Farrier Focus Podcast

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.

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 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

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, 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, 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, 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, farrier instructor Jacob Butler explains how to teach lower leg and foot anatomy of horses to farriers. You'll get a lot of insight on the specific ways you can learn and master this important skill so you can explain what is going on to the horse owners you work with on a daily basis.

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler teaches the process by which he teaches farriers to learn forging skills. He explains the exercises and skill levels by which farriers learn and the process of getting good at this critical skill area. You'll learn a lot about the teaching process and the process of forging from this episode.

In today's episode, our guest is Rose-Marie Clark from Sweden. She has over 40 years experience shoeing horses and has worked with many different disciplines and breeds including: trotting horses, race horses, thoroughbreds and Icelandic ponies. Rose-Marie is the inventor of the Rose Foal Shoe, a shoe that is designed to help foals with conformation problems; to develop normally and without lameness issues. The patented Rose Foal Shoe is designed so that it can be modified for many different scenarios, eliminating the need to carry a lot of different types of corrective shoes in the farrier's truck. It's also orange so it's easier to find if/when the foal loses it! Rose-Marie teaches and gives lectures all over the world about corrective shoeing for young foals. She is a great innovator in our industry. Check out her website where you can see photos of foals she has helped at cfarrier.se. Watch this video about how to use the Rose Foal Shoe. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In today's episode, we talk to World Champion Farrier Legend Jim Blurton, AWCF from Forden, Wales in the United Kingdom. Jim has been a practicing farrier for over 40 years. He has competed in and won numerous national and international competitions. He's won over 200 competitions worldwide, including when he became World Champion at Calgary in 2005. Jim now runs a multi-farrier practice where he employs 10 farriers and he shoes for some of England's most prestigious and successful Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage yards. He's also regularly asked to consult for veterinary practices. Jim also makes high quality farrier tools that are exported worldwide and Jim Blurton Specialist horseshoes was established in 2007 and has quickly become the world's leading supplier of quality remedial shoes --- shoes that are designed to help horses recover from the different stresses of competition and everyday problems. You can purchase these tools and shoes at jimblurton.co.uk. Jim is a popular clinician and has been everywhere from Europe to the United States to the Middle and Far East. In 2012 and 2016, he was the lead farrier for the London and Rio Olympics. He's an Equine Podiatrist, Quality Craftsman and Farrier Legend. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In today's episode, we talk to ABS Master Bladesmith Jason Knight from East Tennessee. Jason has over 30 years experience making blades. He earned his ABS Mastersmith rating along with the B.R. Hughes Award for the best knife by a Mastersmith candidate in 2007. His blades are unique and recognized throughout the world. His blades are some of the most sought after in the industry today. Jason Knight appeared as one of the judges on the History Channel's Forged in Fire Series in 2016. Jason has won several awards including the 2017 Knife Collaboration of the Year, 2012 Best Bowie Knife, 2010 Battle of the Bladesmiths Champion and 2008 Blade Magazine's Best Bowie Knife of the Year. Jason has a YouTube channel, a podcast called Beyond the Edge of Knight, and you can follow him on Instagram as well. Jason teaches classes on bladesmithing, including an online class entitled the Forged Series. You can check out more details about these courses at knightforgestudio.com. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, we talk to Grant Moon of Derbyshire, England. Grant is a 6 time world champion at Calgary; he's won numerous horseshoeing and forging competitions all over the world and he recently achieved his Fellowship in the Worshipful Company of Farriers – the highest qualification that you can get in farriery. We discuss what he did for his thesis in hoof mapping and the accuracy of using external landmarks to localize internal structures in the equine hoof. Grant is a favorite guest speaker and clinician at conventions and clinics all over the world. He has done many instructional videos on Mustad's YouTube channel where he shows how to make shoes and shows the tips and tricks of the trade that make the job easier. Also, partnered with Mustad, he's started a new tool line that you can check out and purchase at mustad.com under GDM tools. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In today's episode, we talk to Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin is a world-renowned author and speaker on animal behavior, autism and education. She is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She also has a successful career consulting on both livestock handling equipment design and animal welfare. Dr. Grandin has appeared on National TV shows like Larry King Live, 20/20, Sixty Minutes, Fox and Friends and many others. Articles about Dr. Grandin have been published in Time Magazine, New York Times, Discover Magazine, Forbes, USA Today and many others. HBO made an Emmy Award winning movie about her life and she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016. In this episode, Dr. Grandin talks about why skilled trades like horseshoeing are so important. She also gives some insights into how horses think and how farriers can ensure a positive experience for the horse during the farrier's visit. Later, she discusses some of her research and the different learning styles we all have. You can learn more about her and her research and buy her books at templegrandin.com and grandin.com 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In today's episode, we talk to Brian Brazeal. Brian is well-known for his innovative blacksmithing. Tools like the Brazeal style hammer, Brazeal hammer tongs, Brazeal style hot cut hardy and the Brazeal striking anvil are all innovations that many blacksmiths and farriers use today. Beginning his career as a farrier, Brian later transitioned to a full-time blacksmith; a career he has been at for the last 40 years. Brian has taught numerous clinics all over the world. You may have also seen several of his instructional videos on YouTube. In this episode, he talks about making tools, blacksmithing techniques, his passion for passing on the craft to the next generation and his experiences teaching all over the world. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, Dr. Butler explains the evolution of the six stages of farrier education and how you can use lessons from his life to learn faster and more efficiently as you master the craft. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In today's episode, we we talk to acclaimed horseman, clinician and author, Martin Black of Bruneau, Idaho. He is famous for his many educational books and DVDS on Vaquero-style horsemanship. This includes the Western Horseman Book, Cow-Horse Confidence. Recently, he also co-authored a book with Dr. Steve Peters, Evidence-Based Horsemanship. He has worked on ranches in Idaho, Nevada and California. He has worked with some of the top horsemen and bridlemen, Paul Black, Charlie and Bill Van Norman, Ray Hunt, Gene Lewis, Melvin Jones, Tom Dorrance, and Tom Marvel. In this episode, he talks about the importance of horsemanship in all aspects of interacting with horses; including trimming and shoeing. He shares his philosophies in communicating with horses to get the most out of the horse/horseman relationship. Martin has helped everyone from recreational riders to top horse-trainers in cutting, reining and racing, cowboys, cow-horse competitors, ropers, show-jumpers, and eventers. You can find out more about Martin Black and purchase his educational materials at 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, we interview farrier legend Don Jones who has been shoeing horses for more than fifty-three years. He was a former farrier school instructor for more than eight years and also founded NC Tool. He started his career as a barber and married the daughter of a blacksmith (whose family had been shoeing for six generations). You'll get a lot of valuable advice and insights from this expert blacksmith and farrier.

