Farrier Focus Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Michael Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (Hons) of Sharon, Vermont. Mike is retired from teaching farrier at Cornell Vet School in Ithaca, New York and now offers his services as a referral or consulting farrier, working in a hands-on capacity with a horse's current farrier and/or veterinarian for special problems, or to help farriers improve their skill on their home ground with their own tools and their own horses. Mike is one of three people in the world to have passed the extremely distinguished Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers examination in the United Kingdom with an "Honors" designation. We talk with Mike about how he got his start, lessons he has learned from his years as a farrier, and his thoughts on the future of farriery.

In this episode, Pete Butler, CJF (one of the instructors at Butler Professional Farrier School) shares lessons he learned about horsemanship growing up and while in Mongolia for a couple of years. He shares differences between how horses are used in Mongolia versus other parts of the world and shares insights about how to learn horsemanship skills from around the world.

In this episode, we talk with Scott Colson of Clinton, Mississippi. He started shoeing horses in 1962 and shares lessons he learned as he got started as well as some of the early history of the formation of the AFA and FIA.

Scott also shares his thoughts about managing employees and numerous stories throughout his career about what it takes to succeed in the farrier business. Scott is an incredible storyteller and you'll laugh and learn from his great stories and valuable insights.

In this episode, we talk with Chuck Milne of Kennadale, Texas. He owns and runs Texas Farrier Supply with two locations. He has been shoeing horses since 1972(for 47 years).

Chuck tells about how he got into the farrier business, business lessons he has learned, the process in which anvils are manufactured, how he got several of his products started, the key things you need to know if you want to start a farrier supply business, and other experiences and lessons from his life and career.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Ben Mangan of Carthage, New York. Ben talks about his start when he was seventeen in Vermont. Later, he moved to New York and has been shoeing horses for the past twenty-one years.

He shares valuable lessons from his career, business tips, and ways he gained new clients when he first moved into a new area. Ben also shares tips about competing and lessons he learned from being on the North American Horseshoeing Team three times.

In this episode, we talk with Joel Gough, a mounted police officer and horse trainer, from the Virginia Beach, Virginia Police Department Mounted Patrol. Joel shares how he got his start with training horses, some critical principles to understand when undergoing sensitivity training with horses, and lessons he has learned from working with horses on a daily basis.

Joel also shares lessons about horsemanship and how farriers can get the contract to do the farrier work for a local mounted police force in their area. You'll get a lot of insight into the behavior of horses in this episode which will help you improve your horsemanship skills as a farrier.

In this episode,we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Gene Lieser of Magnolia, Texas (northwest of Houston). He has been shoeing horses since 1994 and shares lessons from his experiences over the past twenty-five years.

He shares how he got his start, lessons from competing and the contests he is most proud of winning. He also shares tips for competitors and those preparing for the certified and journeyman exams.

Gene also shares details about the new vice and gate latch business he has created and the benefits of each of these innovative creations. You'll learn a lot about what it takes to succeed and why failure can never be an option as a farrier. 

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares ways you can increase your value and double your income as a farrier. This is from a talk Dr. Butler gave several years ago at a Farrier Focus conference. We hope you will consider the questions and ideas he shares here to improve your skills and increase your value so you can double your income in the next twelve months.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Eric Gilleland from Social Circle, Georgia. Eric shares insights he has gained from his farrier career since he started in 1990.

He shares lessons he has learned from his multi-farrier practice and farrier supply business and offers powerful insights on what it takes to succeed in the farrier business today.

In this episode, we talk with Dwight Sanders of Eastern North Carolina. He has been shoeing horses for more than 58 years. Dwight shares his background of how he got into horseshoeing during his rodeo days. He shares numerous stories and experiences with reigning horses. You'll learn a lot from this farrier legend on what it takes to succeed as a farrier today.

In this episode, we talk with farrier Steve Stanley of Versailles, Kentucky. Steve has been shoeing horses for more than forty years and has spent the majority of his career at the Red Mile harness track in Lexington, Kentucky. Steve shares stories of how he got started, how he developed his observational skills, and lessons he has learned in the farrier business. He gives great tips and ideas that will help you be a more successful farrier in your business.

In this episode, we talk with Andrew Morrison of Edmonton, Alberta. He studied at Butler Professional Farrier School and has been shoeing for 3 1/2 years. Andrew shares how he got his start, how he found his first customers, and valuable lessons he has learned that have helped him have a profitable and rewarding start in the farrier business.

In this episode, we talk with farrier and veterinarian, Dr. Scott Morrison of Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Morrison is a 1999 graduate of the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a graduate of the Eastern School of Farriery and built a successful farrier business prior to enrollment at Virginia Tech. Following graduation in 1999, Dr. Morrison completed a one year hospital internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He was hired by Rood & Riddle as an associate veterinarian and began to develop Rood & Riddle’s Podiatry department.

Today, Dr. Morrison, who is now a partner at Rood & Riddle, oversees the Rood & Riddle Podiatry Center. His schedule includes travel throughout the United States and Europe to consult and lecture.

Dr. Morrison shares how he got his start as a farrier, interesting cases with farrier work and how farriers and veterinarians can be more successful when working together.

In this episode, we talk with Sarah Beane, FWCF. She is a native of Glasgow, Scotland and currently lives in North Yorkshire, England. Sarah is the first woman to receive the designation of Fellow in the Worshipful Company of Farriers (which she received in October of 2015). She is married to Steven Beane, FWCF who is a world champion farrier competitor.

Sarah is also a world renowned competitor and a respected judge and clinician and shares how she got her start, lessons she has learned from shoeing horses for the past 17 years, and advice to farriers to improve their craft.

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Rob Sigafoos of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He started shoeing horses in 1976. He worked at the New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania staring in 1983 and worked there for 23 years until he retired in 2006.

