2016 - Volume #40, Issue #5, Page #20
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He Turns Horseshoes Into Art
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“My dad used to make things out of horseshoes, and when I became a welder, I started doing it, too,” he says.
Schwegel traveled the country for 40 years while working in the logging industry. It was while living in northern Colorado for 9 years that he started making horseshoe hooks.
“Friends started asking me to make things for them,” he says.
Although he and his wife have retired to a home in South Dakota, they still travel. Now it is to rodeos, horse and stock shows. One reason is to sell his art. The other is to take part in Ranch Sorting competitions at state and national levels.
“We take along our art, and it pays our entry fees,” says Schwegel.
In addition to show pieces, Schwegel also makes utility items including boot racks, hoof racks for farriers, wine racks, coat and hat racks, and more. The more includes everything from trivets to welcome signs and chairs.
“I make directors’ chairs with arm, back and foot rests,” he says. “Rocking chairs are a big hit at the shows.”
Schwegel is happy to do custom projects as well. He will add names and dates to personalize an item.
“Just send me a picture of what you want and we can talk about it,” says Schwegel. “I like to have a conversation with people. I have something for everyone with items running from $10 to $1,500.”
His work is so popular that he often runs out of raw material. He offers a $25 discount if a customer brings him a 5-gal. bucket of horseshoes.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Frank Schwegel, 15260 Bend Rd., Box Elder, S. Dak. 57719 (ph 605 877-0885; treedancer55@hotmail.com; www.facebook.com/Ranchhorseshoeart/).
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