Today our guest is Dr. Adam Pendleton. He is the seventh person to achieve the designation of Veterinarian and Certified Jouneyman Farrier. Dr. Pendleton began his shoeing career at a young age. He became a Certified Farrier at age 15 and Certified Journeyman Farrier at age 19. Dr. Pendleton graduated from Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. He opened his vet practice in 2014 called Handforged Vet. He specializes in athletic horse medicine, podiatry and lameness issues. His practice also includes general field ambulatory services and surgeries such as dentistry, lameness and gait analysis, pre-purchase exams, acupuncture and complimentary medicine. In this episode, we talk about his experiences as a farrier and as a veterinarian and the unique perspective he has to treat horses from different vantage points. You can check out his website at handforgedvet.com. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In today's episode we talk to Dr. Maarten Oosterlinck from Belgium. Dr. Oosterlinck graduated from Ghent University in 2004 and has gained extensive experience in equine orthopaedics and surgery at the department of surgery and anaesthesiology. He is a member of the faculty of veterinary medicine of Ghent University. Dr. Oosterlinck earned his PhD on the use of pressure plate analysis for the objective evaluation of equine locomotion in 2011. He went on to perform a residency and in 2014, he passed the qualifying exam of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2018, he became diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. In this episode, Dr. Oosterlinck talks about several of the research projects that he has been involved in, including: pressure plate gait analysis, lameness, canker, and the split toe shoe. Dr. Oosterlinck has published on a variety of equine orthopaedic and surgical topics in peer-reviewed journals, and he lectures regularly at international courses and conferences. He is a scientific editor for Equine Veterinary Journal and a member of the editorial board of The Veterinary Journal and Equine Veterinary Education. In his current position as a postdoctoral staff member, Maarten's daily clinical work is focused on equine orthopaedics, gait analysis, podiatry and surgery, while enjoying clinically orientated research, and lecturing and consulting about various topics in his field of expertise.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Eustace details his treatment methods for laminitis and other serious foot diseases from a talk that was given at a previous Farrier Focus Conference.