In this episode, he shares how he got his start, early work and developments with glue on shoes, lessons he has learned from working with veterinarians and numerous stories that will help you be a better farrier.

In this episode, we talk with Danish farrier Henrik Berger, who is a Fellow in the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Henrik talks about how he got his start, his association with Jim and Allan Ferrie and how he passed the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers in 2007, his AWCF in 2011 and his FWCF in 2017.

Henrik also discusses how he got into making tools and the benefits of working a multi-farrier practice. You will enjoy this interview with Henrik sharing his stories and experiences and how the farrier profession is similar wherever you go in the world. 

In this episode, we talk with farrier and equine veterinarian, Dr. Stephen O'Grady of Keswick, Virginia. He was a professional farrier for ten years prior to obtaining his degree in veterinary medicine. He learned the farrier trade through a formal three year apprenticeship under "Hall of Fame" farrier, Joseph M. Pierce, of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He then returned to school, attended Haverford College and went on to graduate from the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science in South Africa with a DVM Degree in 1981. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. O'Grady did an equine internship in Cape Town, South Africa. From here he went on to join Dr. Dan Flynn at the prestigious Georgetown Equine Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia where he stayed for 10 years before opening his own practice devoted to competition horses and farriery.

In 2003, he opened Northern Virginia Equine in Marshall, Virginia and in 2014, he moved to Keswick, Virginia and opened Virginia Therapeutic farriery – both are referral practices devoted to foot disease and equine therapeutic farriery. Here he combines his skills as a veterinarian and a farrier to better understand and treat problems of the foot. He has published 33 peer-reviewed papers in the veterinary literature, numerous papers in the farrier literature, written 18 book chapters and edited two editions of Veterinary Clinics of North America on equine podiatry and therapeutic farriery - all resulting from his extensive work in equine podiatry. He is currently in the process of editing a textbook on Farriery. In 2003, he was inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame and in 2009; he received the AAEP President's Award for his work in farrier education.

In this episode, Dr. O'Grady shares how he got started, how farriers and veterinarians can work better together, stories from his career, and lessons you can use to succeed today in your farrier practice.

In this episode, we talk with farrier and knife maker Neal Baggett of Bishop, Georgia. Neal shares his story about how he got started as a farrier and his transition into being a knife maker. He shares tips on selecting a knife, how to best sharpen knives and tips about horseshoeing and the process of knife making as well as numerous stories from his career.

In this episode, we talk with operations manager Josh Garner of GE Forge and Tool. He shares his memories of the history of GE Forge and Tool when his grandparents purchased and ran the business.

He also shares insights into how tools are made, how long new tools take to go from an idea to production, and memorable stories about the innovations GE Forge and Tool has made with nippers and other farrier products over the years. This interview gives a behind the scenes look at tools and how they are manufactured and what goes into putting GE's innovations onto the market.

In this episode, we talk with horse owner and journalist Colleen Archer and her farrier, Adam Ellens, CF of Ontario, Canada about how they work together to help serve the horse's best interests.

Colleen and Adam share insights about setting up proper expectations and how farriers can better communicate with the horse owners and veterinarians help achieve results for the horses they work with on a daily basis. This informative interview will give you valuable insights about how to see things from the other's perspective.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares insights on more foot diseases and conditions of the lower legs of the horse. He shares experiences from his extensive career of what works best when treating complicated cases. This is from a talk that Dr. Butler gave at a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier Nate Allen talks about foot shapes and the relationship of anatomy to trimming the horse's foot. He shares important insights about studies that have been done and the importance of understanding where structures are in the hoof capsule before you start trimming. This talk was given at a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Charlie Comstock, of Deerfield, Missouri. He has been shoeing horses for more than 46 years. He started shoeing on July 5, 1972 and turned 18 when he was in shoeing school.

In this interview, he shares his beginnings, how he got into tool making and many stories throughout his lengthy career. Charlie is well known by many farriers as a living legend in the farrier business and it is an honor to learn from him.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler speaks to a group of horse owners and veterinarians about changes that have happened in the farrier industry and how farriers and horse owners can work better together today.

In this episode, from a talk given several years ago by Certified Journeyman Farrier, Tom Parris, shares his keys to running a sustainable and profitable business. While the numbers may have changed slightly in the years since the talk was given, we invite you to carefully consider the principles he shares that will help you reduce your expenses and increase your profitability.

Tom also shares insights about running a multi-farrier practice. We did a previous interview with him about how he runs his multi-farrier practice and invite you to listen or re-listen to this episode as a way to better understand what he covers here.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Roy Verocay, who is the owner of WorldWideFarrierSupply.com. He is also an importer and distributor of GluShu USA. He is originally from Uruguay, and currently lives in Port Orange, Florida. 

Roy got his start as a farrier in 2000 and shares numerous experiences on learning farriery from Bucky Hatfield as well as the very best techniques he has found for working with glue on shoes.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler continues his explanation of the sensitive structure's of the horse's foot to help farriers and veterinarians better understand the anatomy behind what they do in their work each day.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares the importance of understanding the anatomy of the horse's foot. He compares the work that mechanics do for an automobile with what a farrier does when shoeing a horse.

This episode shares Dr. Butler's thoughts on the importance of studying and mastering anatomy as farriers. This may be a great review of the structures of the horse's foot or a great start to learning the foot anatomy that will benefit you each day of your farrier career.

In this episode, we talk with German farrier Jürgen Gotthardt who lives between Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany. He has been a farrier since 1982.

Jürgen shares his story of how he got started, his unique gait analysis system, and numerous lessons he has learned in the trenches working with horses and gaining certifications from mentors around the world.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks to a group of farrier and veterinarians about how to balance high tech horseshoeing solutions with traditional techniques. Dr. Butler begins by sharing numerous experiences from his beginnings in horseshoeing as well as lessons he has learned over the years from teaching farriers and veterinarians.

