Mullins Farrier Podcast

In this weeks episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, Andrew Casserly of East Sussex takes us through a lifetime in farriery—from first hearing Michael Soo at the forge at 15, to a four-year apprenticeship making and fitting handmade shoes, and on to a career spanning competition, education, and examination. He shares his path through the qualifications, earning his AWCF and later his Fellowship at 60, along with the research behind his thesis on frog support and palmar angle. Andrew also reflects on teaching 18 apprentices—including his sons—and what it's meant to spend five decades in the trade. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

In this episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, Tom Smith, a farrier from South England and former chair of the Farriers Registration Council, discusses why he created Forge Smart after seeing farriers struggle with long hours, tight margins, and pricing confidence. He shares practical insight on understanding true costs, communicating value to clients, and implementing sustainable price increases to support both business success and work–life balance. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For access to other full length episodes: www.mullinsfarrier.supercast.com For more information on the courses www.forgesmart.co.uk

From horse-crazy kid to Certified Journeyman Farrier, Jennifer DePollo Horn's path into the trade wasn't exactly traditional - but it was meant to be. In this episode, Jennifer shares how an unexpected push from a high school teacher set her on a lifelong career in farriery, the challenges she faced along the way, and the mentors who helped shape her into the professional she is today. We talk about the value of certification, the artistry behind the craft, her passion for blacksmithing, and the importance of giving back through teaching and mentorship within the farrier community. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For access to the full length episode, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Wolfenden, a farrier from Halifax, West Yorkshire, with 17 years in the trade. Sam shares his journey starting out under his father, working on everything from show horses to riding school horses, and how he unexpectedly found a second career on social media. From hesitant first posts to millions of views on TikTok, Sam talks about consistency, staying authentic, and why kindness toward the horse always comes first. We also dive into balancing traditional farrier work with a growing digital presence—and the challenges and surprises that come with it. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For access to full length episodes, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In part 2 of Ask Brian Anything hosted by Lee Olsen CJF, Lee and Brian cover more listener submitted questions. They discuss why Brian started the podcast in the first place, what future retirement looks like for him, the negative plantar angle epidemic, and many other topics. To see the many farrier resources Lee Olsen has on offer, go to www.olsenequine.com To subscribe and support the podcast go to: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this first of two "Ask Brian Anything" episodes, the tables have turned. With questions submitted by farriers and listeners from the community, I sit down with my good friend Lee Olsen CJF and dive into numerous topics about my career path, continuing education, the hot vs. cold shoeing debate, and the importance of mentorship and setting goals in the trade. It's a wide-ranging conversation shaped by the farrier community and the questions you wanted answered. For access to full episodes and to support the podcast, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com To see more of what Lee has been up to: olsenequine.com

In the final episode of 2025, I talk with Jake Fivecoate CJF, from Northern Colorado, who shares his experience taking part in the Edward Martin Cultural Exchange across Scandinavia. Jake talks about the application process, earning his journeyman certification, and what it was like working in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. He reflects on adapting to different techniques and tools, winning a team shoeing contest in Denmark, and how the experience shaped both his skills and outlook on the profession. We also touch on his goal of keeping his business small to preserve the freedom to keep traveling and learning. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

In this episode, I sit down with Manuel (Manny) Gutierrez of Farrier MX, to talk about his path from growing up in poverty in Monterrey to running a successful farrier supply company in Mexico. Manny explains how he moved from the sugar and chocolate industries into farrier supplies after spotting a gap in the market, and what it took to build something from the ground up. We get into his efforts to support and professionalize the farrier industry in Mexico, his approach to money and goal-setting, and the mindset that helped him move forward when the odds weren't in his favour. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For full length episodes please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Trussler FWCF, Jay Tovey FWCF, and Simon Curtis FWCF to explore the story behind their new farrier textbook, Farrier Skills and Knowledge - A comprehensive textbook on hoof care - from how the idea first came into being at a clinic to the collaboration that brought it to life. They share their backgrounds, the challenges of balancing writing with work and family, and what it took to manage all the components of the book's creation. We also get into the realities of publishing, tight timelines, and the unique features of this farrier textbook. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Get your own copy of the book here: www.farrierybooks.com Subscribe for full length episodes here: www.mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, I sit down with Billy Bleach DipWCF, a Norfolk-based farrier with a deep passion for working with heavy horses. Billy shares his journey from discovering farriery at a young age to mastering the art of crafting handmade shoes tailored to each horse's unique needs. He discusses the importance of early hoof care, his approach to training young horses, and his drive to inspire the next generation of farriers. From competition stories to shop talk, this conversation offers a genuine look into the craftsmanship and care behind the trade. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