In today's episode, we talk to farrier legend, Shayne Carter. Shayne is Certified Journeyman Farrier and a Master Bladesmith. In 1984, Shayne was the first American to win the World Champion Blacksmith Competition (WCBC) held in conjunction with the Calgary Stampede. Shayne is still the youngest participant to win the WCBC title at age 23. Over the years, Shayne has been very active in competitions. Winning spots on the American Farriers Team in 1986,1988,1990,1993, 1997, and 1998. Shayne travels all over the world teaching clinics to other farriers horsehoeing skills, blacksmithing, and knife and tool making. He is an exceptional blacksmith. In 1998, Shayne received the Jim Linzy Outstanding Clinician Award. In 2000, Shayne was voted "Farrier Industry Legend". This was awarded to the top 25 most influential contributors to the farrier industry. In 2003 Shayne was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. Recently, Shayne passed his test to become a Master Bladesmith with the American Bladesmith Society. Shayne's knives have become well-known for their exceptional functionality and beautiful designs. He competed (twice!) in and won the popular show Forged in Fire in season three. You can see pictures of Shayne's knives, tools and other work on his Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages. He also has videos on his YouTube channel. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shayne.carter.98 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaynecarterknives/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFSi_L6DoIzV8mDFJHhDUVQ 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Ann Swinker, PhD about her experiences in the horse industry as an academic researcher, state extension horse specialist and professor of equine science. She has also been involved in breeding, training, marketing, importing and showing horses. In this interview, Dr. Swinker talks several topics of interest inlcluding: horse nutrition, importance of getting feed analyzed, environmental stewardship, selenium toxicity and deficiency in horses, laminitis, micro-chipping horses and other research projects that she has been involved in. Dr. Swinker holds a Masters degree in Animal Science from Penn State and a PhD in Agricultural Sciences from West Virginia University. She has served as the Extension Horse Specialist at Colorado State University and a professor of Equine Science. She most recently has been the Extension Horse Specialist and Associate Professor of Equine Sciences at Penn State University. At Penn State she was involved in the development of a number of major programs on behalf of their Extension Programs. Most notably the "Equine Environmental Stewardship Program," which has been recognized as one of the top programs in the nation, of which she is co-founder and chair. Dr. Swinker was named "Horse Person of the Year in 2001 by the Colorado Equine Council. She was awarded the American Horse Council Marjorie Van Ness Award in 2016 for her leadership and service to the horse community. She has served on several research committees and has authored several refereed papers, abstracts/proceedings, and popular press articles. Though she retired from teaching at Penn State University in 2017, she remains dedicated to horse care and education as she continues to conduct workshops, presentations and clinics each year. She and her husband own and breed Arabian, Trakehner Horses and raise Hereford cattle in Pennsylvania. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, taken from a talk that Dr. Doug Butler gave at Farrier Focus Conference at Centaur Forge in Burlington Wisconsin, Dr. Butler talks about different types of anvils. He discusses: use and location, height and position, anvil stands, and stance and safety. The anvil is one of the most important tools a farrier has to ensure accurate fitting and proper modification of shoes. Dr. Butler talks about the most important factors to consider when deciding what type of anvil to get when starting out. 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

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 55 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. Original air date: January 31, 2017 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler discusses the seven stages of applied learning in horseshoeing and how you can use these to better assess and teach those who are students, apprentices, or horseshoeing clients. You'll get a lot of insight about teaching from this discussion that Dr. Butler led in a previous Farrier Focus conference.

In this episode, I share ten questions that reveal what it takes to raise your farrier business to the next level. I hope these stories, ideas, and questions help you evaluate where you are at in the growth of your farrier business and what it will take to grow your business to the next level.

Sadly, we lost John Marino this year on March 18, 2019. He was 84 years old. We had the opportunity to interview him for the Farrier Focus Podcast in June of 2018. Today, we are re-airing this podcast (June 19, 2018) to commemorate this great man. In this episode, 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. Original Air Date: June 19, 2018.

In today's episode we talk to Dr. Doug Butler and Dr. Courtney Diehl, DVM to address a question about clogs vs. heartbar shoes. Later, we talk to Leslee Connell Schwartz, daughter of famous horseman, Ed Connell. Ed Connell wrote the books, Hackamore Reinsman, Reinsman of the West – Bridles and Bits, and Vaquero Style Horsemanship. These books are well known among true horsemen and women all over the world. Ed was also a major contributor to Western Horseman for years. Leslee tells some great stories about the life of Ed Connell and some of the history of his books and training techniques. You can purchase Ed Connell's books at: https://martinblack.net/product-category/dvds/books 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 [email protected]. We might even feature your email in a future episode!