This episode is sponsored by Life Data Labs, Inc. (https://lifedatalabs.com) and by Butler Professional Farrier School. You can apply to attend upcoming classes by going to: http://butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com

In this episode, we talk with Certified Farrier Jim LaClaire from Pensacola, Florida. He has been shoeing horses for 40 years since he started in 1979. Jim shares how he got started shoeing horses while serving for twenty years in the Navy and shares numerous lessons he learned from early mentors, experiences from shoeing horses on naval bases around the world and his perspective on the importance of continuing education.

He also shares experiences from being a part of the Equine Locomotor Research Course at the Royal Veterinary College, London, England this past year, some lessons on working on therapeutic cases, and what it takes to develop better relationships with veterinarians.

In this episode, we talk with Jack Millman, of Worthington, Massachusetts. He is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, has a Diploma from the Worshipful Company of Farriers, and holds the APF designation from the Professional Farriers Association. He began shoeing horses in 1976 and has been shoeing now for more than 42 years.

Jack shares his story about how he left the advertising industry, studied horseshoeing in Oregon, and numerous stories from his early mentors. He also shares lessons from his time as a certification examiner for the AFA, his philosophy on shoeing, lessons from growing and sustaining a great business, and his tips for farriers getting started today.

In this episode, you'll hear great advice from a farrier who has been in the trenches for many years and has an enthusiasm and passion for sharing what he has learned with others.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Austin Edens, from Dripping Springs, Texas. He is widely known as one of the most successful and consistent international farrier competitors in history (including being World Champion) and a popular judge. Austin’s farrier work today is centered on a sport horse client list and challenging veterinary collaborations.

He has been shoeing horses since 1995 and has been working as a farrier, clinician, toolmaker, and contest judge for more than 23 years.

Austin shares his story about how he got his start, memorable experiences from his career, contests he won, advice for farriers about competing, his practice schedule, and what his daily schedule looks like today. You'll learn a tremendous amount from Austin about what it takes to succeed as a competitor and farrier today.

In this episode, we interview Canadian farrier Paul Thibodeau of Port Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada. He attended Eastern School of Farriery in Martinsville, Virginia with Danny Ward.

Paul shares his story about how he got started, lessons he has learned over 35+ years of shoeing horses, and memorable stories from his career of shoeing all over Nova Scotia.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Chris Madrid, of Stanley, New Mexico (which is 40 miles east of Albuquerque). He studied horseshoeing for two years at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico with Nate Allen and Jacob Butler. He has been shoeing horses for more than 14 years.

Chris tells his story about how he got started as a farrier, his lessons from competitions and getting the journeyman certification, as well as numerous stories and lessons from his career. He also shares what it takes to get over a tough loss, and the story behind his nickname of "Money". You'll learn a lot from this dedicated craftsman, champion, toolmaker, and farrier about what it takes to succeed today as a farrier.

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Jennifer DePollo Horn of Northern Michigan. She has been shoeing horses for more than 26 years.

In addition to her career as a horseshoer she is also a highly creative artist-blacksmith. She has been an active member of the Executive Board of the Michigan Horseshoers Association for many years.

Next year will be the 50th year for the MHA and it’s annual contest and clinic. In this episode, Jennifer shares how she got her start, lessons she has learned from competitions, and how she got into being a creative artist and blacksmith.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Scott Davidson of Nine Mile Falls, Washington (just outside of Spokane, Washington) and Tucscon, Arizona. He has been shoeing horses since 1971 for more than 47 years.

Scott shares how he got his start by studying under Scott Simpson, his experiences on the North American Horseshoeing Team in 1986 and 1989, and numerous experiences and lessons he has learned throughout his career.

In this episode, we talk with Brent Chidsey of Cynthiana, Kentucky. He is the founder of Stone Well Bodies & Equipment and Bay Horse Innovations. 

Brent is a manufacturer and supplier of a wide variety of farrier rigs and has been involved in the farrier industry for more than 28 years. In this wide ranging interview, he tells his story about how he got started shoeing horses and making rigs for farriers.

In particular, Brent shares insights into how farriers should think about their rig and the important questions to ask to improve efficiency on the job. You'll get a lot of stories behind the history of horseshoeing rigs and the numerous innovations that have been added over the years.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares seven strategies to help you prosper in your farrier business. He uses the acronym of PROSPER to go through seven specific areas of your business that you must consider and pay attention to in order to grow a more successful and prosperous business. This was given at a talk at a previous Farrier Focus conference several years ago.

In this episode, we talk with Dani Rueter of Paulina, Iowa. She has been shoeing horses for eight years.

Dani talks about her beginnings as a farrier, her experiences at Butler Professional Farrier School, business lessons she has learned, and her thoughts about what it takes to succeed in the farrier profession.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Shane Allen of Ocala, Florida who has been shoeing horses for 35 years. He started shoeing horses in 1982 while studying at Northwest Missouri State University under Dr. Doug Butler.

Shane shares his story about how he got started, lessons he has learned as a farrier, the differences between feet in Florida and Pennsylvania, how he ran his farrier business in several states for years, his thoughts on balance in life and with horses, and numerous lessons and experiences from his career.

In this episode, we talk with Scottish farrier Jim Ferrie. He is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and is also an appointed Examiner and Approved Judge of the Company. He was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of distinguished accomplishments, achievements and contribution in advancing the farrier industry. He started shoeing in 1969.

Jim, and his brother Allan, shoe all types of horses and also both lecture and give forging demonstrations worldwide. We cover his start as a farrier, how he and his brother started their own shoeing supply business, and lessons he has learned over five decades of shoeing horses.

