all come together. The homework took a coupled of hours every night – you have to assign homework to get everything in, and I completely understand that. I took advantage of working in the forge a lot in the evenings and on Saturday. I’ve had a blast! I plan to return in three-week segments for the advanced class.
-- Tom Morin, New Hampshire