Farrier Focus Podcast

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 from here regardless of how long you have been working as a farrier.

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.

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. 

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 developing horse nails, horseshoes, farrier tools, and the hoof care products that Mustad produces and markets. Since 1968, Kraus has also been the farrier for all the equine programs in the Cornell University Athletic department, which includes the Cornell Polo Team, Equestrian Team, and Physical Education Riding Program. You'll enjoy this insightful interview with Steve about how he got started as a farrier, some of his most memorable stories, and advice for farriers based on the experiences he has had throughout the years shoeing a wide variety of horses.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. Together with a cadre of instructors worldwide, he offers courses in North America, Europe, the UK, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His goal? For every horse to experience the Bladder Meridian Technique at least once. You can learn more about the Masterson Method on YouTube and at Jim's website: mastersonmethod.com Also, check out the trailer for a documentary recently made about Jim's work, A Mind Like Still Water.

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.

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.

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 shoeing as well as what he has learned about assessing and educating new farrier students.

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.

In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Jim Smith of New Hampshire who talks about his experiences as he has shod horses over the past 47 years all over the upper east coast. He shares valuable insights about what it takes to master the craft of farriery, how to prepare for certification, and lessons he has learned over a lifetime of shoeing. His stories, his insights, and his experiences will help you be a better farrier.

In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Doyle Blagg about his horseshoeing career over a 57 year span in Texas. Doyle worked as a farrier to many top Quarter Horse breeders and specialized in cutting horses. He continued on a great tradition of farriers in his family following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps. You'll enjoy this episode in which Doyle reminisces on lessons he learned throughout his career.

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Tom Parris of Woodbine, Maryland how to set up and run a multi-farrier practice. Tom has been shoeing horses for more than 53 years and shares a wealth of experience of what it takes to monitor expenses, how to set and raise prices, keys to being more profitable, and numerous experiences from his career that will help you be a better and more successful farrier. If you've been considering starting a multi-farrier practice, you'll get a lot of tips about what common mistakes to avoid and ways to succeed from a master who has been running one of the most successful multi-farrier practices in the United States for the past forty plus years.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Courtney Diehl, an equine veterinarian who published her book Horse Vet, Chronicles of a Mobile Veterinarian in 2014. She has been an equine veterinarian since 2000. She completed a 12 month internship at a private referral practice in Saratoga Springs, NY working primarily with Thoroughbreds. She then owned and operated a solo equine mobile practice in Eagle, CO until 2007, where she partnered with George Platt, DVM. Dr. Platt and Burney Chapman, CJF, were well know for groundbreaking treatment of laminitis using the heart bar shoe. Dr. Diehl went on to complete a Fellowship in Internal Medicine and Critical Care at Hagyard, Davidson, McGee in Lexington, KY in 2007, before returning to Colorado. Dr. Diehl worked closely with Dr. Platt from 2001 until his death in 2011. Diehl and Platt were co-speakers at the AFA annual conference in Portland, OR in 2009. In 2012, Diehl and Cricket McLaren, CF Successfully treated 'the worst laminitis case of their careers,' not only saving the horse, but returning him to full performance. The case report was published in the July/August 2013 American Farriers Journal. Dr. Diehl has been a speaker at several private clinics on laminitis, and spoke at a No Laminitis! conference in OR. She serves on the board of directors of the Colorado Horse Council. Dr. Diehl enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, riding her horses and skiing the Steamboat powder when she's not out on calls. You'll get a lot out of this interview from this accomplished veterinarian.  

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler discusses what it takes to build a farrier business that consistently produces six figures plus each year. He discusses highlights from his book Six Figure Shoeing and shares stories and insights into what makes farriers successful in their business.  This episode shares valuable insights on the mindset, business systems and skills necessary for farriers to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

Today we are honored to have as our guest, Mark Deesing. Mr. Deesing is a custom-design consultant for Grandin Livestock Handling Systems, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colorado. He has designed handling facilities for all types of livestock and poultry, as well as many wildlife species. Mr. Deesing has also worked with Dr. Temple Grandin on many writing projects (including books), research and facility designs. He has a valuable insight into horse behavior and has written extensively on the topic. He knows the importance of horsemanship for farriers, because he trimmed and shod horses for several years before getting into livestock handling systems and research. To check out chapter 7 in Genetics and Behavior of Domestic Animals, by Dr. Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, you can click here. Mr. Deesing references this chapter several times in the interview.    