Jim also shares important observations about what it takes to learn the skills of farriery and be a top level competitor. He also shares some of his most memorable experiences as a competitor, examiner, and judge.

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with farrier legend Gunner Gatski of San Diego, California. He has been shoeing horses for 55 years.

Gunner shares his story of how he got started as a farrier in the army, memorable stories from his career including "The Horse with the Golden Shoes", "The Polish Chicken" and numerous other funny stories and memorable experiences.

Gunner shares the origin of the Gunner Hammer and highlights from his life and career as well as his predictions and beliefs about the future of farriery.

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with farrier Steindor Thorisson, who lives in Sweden, but is originally from Iceland. He shares observations about Icelandic horses, their gait and observations about the farrier business in Iceland and Sweden. He also shares how he got his start, his schooling at Butler Professional Farrier School and the commitment it takes to master this craft.

He shares business lessons and his thoughts about the future of licensing in the farrier business, based on what he has already seen happen in Sweden. You'll get a unique perspective on the farrier business in Iceland and Sweden from this interview with a very skilled and talented farrier.

In this episode, we're privileged to talk with Steven Beane, FWCF of North Yorkshire, England. Steven is a five-time World Champion Blacksmith, three-time European Champion and three-time British National Champion. He has been selected for the English farrier team 16 consecutive years and is a renowned judge and clinician. 

Steven talks about how he got his start as a farrier, his practice regimen, and why he is so good as a competitor. He shares tips for farriers who want to be better in competitions and the sacrifices and price someone must pay to be at the top.

He shares numerous lessons from his time on the British farrier team, his thoughts on the value of certification, lessons on learning to see shapes, how he got into making tools and his thoughts about the future of farriery. This is an extremely insightful look into mind of an incredible champion and what it takes to achieve excellence and remain at the top.

In this episode, we talk with farrier Wayne Preece, FWCF of the Midlands of England. He has been shoeing horses for more than thirty-three years.

Wayne shares lessons he learned from teaching at Hereford College and some of the biggest mistakes he has seen beginning farriers and competitors make from his years of teaching and judging competitions.

He also shares numerous lessons from his years of experience of being a farrier in the United Kingdom and why horsemanship is such a vital skill for farriers to develop.

Today marks a special milestone in that this is the 100th Episode released of the Farrier Focus Podcast. To celebrate this historic moment, Dr. Doug Butler, Jacob Butler, Peter Butler and I reflect on lessons that have been learned and some of our favorite insights and stories that have been shared as we have talked with farriers from around the world. 

This episode shares some lessons that you may want to go back and listen to again (or for the first time) that can help you be a better farrier. In addition, the founders and instructors at Butler Professional Farrier School share their insights on how farriers can learn the skills of anatomy. Thank you so much for listening to the Farrier Focus Podcast over the past 100 episodes! We really appreciate it. If you have feedback or would like to recommend a topic or guest, please email jacob@dougbutler.com. 

In this episode, we talk with Eli Atiya, a farrier from Golan Heights, Israel. He has been shoeing horses for 6 years since he graduated from Butler Professional Farrier School.

Eli shares lessons he learned in school, the value of a professional education, the importance of continually learning and some of his most memorable experiences. You'll learn a lot about how Eli has built his business, tips he uses to be more efficient and the keys that have been most important for him in building a profitable business.

In this episode, we talk with Robert Shepherd from the north Birmingham, Alabama area. He has been a blacksmith, tool maker, welder and farrier since 1987.

Robert shares how he got his start, his experiences studying under Dr. Doug Butler at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri and lessons he has learned about making tools and Damascus knives.

In this episode, Dr. Butler talks to a group of farriers about turning points in his career and his observations on great achievements in the farrier business.

He shares numerous stories and historical insights into how numerous products and techniques have been developed that give a greater understanding to what farriers do everyday. You'll learn many tips on what it takes to master this craft and the historical importance of the most valuable tools and techniques that have been developed over the past fifty plus years.

In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier Rollie Gallego of Waialua, Hawaii shares his thoughts and observations on what it takes to balance your life and your farrier business.

You'll learn a lot from Rollie on what it takes to achieve balance from his experiences he shared at a Farrier Focus conference several years ago.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Farrier Neil Miller of Brighton, Colorado. He has been shoeing horses since 1975 and specializes in shoeing reiners, and jumpers.

Neil shares memorable stories from his career including how he got his start, lessons he has learned from training twenty apprentices, how to be more efficient with your shoeing rig and under the horse, how he got into competing and running a horseshoeing contest, as well as many practical and business tips that can help you run your business better.  

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert M. Miller, an equine behaviorist, veterinarian and cartoonist. He is recognized for his system of training newborn foals known as imprint training.

Dr. Miller is well known among both veterinarians and cowboy poetry & humor enthusiasts. His cartoons, done under his initials RMM, have been published in veterinary and horse magazines around the world.

He has been featured at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame's Cowboy Cartoonist Art Show.

After graduation from Colorado State University, Dr. Miller settled in Thousand Oaks, California, where he founded the Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic.  In 1987, he retired as a renowned veterinarian and expert in ethology (the study of animal behavior). Dr. Miller has visited every continent giving lectures to colleges, conventions for animal groups, horse organizations, breed associations and other clients.   He has received numerous professional awards for his involvement with equine associations, production of videotapes, and lecturing.  He has authored several books, and his acute sense of humor and love of cartoons have provided several veterinary cartoon books.  

Dr. Miller discusses how he started his practice, lessons he learned about dealing with horses, humorous experiences from his many years as a practicing veterinarian, and how he became a cartoonist. You'll get a lot of insight about what it takes to succeed in business from Dr. Miller's stories and advice.

