Interview with Ronald "Tex" Cauthen, January 21, 2009

Interview Summary

Ronald Tex Cauthen (1932-2009) was a Hall of Fame farrier from Walton, Kentucky. In this interview, Cauthen discusses his early life in Texas and his early work with horses as a groom, exerciser, and trainer on the backsides of various racetracks. He also talks about being drafted into the Army and training as a meteorologist before attending horseshoeing school at Michigan State. Cauthen also speaks about his experience in the horseshoeing profession, the techniques used, the culture of it, and the tracks, farms, and people he has worked for. The riding career of his son, Steve Cauthen, a well-known jockey, is also discussed.

Interview Keyword

Blacksmiths Farriers Horse shoes Horseshoeing Jockeys Michigan State University Steve Cauthen Walton (Ky.)

Interview LC Subject

Affirmed (Race horse) Beulah Park (Ohio) Cauthen, Ronald "Tex" Cauthen, Ronald "Tex"--Interviews Cauthen, Steve, 1960- Horse grooms--Interviews Horseshoers--Interviews Keeneland (Lexington, Ky.) Nashua (Race horse) Racetracks (Horse racing) River Downs (Ohio) Swaps (Race horse) Thoroughbred horse WinStar Farm (Ohio)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections and Digital Programs, University of Kentucky Libraries.