In this episode, Spud Allison shares stories from a career that’s taken him from his forge in Warwickshire to horse shows and competitions around the world. He reflects on the changes he’s seen in shoemaking, what it takes to keep standards high, and how he’s passing those lessons on. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.
This week, we’re joined by Ben Schroeder, CJF, who shares how his interest in horseshoeing started as a kid on his aunt’s dairy farm and eventually turned into a full-blown career. From early mentors like Lee Olsen and Aaron Lohmann to working across Wisconsin, Colorado, and Texas, Ben talks about the ups, downs, and everything in between. He also shares what it’s like helping behind the scenes at the Chattanooga convention, and why staying connected to the farrier community means so much to him...
Farriers from the pleasure horse and race horse worlds rarely find themselves in the same place to have a chat. In this episode, I speak with Gavin Moody AWCF of the legendary Racehorse community of Newmarket in England. Gavin explains his philosophies of shoeing thoroughbred race horses and dispels many of the myths and misconceptions that exist about that industry. We also cover Gavin’s journey through the higher level exams, what compelled him to do them, and how it has benefitted him and the...
Tune in to our latest episode featuring a panel discussion from last year’s AFA Convention with multi-farrier practice owners sharing what it takes to run a thriving, sustainable business. From training apprentices and setting high standards, to pay structures, legal logistics, and how to handle mistakes - nothing was off the table. Hear from: - Kayla & Lyle Shepherd (Tennessee) - Lee Olsen (Texas) - Jason Critton (Colorado) Whether you're a solo farrier or dreaming of scaling up, this conve...
Special Bonus Episode! For over 30 years now Heartland Horseshoeing School has been producing high calibre farriers and educating seasoned ones. I managed to get Kelly, Chris, and Cody to sit still for a brief period during the weekend anniversary celebration to discuss the past, present and future of their incredible school. From its humble beginnings, to Cody’s childhood working alongside his folks, to what it takes to become a successful Heartlander, we cover a lot of ground in this episode. ...
From a South Dakota ranch to a successful haul-in practice in Texas, Lee Olsen shares the journey that shaped him into the farrier he is today. In this episode, we dive into his roots, work ethic, mentorship, business evolution, and the importance of balance in life and work. Lee also opens up about the farriers who’ve inspired him, his unique four-year apprenticeship program, and why giving back to the farrier community matters more than ever. For access to full episodes, subscribe here: mullin...
In this episode I sit down with Jason Critton CJF TE AWCF at the 2024 AFA Convention and we discuss all things horseshoeing. Many know Jason because of his very successful multi-farrier practice in Colorado but that is just the tip of the iceberg. His challenge oriented personality lead him to successfully pursue his AWCF and we discuss the intense regime of practice and studying he held himself to in preparation for the exam. We also discuss: his journey from Engineering student to full fledged...
Ever wondered what it takes to become a military farrier? In this episode, we’re joined by instructors from the Defense Animal Training Regiment at Melton Mowbray - Sergeant Stuart Wyss, W2 Adam Cooper, and Mark Neal - who share their unique paths into the trade. From firefighting dreams to ceremonial roles, their stories highlight the grit, skill, and camaraderie behind one of the most intense farrier training programs out there. Subscribe for full length epsiodes here: mullinsfarrier.supercast...
In this week's episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, I sit down with Alex Mercer, a military-trained farrier from Leicestershire, England. Alex shares his journey from the King’s Troop to civilian practice, competing internationally, launching his own tool business, and teaching the next generation of farriers. Tune in to hear about his experiences, the evolution of farrier practices, and the incredible support within the farrier community! Subscribe today for full episodes: www.mullinsfarrier...
From apprenticeship to Assiociate, Stephen Britten has built an incredible career as a farrier, working in the UK . In this episode, he shares his journey - from learning under top mentors, to his journey through the US with the Cultural Exchange, to navigating the mental and physical challenges of the trade. We dive into the cultural differences in farriery, the importance of continual learning, and what it takes to run a successful business. Subscribe for full episodes here: mullinsfarrier.sup...
