“No hoof, no horse,” is how the saying goes. It might sound simple, but it sums up the importance a horse’s feet play in overall well-being, and it is the farrier that has been providing this crucial aspect of horse health management for almost as long as man has been riding.

Brittani Halsell has spent years mastering the craft and has built a business working with high-performance horses. Her goal is to provide each animal athlete with a solid, balanced base, to remain healthy and reach their fullest potential.

“My favorite thing about shoeing horses is being able to problem solve on high-performing horses when something isn’t exactly right,” Halsell said. “This isn’t a science; it’s an art. I like being creative and being a voice for these athletes. I like when the trainer, the vet, and I can all work together to get everything operating at 110 percent and hopefully, winning.”

Suburban Start

Halsell’s journey began not in the country, but in a suburb of Detroit, Mich., into a family who was not involved in agriculture. Instead, Halsell was introduced to horses by a neighbor when the family moved to a more rural area when she was just nine years old.
“She raised, trained and showed hunter/jumpers and I did chores in exchange for lessons,” Halsell recalled. “During this time, I became heavily involved in 4-H and FFA, where I fell in love with cattle and specifically, dairy farming.”

To read more, pick up a copy of the July issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

DENTON, TEXAS – Notified June 19, 2024, four local students were awarded scholarships by the North Texas State Fair Association for the 2024-2025 school year. Scholarships are one way that the association gives back and contributes to the mission of supporting youth, agriculture and community. Applications were due by June 1, 2024.

Awarded the North Texas State Fair Association scholarship was Stockton James from Denton, Texas. James has been involved in FFA for two years and 4H for eight years, and he plans to study Ag Economics and Business at Texas Tech University.

Macie Mangus from Sanger, Texas was the recipient of the Bob C. Powers scholarship. Mangus has been involved in FFA for seven years and plans to major in Pre-Nursing and minor in Agribusiness Management at Texas Tech University.

The recipient of the Robert Bell & Bobby Jones Memorial Trade or Vocational scholarship was Emma Williamson from Sanger, Texas. Williamson has been involved in FFA for three years and 4H for one year, and she plans to attend Texas Tech University to study Animal Science and Agricultural Communications.

Sydney Bickers was awarded the Harry Hall & Bill Allen Continuing Education scholarship. Originally from Valley View, Texas, Bickers plans to attend Texas Tech University where she will study Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science.

A new scholarship this year, the Clyde & Pauline Fisher Foundation Scholarship was awarded to Joshua Hayes. Hayes, from Sanger, Texas, was involved in FFA for two years and 4H for 10 years, and he will attend Texas State University to study Wildlife Biology.

The NTFR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of western heritage. All revenue is reinvested into programs, scholarships and facilities. The NTFR, and its associates, contribute around $500,000 each year to area youth. According to the Center of Economic Development at the University of North Texas, the NTFR and its facilities have a $7 million economic impact in Denton County and an approximately $4 million impact on the City of Denton.

For more information or to request an interview with any of the recipients, please visit ntfair.com or contact Hannah Crandall at [email protected].

[DENTON, TEXAS] – Continuing its legacy of western heritage, family fun and exceptional entertainment, the 96^th annual North Texas Fair & Rodeo will take place August 16-25, 2024 at the North Texas Fairgrounds, with nightly rodeos starting at 7:30 p.m. followed by some of the hottest country music! On June 13, 2024, the North Texas State Fair Association released this year’s full concert lineup at the Denton Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon and went live with ticket sales.

Every August, NTFR consistently brings exceptional country music to the north Texas region with not one, but two stages, and multiple shows daily. Kicking off the event, Clay Walker will perform on the Miller Lite Main Stage Friday, August 16. Then, throughout nine more days of fair fun, headlining artists will include Josh Turner, Michael Salgado, Jake Hooker & The Outsiders, Ryder Grimes, Kody West, Casey Donahew, Kolby Cooper, Ashley McBryde, Neal McCoy and Los Herederos de Nuevo Leon.

“We are so excited to bring live music of this caliber to Denton once again,” said NTFR Executive Director Glenn Carlton. “We strive every year to make this event better than it was the previous year, and these artists are sure to put on a great show for all our rodeo and concert fans.”

Each evening, NTFR will also have supporting concerts on the Cool Zone Revolver Stage with both local artists and upcoming talent from across the country. These will include Isaac Hoskins, Jason Lovell, Big Joe Walker, Josh Ward, Joe King, South TX Homies, Sonny Burgess, Jolie Holliday, Brian Houser, Billie Jo Jones, Austin Akins, Mark Lafon, Ariana Ortiz, Jessee Lee Band, Cameron Hobbs, Hayden Hilliard, Jarrod Morris, Michael Kelton, Scott Sean White, Dave Thomas, Tyler Halverson, Tanner Sparks, Jared Thomas, Jeff Martin, Micky & The Motorcars and Joe B Project IV.

Continuing the legacy of the association, this year’s event will once again bring the north Texas community together to cherish our western heritage with LIVE entertainment, FUN attractions and NEW exhibits – now for a full 10 days!

The NTFR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of western heritage. All revenue is reinvested into programs, scholarships and facilities. The NTFR, and its associates, contribute around $500,000 each year to area youth. According to the Center of Economic Development at the University of North Texas, the NTFR and its facilities have a $7 million economic impact in Denton County and an approximately $4 million impact on the City of Denton.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ntfair.com. Advance, reduced cost tickets can also be purchased at any DFW O’Reilly Auto Parts store.