In this episode, we talk with Jed Pappas of Stockhoff's Farrier Supply (www.stockhoffsonline.com). Jed talks about how his wife Molly (and her family) purchased Stockhoff's from the Stockhoff family, which started the farrier supply business in 1863 and how they have grown it to four locations today (two stores in Kentucky, New Jersey and Arizona).

Jed shares numerous business lessons he has learned from the farrier supply business and how farriers can better run their own businesses. He also shares valuable tips about how you select the best products for your business. You'll get a lot out of this interview on what it takes to run the supply part of your business as well as balancing your family and your business.

In this episode, we talk with farrier legend John Marino of Peaster, Texas. John shares his early experiences of how he became a farrier after getting out of the Air Force, his early studies at the University of Arizona's Farrier School (where he studied under Donald Canfield), how he opened Across the Anvil Farrier Supply (which he operated until he sold it in 1991). He also discusses his contributions to the anvil industry by introducing a line of farrier anvils with wider faces and turning cams and the impact those anvils have had throughout the industry.

John also recounts numerous experiences with his Wednesday night forging classes at his shop and the farrier school he opened with Grant Moon in 1988 (Texas School of Farrier Science). John holds the Certified Master Farrier designation in the BWFA of which he is a charter member.   He also holds the Certified Journeyman Farrier designation in the AFA and the TPFA (Texas Professional Farrier's Association).  He served as Vice-President of the TPFA for 6 years.  He is an active lifetime member of all three organizations. 

John shares his experiences of operating JHM Manufacturing and making 6 styles of anvils and anvil stands until April of 2005, when he sold the business to Anvil Brand Shoe Company.

John has dedicated his life to improving and furthering the farrier industry through education and professionalism.  His influence has been far reaching and you'll hear his most memorable stories and experiences in this memorable episode.

In this episode, we talk with Fran Jurga of Gloucester, Massachusetts. She is the founder of Hoofcare Publishing, which was established in 1985 to fulfill a growing global demand for information about the horse's foot that could be accessed by equine professionals, especially farriers and veterinarians, around the world.

She is also the creator, publisher and editor of Hoofcare and Lameness Journal and her articles can be read at hoofblog.com. You can find over 1700+ articles there that she has written over the past twelve years. 

Fran has won many awards and honors for her work and today offers high-quality reference material for sale and individual consultation services. Fran talks about many of her favorite memories from her career as a journalist (including her start as an editor of the American Farrier's Journal), stories about farriers she has worked with over the years, and her thoughts about the future of farriery.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares his insights in how you can learn to enhance your powers of observation and see more so you an properly diagnose and discuss the work you do with your clients and veterinarians.

You'll get a lot out of this episode about the importance of seeing more because you have trained yourself to concentrate and see what others may otherwise miss.

In this episode, we talk with farrier and veterinarian Emilio Ezcurra of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has been shoeing horses for more than twenty-five years. Emilio shares his story of how he got started as a veterinarian and his quest to become a farrier including his travels to the United States to study with Danny Ward, Dr. Doug Butler, and many others. 

Emilio shares insights about the farrier business in Argentina along with many of his most memorable experiences as a farrier. He also shares his thoughts about why farriers should visit Argentina and his perspective on what it takes to become a great farrier.

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF John Schmidt of Shelbyville, Tennessee. He has been shoeing horses for more than 33 years.

He talks about Tennessee walking horses, unique aspects of the breed, and some of the controversy that has arisen in recent years around them. He also shares lessons from his career and some of his most memorable experiences.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and past president of the American Farriers Association, Margie Lee-Gustafson. She and her husband Don are based in Palo Alto, California.

We talk about her beginnings as a farrier, lessons and mistakes she made when starting, the value of a multi-farrier practice, her experience as president of the AFA, and numerous experiences from her career. Margie is a fantastic example of service and she shares her perspective about the importance of giving to the industry and impacting the lives of the horses she works with on a daily basis.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF, Gerard Laverty. He is the instructor of the Farrier Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia. He has been shoeing horses for more than 40 years in several different countries.

Today, we’re privileged to talk with Dr. Rachael Shuster, an equine veterinarian who practices and is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

Having ridden since a young age, Dr. Rachael Shuster knew that she wanted to work with horses and therefore pursued equine studies.  She graduated from Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1995.

Dr. Shuster worked in various multiple-doctor equine ambulatory practices; interests were lameness, wound management, and a passion for podiatry, before starting her own practice, Shuster Equine, LLC in 2006.

Realizing that western medicine is limited in certain protocols, and wanting to increase her diagnostic skills and therapeutic options for patients, Dr. Shuster decided to further her education and became certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) in 2002, and the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) in 2006 in animal chiropractic and acupuncture, respectively.

Shuster Equine, LLC encompasses chiropractic, acupuncture and dentistry while keeping in mind the importance of podiatry and western medicine diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.

Dr. Shuster strives to keep an open, one-on-one dialogue with others working with your horse, including veterinarians, farriers, trimmers, massage therapists or trainers.

She continues to expand her knowledge, furthering her skills in servicing horses to be the best that they can be. Through her ongoing commitment to continued education, Dr. Shuster attends multiple professional meetings and one-on-one sessions with colleagues throughout the year.

Dr. Shuster is a member of:

Dr. Shuster has a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed as a farrier and veterinarian and includes valuable insights, stories, and suggestions on how to enhance the farrier-veterinarian relationship.

In this episode, we talk with Cristiano Biacca who is a certified farrier and veterinarian from Parma, Italy. He was trained as a farrier at Butler Professional Farrier School. He shares how he got his start as a large animal veterinarian and what made him decide to become a farrier as well.

He also shares insights into the farrier profession in Italy, some memorable cases he has worked on, and lessons he has learned over the years learning and teaching about farriery to others.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Jim Quick of Niwot, Colorado who has been shoeing horses for more than 27 years.

