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 ho...
May 05, 2022•53 min
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 ab...
Apr 22, 2022•1 hr 5 min
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 i...
Mar 04, 2022•58 min
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.
Feb 25, 2022•54 min
In this episode, we talk with Todd Allen, a Certified Journeyman Farrier from Vandergrift, Pennsylvania who has been shoeing horses for more than 35 years. He started in 1982 at Northwest Missouri State University studying under Dr. Doug Butler. Todd shares valuable lessons from injuries he has received as a farrier, how he learned to balance work and his family, and his thoughts on how to succeed long-term in the farrier business. There are lots of valuable insights and experiences to learn fro...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, we talk with Lee Green of Yucaipa, California about how he got his start in horseshoeing, memorable experiences of shoeing during the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, and lessons he has learned on improving his efficiency in shoeing horses over the past fifty years.
Jan 21, 2022•33 min
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.
Dec 30, 2021•57 min
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 C...
Dec 04, 2021•1 hr 12 min
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'l...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 3 min
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.
Nov 05, 2021•54 min
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...
Oct 29, 2021•1 hr 5 min
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.
Oct 19, 2021•45 min
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.
Oct 16, 2021•53 min
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. ...
Sep 30, 2021•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, we talk with farrier Steve Kraus, who is the head farrier at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Steve is an American Farriers Association Certified Journeyman Farrier and has shod many types and breeds of show and performance horses for more than 53 years. In addition, he has worked for Mustad Hoofcare since 1976 as their farrier consultant, representing the organization across the country at farrier and horse owner clinics and events, as well as testing and ...
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr 12 min
In this episode, we talk with living legend Rusty Brown who been shoeing horses for more than 50 years. He served as president of the Western States Farrier Association from 1983 to 1987. Rusty is known throughout the farrier industry for crafting beautiful jewelry. You'll love this interview and the sage advice Rusty shares about what it takes to succeed as a farrier today.
Aug 20, 2021•42 min
In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Ken Mankel about his innovations with gas forges and anvils as well as experiences throughout his career. He shares valuable insights that will help farriers better master their craft.
Aug 11, 2021•45 min
In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Bob Marshall about how he developed his skills as a farrier and became a world champion in competition. Bob shares some of his favorite memories about being a farrier, some funny things that have happened to him over the years, and lessons that farriers can learn from to use in their businesses. You'll love Bob's ability to tell a great story and the simple, yet profound lessons he has learned from a lifetime of horseshoeing.
Aug 03, 2021•1 hr 14 min
In this episode, we interview farrier legend Randy Luikart, who has been shoeing horses for more than fifty years. He is a past president of the American Farrier's Association and has been inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. You'll gain a lot of insight and ideas from Randy on horseshoeing, ways farriers can work together, and how to master the craft of farriery.
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, we discuss Bill Miller's career of horseshoeing for more than 65 years and lessons you can learn from his experiences. Bill also taught at Olympia Technical College in Washington for many years. You'll love this informative interview packed with stories and life lessons you can apply to your business.
Jul 06, 2021•1 hr 20 min
In this episode, we interview Del Slaugh, of Milliken, Colorado who has been shoeing horses for more than 47 years. He shares experiences about how he got started as a farrier, lessons that he learned over his years of shoeing, interactions he has had with celebrities and his advice for farriers. You'll get a lot of insight from Del about the advantages of continuing education and valuable lessons from his mistakes and experiences.
May 11, 2021•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, we interview farrier Terry Stever from Sulphur, Oklahoma. He has been shoeing horses for almost 50 years. You'll get a lot of insight about how farriery has changed over the years and the tried and true principles that will help you be more successful in your farrier business.
Apr 20, 2021•58 min
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Eric Nygaard. He is a past president of the AFA and has been shoeing horses for more than 35 years. He shares lessons he learned from his mentors, some of the highlights of his tenure as AFA president, and memorable experiences you can learn from and apply to your shoeing career.
Mar 30, 2021•55 min
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Doug Butler on how farriers deal with fads and specific criteria you can use to evaluate the numerous fads and doodads that enter the marketplace each year. We also discuss an article Dr. Butler wrote 21 years ago entitled "In Defense of Tradition and Common Sense." He shares stories, experiences, and insights that will help you deal with the fads you encounter in your shoeing work and that clients may ask you to do for their horses.
Mar 09, 2021•42 min
In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Loet van der Linden, the founder of Delta Horseshoe Company. He is a manufacturer and supplier of a wide variety of farrier tools and has been involved in the farrier industry for more than 34 years. In our discussion, he covers a wide variety of topics including how shoes and nails are made, the history of the manufacturing of horseshoes and many tips that will be helpful to you in your farrier business.
Mar 02, 2021•50 min
In today's episode, we talk to Jim Masterson of world-renowned Masterson Method®. Jim, an equine massage therapist for USEF Endurance Teams from 2006 to 2014, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork to therapists and horse owners. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participat...
Feb 23, 2021•57 min
In this episode, we interview Certified Journeyman Farrier Blane Chapman of Lubbock, Texas. Blane shares experiences from his more than thirty plus years as a farrier. You'll get a lot of insight into what it takes to be a great farrier by listening to Blane's background and his advice and experiences.
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares horseshoeing teaching techniques he has learned over a lifetime of teaching and helping farriers progress from one skill level to another. Don't miss the essential techniques that will help you better teach apprentices and your clients from a previous Farrier Focus conference.
Feb 09, 2021•16 min
In this episode, we talk about the etymology (study of the origin of words) of common horseshoeing terms. By learning the root words, prefixes and suffixes, learning horseshoeing theory and anatomy become easier. We discuss the common Latin, Greek and German words that make up our common horseshoeing terminology. We review the basic hoof structures and discuss how they get their names. If you have a question that you would like answered on a future Farrier Focus Podcast, email us at farrierfocus...
Feb 02, 2021•45 min
In this interview, farrier educator Jacob Butler, CJF, AWCF shares his insights about how farriers can learn and master anatomy and the sequential skill development required to get good at this craft. Jacob shares his journey of deciding to become a farrier, his educational experiences, what it was like being an apprentice to his father and how he developed his passion and mastery of anatomy. You'll gain valuable insights about how farriers learn and memorable stories from his 21 plus years of s...
Jan 26, 2021•1 hr 1 min