In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier Paeden Underwood shares his journey from ranch horses in Nevada to building a successful farriery business in Portland, Oregon. Paeden dives into the lessons he's learned along the way - from seeking mentorship and mastering hoof anatomy to balancing confidence with humility. He also touches on the challenges of managing client expectations, running a financially sustainable business, and making time for family. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into hi...
From apprentice to expert. In this episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, we sit down with Marc Jerram, a highly qualified farrier from the UK, to dive into his incredible career journey. Marc shares his experiences working around the world, his research on limb loading and gait analysis, and his approach to therapeutic farriery. Plus, he offers valuable insights into shoeing techniques and discusses his book designed for both farriers and horse owners. Tune in for a masterclass in farriery - S...
In this week’s episode, Christian Roy shares his incredible path from Quebec welder to professional farrier. Starting with his own horses in 1989, he honed his craft through mentorship, competition, and hands-on experience to build a thriving career. Despite challenges, Chris continues to give back - mentoring apprentices, judging competitions, and staying deeply involved in the industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, expertise, and the evolution of a true craftsman! Su...
In this special episode, Katie Panos, a certified journeyman farrier from Brooklyn, Connecticut, shares her journey from being a burnt-out lab researcher to a passionate farrier. Katie speaks to the supportive community she has found within the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) as well as her involvement in the AFA research committee, where she’s helping to make incredible things happen. Tune in to hear her full story! subscribe for more full length episodes: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com...
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Kelvin Lymer of Worcestershire, England. Involved with horses as a child, Kelvin expressed interest to his farrier at the age of 11, sparking a lifelong career which included being the Team Farrier for the British Endurance Team. From competition and collaboration to innovation using 3D printers - tune in to discover how he’s transforming traditional methods with cutting-edge technology. Subscribe to the Premium feed for access to full episodes: mullinsfar...
In this episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, I sit down with Paige Poss, the Master Horse Digit Dissector from Tucson, Arizona. Paige shares her incredible journey—from her early days trimming and learning from horses in need to becoming a sought-after educator and collaborator in the world of hoof care. Discover how challenges with her own laminitic horse sparked a passion for deeper learning, leading to impactful collaborations like her work with Jenny Edwards. Paige shares invaluable insig...
This week, Danny Elliott, a skilled farrier from North Yorkshire and the man behind the Silverback Chap Company shares his career journey. Danny talks about how his sister's connection to horses and subsequent loss of interest shaped his path, the challenges he faced during his apprenticeship, and what it takes to build a reputation in the farrier community. He also discusses the balance between work and personal life, the story behind his Silverback Chap Company, and the importance of mentorshi...
From growing up with horses in Danville, Illinois, to earning numerous farrier certifications including CJF, TE and AWCF, Steve Sermersheim shares his journey of dedication, mentorship, and lifelong learning. When his brother left horseshoeing, Steve stepped in, taking a crash course in the craft, and never looked back. From competitions and clinics to teaching and mentoring the next generation of farriers, Steve’s story highlights the power of continuous learning and giving back to the communit...
Meet Stuart Muir, a dedicated farrier at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, originally from New Zealand, who has traveled the world refining his craft. From sport horses to therapeutic cases, Stuart shares his journey of growth, mentorship, and the challenges of working on high-performance horses. We dive into his transition to the U.S. with just two suitcases, the evolution of the farrier industry, and his passion for elevating hoof care through innovation and collaboration. This conversation is ...
Welcome, everyone. I ran into today's guest at the International this year while cheering on her husband Steven and the rest of the English team as they competed their way to the top. While most, if not all, of the farrier world is likely to know the world champion and top toolmaker, Steven Beane, they may not be familiar with his wife, and fellow Canadian, Kathrine who is a mover and shaker in the farrier world in her own right. Since taking over the daunting task of organizing and running the ...