Jim shares his start as a farrier, his education at Colorado State University including studying with Dr. Doug Butler in Colorado, his beginnings into competitive shoeing, and lessons he has learned through numerous mentors he has had over the years.

He shares insights into what it takes to be the best at this craft in terms of time and practice and his perspective now that he has had the opportunity to judge as well as compete. Jim shares numerous stories and lessons from his career that farriers can learn from especially when it comes to insurance for your shop and business.

In this episode, you'll hear a discussion that Dr. Doug Butler had with a group of farriers and veterinarians on eight specific foot diseases including abscesses, white line disease, keratoma, canker (and the rare coronitis), quittor, pedal osteitis, osteomyelitis, and low ringbone. These correspond to pictures and additional information that can be found in Chapter 39 of The Principles of Horseshoeing 3 on Diseases of the Horse's Foot.

He discussed the DACCT method of studying and describing foot diseases:

D - stands for definition of the condition

A - stands for anatomy of the structures involved in the condition

C - stands for clinical signs of the condition

C - stands for cause(s) of the condition

T - stands for treatment of the condition, including prognosis

This episode covers several common and several rare foot diseases and what can be done by farriers and veterinarians to help the horse.

In this episode, we talk with farrier Travis Burns. He is a Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF), holds the Therapeutic (TE) AND Educator Endorsements (EE) from the AFA, and is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF). He was recently elected as the president of the American Farriers Association.

He is currently the Chief of Farrier Services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia and has been shoeing horses professionally for more than 16 years. 

In this wide ranging interview, we talk about how Travis got his start, lessons he learned from his early mentors, differences between the American and British certification exams, his vision for the next two years as AFA president, and several of his memorable experiences. You'll get a lot of insight from his experiences and his thoughts on how farriers can be more unified as a profession.

In this episode, we talk with Walter Varcoe about his work as a farrier and his interest in equine skeletons. 

Walter was a professional rider and equine manager for the New York State Department of Corrections as well as their only farrier until his retirement in July 2006. In addition to his normal duties Walter also served as their equine instructor, teaching inmates the proper care of horses as well as teaching many of the inmates the art of farrier work. This not only allowed the animals to receive better care, but taught a valuable skill that those men could use throughout their lives.

During his tenure, Walter also ran the commercial composting operation at the Otisville Correctional Facility where the first horse to become a skeleton was processed. A patrol horse on duty had been kicked by another horse and had it’s leg broken. Unfortunately the injury was so devastating that the patrol horse had to be euthanized.  It was from this incident that the first skeleton came to be. With the help of his crew the carcass was placed in a static aerated compost pile and allowed to compost for several months and over the following winter the first skeleton mount was built. That first mount still proudly stands today at the Otisville C.F. Horse Barn office, teaching others the value of equine skeletal anatomy. Later, another mount was crafted by Walter for the New York City Police Mounted Unit and it stands at their Remount Training Facility in the Bronx, NY.

After his retirement from the Corrections Department Walter began a full-time career as a farrier.   At the prompting of many of his NYPD friends Walter began doing small educational seminars using his skeletal displays. Those seminars were well received and Walter began to get more requests for speaking engagements and for the purchase of his unique articulated mounts.

The demand for his expertise and his skeletal mounts has grown rapidly and has taken Walter all over the country as he lectures about equine anatomy. By using his unique mounts Walter can let participants lay their hands what others can only diagram in books or on posters. From schools to barns these mounts are being used to help people care for their horses better than ever. Walter continues to put what he has learned from these skeletons into daily use as he maintains his farrier business for select clients. You'll get a lot of insight from this episode about horse anatomy and from Walter's experiences as a farrier that can help you in your daily work.

In this episode, we talk with Allie Hayes of HorseScience.com about how she got started as a farrier, her interest in horse anatomy, and how she began processing horse feet and limbs to help farriers, veterinarians and horse owners see what is really happening inside the foot structures of the horse.

She shares some of the lessons she has learned from studying, processing, and teaching anatomy through these invaluable resources. She also details some of the trial and error experiences she has had in learning how to best process these models to showcase anatomy in the best ways. Learn more and get a hoof model for your practice by going to www.HorseScience.com.

In this episode, we talk with Guy Karsh who lives about 25 minutes outside of Jerusalem in Israel. He has been shoeing horses for 25 years. He shares experiences from becoming a farrier, learning from his father and other mentors, the importance of continuing education for farriers, and memorable experiences he has had while shoeing horses in Israel.

This is a fascinating discussion about how the farrier business works in another country that you can learn a lot from and apply in your farrier business.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares insights to a group of farriers and veterinarians how to look and see conformation deformities and what can be done to help horses that have these different conditions.

Dr. Butler shares numerous experiences and techniques on observation that will help you better assess the horses you work with on a daily basis.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Andrew DeVisser from Ayr, Ontario, Canada. He has been shoeing horses for 9 years. He attended Butler Professional Horseshoeing School in 2009. 

Andrew shares his insights about the value of horseshoeing school, the benefits of the AFA cultural exchange program that he was a part of, how he prepared for his certification exams, and the benefits of competition. He also shares his thoughts on how farriers can build and maintain successful farrier businesses.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tracy Turner, an equine veterinarian who was trained as a farrier.

He was raised on a small ranch in southwestern Colorado. As a youth he was active in the local 4-H Horse Program. As a young adult he apprenticed with a farrier in 1972 and used those skills to help finance his education. From that time on he has dedicated his life to horses. He received his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1978, after which he was able to pursue his interest in equine medicine and surgery.

He is board certified in Veterinary Surgery (Dipl.ACVS) and Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Dipl.ACVSMR). He served on the faculty of the University of Illinois, University of Florida and the University of Minnesota. He joined Anoka Equine Clinic in 2004 and started his own practice in 2016 dedicated strictly to Sports Medicine, Lameness, and Surgery. Dr. Turner consults for the USDA Horse Protection, Federation Equestriene Internationale (FEI) and United States Equestrian Federation.