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler explains laminitis and how a farrier can recognize its symptoms, diagnose, and treat it. He also explains how farriers and veterinarians should work together to explain the treatment and care to horse owners. In this episode, you'll hear valuable tips, stories, and techniques that will help you treat this condition. You'll also learn how to classify laminitis cases, things you should pay attention to on radiographs, and the best way to discuss treatment options with concerned horse owners.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler discusses a seven point system you can use to discuss cases and work with veterinarians. This discussion of applying advanced anatomy to therapeutic shoeing will give you valuable insights through sound principles and stories about how to take on specific foot diseases as a farrier. You'll get a lot out of this discussion from a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In today's episode, we talk to Dr. Steve Peters, co-author of Evidence Based Horsemanship. Dr. Peters is a Neuroscientist that specializes in brain functioning.He and famous horseman, Martin Black have done a lot of research into understanding the horse's mind. As a horse brain researcher, Dr. Peters has given numerous Equine Brain Science seminars/presentations throughout the U.S. and Canada and performed many horse brain dissections for students. You can check out more about Dr. Peters's work at his website, horsebrainscience.info.  The book and DVD for Evidence Based Horsemanship are available at this website and Martin Black's website, martinblack.net.   If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares insights of how to recognize and treat club feet in horses. He shares techniques, stories, and strategies you can use to deal with this condition. You'll gain valuable insight from his experiences, his mistakes, and his successes that will help you more successfully deal with this condition in the horses you encounter that have a club foot.

In this episode, Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School talks about ways you can improve farrier and client communication by understanding how horse owners and horse professionals think. You'll get a lot of insight from this episode from a previous Farrier Focus Conference.

In this episode, Dr. Rachael Shuster, DVM discusses two cases of successful foot therapeutic teamwork. She uses these case studies to talk about how farriers and veterinarians can improve the way they communicate as they work with horses to improve their lives. You'll get a lot out of this episode on how farriers and veterinarians should work together from a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, Dr. Butler shares lessons he has learned over a lifetime of working with horses and tips that can help you be a better farrier.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Doug Butler about the assessment and treatment of navicular syndrome. You'll learn what causes navicular syndrome and what the farrier can do to ease a horse's pain who has this condition. In Dr. Butler's trademark style, he shares case studies, examples, and insights that will be helpful to you in your daily work.

In this episode, Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School details the pitfalls of accepting responsibility as a farrier over things which you have no control. This talk was given was given at a Farrier Focus conference in 2003.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Eustace shares a myriad of nutraceutical treatments that can be used on a horse's foot and the effects of each. You'll get a lot out of this episode on a technical level about the effect of nutraceuticals on the growth and stability of the hooves of horses.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks about the criteria a farrier should use when selecting which therapeutic shoe option should be utilized for different foot conditions. You'll get a lot out of this episode from a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, Jacob Butler details his experiences with certification testing to help farriers prepare for and do well in the exam. He shares details from his testing experiences that can help beginning farriers understand and avoid the pitfalls to performing well on the day of the certification exam.

In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Rachael Shuster teaches how to read radiographs with foot pathology. You'll get a lot out of this episode discussing this important topic of benefit to farriers and veterinarians from a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, Dr. Frank Gravlee of Life Data Labs and Dr. Doug Butler discuss the treatment of founder. You'll get a lot of great insights from this informative discussion from a previous Farrier Focus conference.

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. Original air date: March 7, 2017 

In this episode, we talk to farrier legend, Ada Gates-Patton of Southern California. Ada shares her experiences in beginning her farrier career in 1971 to becoming the first woman to ever become a licensed racetrack farrier and member of the International Union of Journeyman Shoers in the United States and Canada. She shares some of her experiences in working on the most famous race horses in the United States and other countries. She was the official Farrier Liaison for the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, California. She has been a consultant for many high profile cases all over the world and is an inductee of the Horseshoers Hall of Fame. She received the American Farrier's Association Edward Martin Humanitarian Award in 2008.  Original air date: August 20, 2019

In this episode, farrier Randy Fisher talks about how he moved from being a UPS driver to a successful farrier. He tells his story and shares specific things he does to enhance the relationship and communication he has with each of his clients. 

In today's episode, we are honored to be speaking with Carl Bettison, AWCF with Honors, from Milton Keynes, England. Carl has over 40 years experience shoeing horses.  Over the years, Carl has been greatly involved with the Worshipful Company of Farriers. He passed his Diploma and Associates exams with honors. He later became the Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers for a term.  Carl is the owner and director of Stromsholm, the distributor of Kerckhaert Shoes. Stromsholm also carries a lot of other farrier supplies. Carl has the exclusive Royal Warrant to supply the shoes for Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family. In 2007, Carl also became the owner and director of Gibbins aprons. Carl is a great advocate for farriers whether he is helping with education or getting quality supplies to the farrier.    If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!