In this 'Farrier Phone a Friend' episode, I sit down with Mike Mehak CF, President of the Ontario Farriers Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about the craft and community of farriery. We talk about the upcoming Royal Canadian Horseshoeing Classic, the day-to-day challenges farriers face, building better client relationships, and finding balance between work and life. Mike also shares insights on tools, conventions, and the value of continuous learning within the trade. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For access to more fll episodes like this one, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com For more information on the Ontario Farrier's Association and their upcoming events, check them out here: ontariofarriers.ca

In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier Riley Mickelsen shares how growing up around horses in Idaho put him on a path that shifted from veterinary ambitions to farriery, thanks to his love of working with his hands. He talks about the five years he spent in Mexico, including missionary work, and how returning to the U.S. led him to train in Oklahoma, co-own a farrier school, and eventually build his own successful program in Idaho. Riley reflects on expanding into Mexico, the challenges of running a business across borders, the importance of work ethic in students today, and how social media has helped him reach farriers worldwide. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For access to the full this episode and many others, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, I sit down with veteran farrier Mac Head of Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire. The conversation explores Mac's journey from his father's post-WWII blacksmith business to a long and varied career in farriery and horseshoe manufacturing. He shares insights into his time with the Worshipful Company of Farriers, his approach to designing shoes for the English market, and the evolution of horse care over the decades. Also included is a valuable business tip from Andrew DeVisser of Fletcher Forge and Tool on the lifetime cost of tools. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For access to the full episode, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this FREE FULL LENGTH episode, John Harshbarger from Amarillo, Texas, talks about his journey in the farrier supply business - from his early days running a local feed store to building a national operation. He shares insights on customer service, adapting to regional needs, and growing through challenges like the pandemic. John also reflects on acquiring two anvil manufacturing companies and his continued passion for farrier competitions and the industry as a whole. For more full length episodes, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, Mark Humphrey AWCF ATF reflects on his experiences at the Focus convention and international farriery competitions, where he reconnected with peers and deepened his craft. He shares insights on the AWCF journey, the importance of continued education, and the evolving techniques that shape modern farriery. Mark also discusses his approach to teaching, research, and the value of community in advancing the trade. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For full length episodes, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, Jay Tovey FWCF and Gavin Golby AWCF share their journeys in farriery, from their early days in the trade to becoming tutors and mentors. They talk about the challenges they faced, the importance of competition and continuous learning, and how education has shaped their careers. They also discuss Farriery Tuition, a supplementary educational resource for farriers who want to pursue higher exams or just improve their everyday work. As a participant in one of the Farriery Tuition shoemaking days with Spud Allison, I can personally attest to the value their clinics offer. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did... You can sign up for future clinics here: farrierytuition.com Subscribe for full episodes: Mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

It's a way back play back! We're re-releasing this episode with Dr. Sarah Cohen of Equity Performance Equine, based in Wellington FL, in anticipation of the NAEP's Saratoga Conference coming up next week. In this episode Dr. Sarah and I discuss her path to becoming a Vet, her concierge style practice in Wellington Florida, the NAEP and why she became a part of its board, as well as many other topics. Sarah shares a lot of great information in this episode. It's worth a re-listen for long time followers and it's a great first time listen too! I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Sign up for the conference today thenaep.com