Dr. Turner has had the privilege of working at 3 Pan America Games, 1 Olympic Games and at 1 World Equestrian Games. He recently was selected to work at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Dr. Turner is a member of the Am Vet Med Assoc (AVMA), the Am Assoc of Equine Practioners (AAEP), the Minnesota Assoc of Equine Practitioners (MAEP), the Am Farrier’s Assoc (AFA), the American Association of Professional Farriers and the Minnesota Farrier’s Assoc (MnFA). Dr. Turner has served as chairman of the AAEP’s Farrier Liaison Committee and is serving on the AAEP Foundation and Educational committees. He is a past president of the MAEP.

Dr. Turner has been active in the horse community. He served 2 terms on the Board of Directors of the Central States Dressage and Combined Training Association.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Horse Council since 2002 and is presently serving his fifth term as President.

Dr. Turner is married to veterinarian, Dr. Julie Wilson. They have 2 adult sons, Tarren and Tristan. They are surrounded by other family members, 4 dogs, 6 horses, 2 birds and 2 cats. In their spare time Drs. Turner and Wilson love to ride and travel.

You'll get a lot out of this episode from a farrier veterinarian who talks about how to improve communication between these two professionals, memorable experiences from his career, his thoughts on navicular disease, and what he thinks farriers and veterinarians will deal with in the future.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Peter Butler about his experiences in becoming a farrier, getting certified, competing, and training horses. Pete shares lessons about teaching students, how students learn differently, the value of understanding the origin of words in mastering anatomy, and experiences with horses over the years.

He also shares his experiences of working with and observing horses in Mongolia when he was there fifteen years ago. You'll get a lot out of this interview with a farrier educator who is deeply interested in the process of learning and what it takes to master the skills of farriery.

Jeff Rodriguez passed away after a long battle with lung cancer in November of 2016. A native of Tampa, Florida, he moved his practice to Golden, Colorado and built a profitable and successful farrier business. He spoke many times at Farrier Focus conferences and in this episode, we share a talk he gave about what it takes to build and maintain a successful farrier image and business.

With his trademark wit and humor, Jeff shared personal experiences and stories to help farriers build more profitable businesses. We hope you enjoy these observations and comments from a remarkable farrier who was committed to helping farriers be more successful and that this talk will help you carefully evaluate the image you project and the type of business you want to build.

In this episode, Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School shares  insights into how to successfully market your farrier business. He shares the differences between products and services and that how and why you market your horseshoeing services will make all the difference between the perception that clients have of you and the price you can charge. You'll get a lot out of this talk from a previous Farrier Focus Conference.

In this episode, we talk with certified journeyman farrier Nate Allen. He studied under Dr. Doug Butler at Northwest Missouri State University and Colorado State University. He taught as an instructor at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico for many years. He currently serves as an administrator at Central Community College in south central Nebraska. 

He has been shoeing horses for more than thirty years and shares lessons he has learned throughout his career, his insights into how farriers learn, and the best methods he has found work when teaching anatomy and the skills of farriery. He also shares insights on how he recovered from a serious injury and his thoughts about the future of the farrier business.

In this episode, we talk with farrier Bryan Farcus of Athens, Ohio. Bryan was a director/instructor of a farrier program at Meredith Manor Equestrian Centre in Waverly, WV for 14 years. In addition, Bryan was an adjunct farrier instructor for Hocking College in Nelsonville, OH for 6 years, and breifly served as a guest instructor for an Equine Science program at Salem International University in Salem, WV. Bryan's other accomplishments include both a Master of Arts degree with a specialization in equine education and also a Bachelor of Science degree in the area of business.  

You'll gain some great insights from Bryan's experience on how to relate better to horse owners, the importance of farrier/client communication, and some of his most memorable experiences.

In this episode, we talk with Kevin Oliver of Eddington, Maine who went to Cal Poly in winter and spring of 1973. He has been shoeing horses for more than 44 years and shares experiences and helpful hints from his years as a farrier that can benefit you and your business.

Kevin shares his thoughts about the importance of continuing education, the value of attending a horseshoeing school, tips about treating laminitic horses, and his thoughts about the most valuable tools in the farrier business. You'll get a lot of insight from this master farrier who has spent a lifetime learning the tricks of the trade.

On this episode, we interview Bryan Quinsey, the Executive Director of the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) and the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF). He has been involved with the farrier industry since 2003.

Bryan talks about how he got his start, how the AAPF got started, and his thoughts about the future of the farrier business.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler share insights on front limb conformation and unsoundness. You'll get a lot out of this episode on ways you can treat the various unsoundnesses that result front limb conformation deformities.

We recommend you use Chapters 20, 22, and 40 from the Principles of Horseshoeing III as a reference when reviewing the information from this podcast episode.

In this episode, we talk with Pat Burton, CJF, of south Fort Worth, Texas. He has been shoeing horses since the late 1970s and shares his insights on the fundamentals of horseshoeing, some of his early mentors, his experience of becoming certified, and experiences he has had as a certification tester.

You'll gain a lot of valuable advice from Pat on what it takes to build up a successful practice as well as several lessons he learned the hard way that you can use to be successful in your farrier business.

In this episode, we talk with Ian Bevington, CJF about his career, advice on running a multi-farrier practice, raising prices, how he got into owning a farrier supply business, and his thoughts on how farriers can be more successful in their careers.

Ian grew up in Valley, Nebraska and completed his farrier training in 1998.  He is a certified Journeyman Farrier and participates in clinics and horseshoeing competitions throughout the country.  Ian works closely with area veterinarians to ensure the best possible care for horses and to allow for collaboration on treatment options. He is currently the owner of 3B Farrier Supply store in Valley, Nebraska.