Today's episode comes out on the eve of the AFA convention, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a PSA of sorts and will be available to paid and unpaid members of the podcast. I've had this thought for years that people don't appreciate or aren't aware of how much goes on behind the scenes of their associations to make these important entities run as smoothly and efficiently as they do. The two women in this interview play one of the most important roles in that system, but ironically they are so e...
For this episode, I've come to realize that after years of interviewing fellow farriers, I struggle at interviewing the suppliers in our business. I think it's because I don't know enough of the background of that world to ask the right questions. Due to these struggles, this interview ended up being a shorter format than my typical long form. But in the end, I hope I was able to do Steve and his company justice in telling his story about a brand we are all familiar with in the farrier world. Yo...
Today's guest has played a large role in helping a group of super keen Mexican farriers to better themselves and pursue the AFA exam. I met Ellie-May Buckland on my first trip to England. She introduced herself and said, I hear you're joining us in Puerto Vallarta this year. I was indeed and got to spend a lot of time getting to know her on that trip. I tried multiple times to get her to do an interview, but to no avail. But ask anyone with a restraining order on me, and they'll tell you I am pe...
Welcome, everyone. Well, I'm about at the midpoint of my English farrier tour, had a great time at Focus and The International, and got a lot of fantastic interviews done. Stay tuned for those. As it goes at that type of event, I had a lot of fun and interesting conversations with fellow farriers, both on and off the mic. My esteemed tour guide, Danny Bennett, took me with him to Hereford College and I got to spend some time with the students in the Forge and the classroom. It's hard not to be e...
Welcome everyone. Before we start today, I wanted to have a discussion about mental health. Just this summer in Ontario, we had two farriers take their own lives. Over the relatively brief time that I've been a farrier, this has occurred far too many times. I know from discussions I've had with many of my friends and peers that it does seem to be getting tougher out there. My friend Mike Mehak wrote a very well worded Facebook post about how it's the people, not the horses, who make this job so ...
Welcome everyone! A little shopkeeping before we start. The BFBA's Focus and the Stoneleigh International are coming up at the end of this month. If you haven't already heard my most recent episode on the 2022 Focus and International, give that one a listen and it'll give you a pretty good idea as to what you can expect over there. Both are truly world class events and definitely worth attending. This will be my third year in a row heading out there and I find myself just as excited now as I was...
Welcome, everyone. We are less than a month away from the BFBA's Focus Convention and the International at Stoneleigh. It's not too late to pre order your tickets online, and I highly recommend doing so after bearing witness to the record long queues last year for people who waited to purchase theirs at the event. I've been told that protocols have been put in place to help shorten those queues. But it's still quicker to use the online option. As I'm sure you've already heard by now, the podcast...
Today's guest is a mover and shaker in the farrier world whose efforts have received a lot of well deserved attention this past year. She's a brand ambassador for Mustad and recently had a feature article about her in the Equine Living in the Bluegrass magazine. Last year, Meghan traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as one of the clinicians in Vern Powell's crew. It was here that I was finally able to sit down with this ambitious woman to have a chat. Please excuse the constant construction noise...
Today's guest, is another gentleman from across the pond. You probably heard Haydn mentioned before quite fondly by Ben Benson in his episode. Haydn has even been a guest as a panelist from a discussion I recorded at Focus a couple of years back. I've had several folks explain to me the influence that Hayden has had on the farrier trade in the UK. I believe our Tech Bro counterparts in the Silicon Valley would refer to him as a disruptor. He took some traditionally held precepts about shoeing an...
Welcome everyone. I met today's guest at Stoneleigh at the same time I met one of our previous guests, James Todd. As you will hear, James and Mark are great friends, and I was happy we managed to get both of them in for an interview. It was not planned, but I found it interesting that this guest and our last one both had hard learned lessons about listening to your body when it tells you to settle down a bit. Alan and Mark said that after years of not listening, their bodies made the message cl...