In this episode, we talk with FIA President and GE Forge and Tool Representative Dan Bradley. He was recently inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and has been shoeing horses for more than 43 years.

Dan talks about lessons he has learned through the years, insights into the history of tools and manufacturing, how he developed the specialty of working and shoeing with aluminum, some of his most memorable experiences, and his views on licensing and certification. 

In this episode, we talk with Walt Taylor, the founder of the AFA and WFA. He started shoeing horses in 1948 and has been involved with the farrier industry ever since. We discuss stories from his career, memorable experiences from the beginnings of the AFA and WFA, and his work with Working Together for Equines, Inc. (a whole horse equine charity). We also discuss his views on being a professional farrier, licensing, his feelings about the state of the farrier industry, and what farriers should be thinking about and preparing for in the future. 

In this episode, we talk with Certified Farrier Bob Smith. He is the founder of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School and has been shoeing horses as a professional farrier for more than 43 years. He was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, KY in 2010. Bob has authored many articles published in leading equine magazines such as Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, and the American Farriers Journal.

You'll get a lot out of this episode about how farriers learn, mistakes farriers should avoid when shoeing, and some hilarious and inspiring stories from Bob's career as a farrier and educator.

In this episode, Dr. Butler explains the levels of certification in the United States and United Kingdom and the benefits of certification for farriers in reaching a higher standard of their profession.

In this episode, farrier Chris Minick shares how he uses technology and computer skills to improve the way he provides and breaks down his invoices for his clientele. You'll get a lot of insight about how to better run your business with the advantages of technology to make end of the year tax preparation much simpler and easier to navigate. You'll also learn some time saving tips that will help you more efficiently run your farrier business.

In this episode, Farrier Focus Podcast host Jim Butler shares his perspective on The Dark Side of Horseshoeing and how farriers can overcome discouragement and adversity in their businesses. You'll hear several inspiring stories about what it takes to succeed in the farrier business and quotes and ideas that will help you be more of an optimist in your daily work. This was from a talk that was given at a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, learn how farrier Brian Fitzgerald got his start, lessons he has learned on the track, and how he is now transitioning into a new specialty in Georgia. Brian shares his expertise about staying motivated, learning new skills, and the best way to set prices and work with farriers in a new area.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares his observations about the early history of horse training. Many of the misconceptions that exist in the minds of horse owners about horse training have arisen in recent years.

Dr. Butler talks about how to effectively train and work with horses and key horsemanship skills that all farriers must develop. You'll get a lot out of this discussion on the nature of horses and principles and steps you can take to stay safe when working with horses.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF Doug Russo, who is the resident farrier at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has been shoeing horses full time for the past 15-16 years.

He shares insights from his career, memorable cases he has worked on, his observations about the future of veterinary and farrier relationships, and his thoughts on certification and research.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Simon Curtis, FWCF, PhD. He has been shoeing horses for 46 years. He is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers by examination. Based in Newmarket, Simon has been a farrier since 1972. He is a 4th generation farrier. His family have been farriers and blacksmiths on the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk border for the past 150 years. He is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (2001-2002). He has been awarded an Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This is the first time that any farrier has received such an honour. He has published 3 text books and has been published in numerous journals. In 2005 Simon was inducted into “The Farriers Hall of Fame” in the Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, USA.

In this episode, Dr. Curtis talks about his apprenticeship, early mistakes he made and what he learned from them, his association with Dr. Doug Butler, experiences with shoeing the Queen's horses, and other experiences throughout his career. He also shares his views on the importance of business training for farriers, how farriers can prepare for certification and exams, the importance of continuing education, and findings from his PhD research. You'll get a lot out from this interview about the many lessons Dr. Curtis has learned throughout his career.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Dennis Manning of Roosevelt, Utah. He shares his beginnings as a farrier, lessons he learned from studying with Dr. Doug Butler, the beginnings of the AFA and the history of certification from his years of being on the certification committee, stories from his career of shoeing horses, his interest in making tools, guns, and hobbles.

He also shares valuable insights into how farriers learn from his years as a teacher and principal. You'll gain great insight from this farrier legend who has been shoeing horses for more than 45 years.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Doug Butler about how he got into horseshoeing, stories from his career, and thoughts about the profession of farriery.

Today, we’re privileged to talk with farrier legend and Certified Journeyman Farrier Myron McLane of Somerset, Massachusetts. He has been shoeing horses for more than 55 years.

Myron talks about how he got started as a farrier, his experiences as a harness shoer, his experiences on the rules committee for the AFA, his thoughts on improving farrier / veterinarian relationships, and his goals today for Pink Apron Charity. You'll get a lot of insight on the commitment it takes to be a great farrier by listening to this informative interview with Myron.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Henry Heymering of Frederick, Maryland. He is the founder of the American Farrier's Journal and has been shoeing horses for more than forty-five years.

Henry shares how he got started as a farrier, how he began the American Farrier's Journal and the Guild of Professional Farriers. He shares numerous experiences from his career and advice that can help you be a better farrier.

In this episode, farrier legend Lee Liles shares how he got his start shoeing horses and in particular his specialties of shoeing Tennessee Walking horses and therapeutic cases. He also shares how he started collecting items for the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools and Hall of Honor located in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Jim Poor of Tuscola, Texas. He has been shoeing horses for more than forty-three years. Jim shares lessons he learned from his father as a farrier, how he got started manufacturing tools, mistakes he made as a farrier, toolmaker, and competitor.

Jim shares lessons about several of his competitive wins and why being a true believer is one of the most important aspects of becoming certified and succeeding as a competitor. He also shares numerous stories from his career with many valuable lessons that other farriers can learn from as they go about their daily work and what farriers should be paying more attention to in their businesses.