The Farrier Project

Journey through farriery's evolution with Mac Head, Fellow and past master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.In this extensive conversation, Mac shares his remarkable career spanning from a 1963 apprenticeship with his blacksmith father through to founding MNC Horseshoes. He offers candid insights on how farriery transformed from a "joke" and "dead trade" in the 1960s to today's profession, explores the challenges of pricing and volume work, and discusses the critical lack of competent horsemanship in modern equestrian culture.The discussion covers manufacturing horseshoes and nails, the transition from handmade to factory shoes, the importance of pitch and fit, training apprentices versus postgraduates, and working relationships between farriers and veterinarians. Mac also shares fascinating historical perspectives on shoe styles from Fitzwygram to Chapman's heart bar, the barefoot movement and "Dr. Green," and why every farrier should always jog horses up after shoeing.A must-listen for farriers at any career stage seeking wisdom from someone who's witnessed and shaped the industry's transformation over six decades.

Jay Tovey and co-host Mark Trussler interview New Zealand–born farrier Andrew “Kiwi” Nickalls. He is now based in Dorset, and the guys ask about his background, WCF diploma, shoemaking competitions, and his long involvement with Team New Zealand (including five World Games and four Olympic Games, stepping down in 2019). Nickalls discusses why he values the Worshipful Company of Farriers diploma and apprenticeship training, emphasizing shoemaking as essential. The main topic is shoeing event horses: managing long-term soundness, avoiding radical changes, prioritizing hoof capsule preservation, and using simple concave shoes where possible, with shoes removed after major season goals for recovery. He explains competition planning, stud placement (generally two per shoe and sometimes a third behind), and adapting balance without excessive sole removal or heavy extensions. He closes with a tip to focus on nailing to the white line and shoemaking fundamentals.

Mark Trussler and Jay Tovey introduce The Farrier Project podcast and interview UK farrier Andrew Bowyer about his background, including apprenticeship with Haydn Price, overseas work (New Zealand, Australia, Mexico), hobbies, and roles as a Worshipful Company of Farriers Fellow and examiner, Approved Training Farrier, Devon County Show c0-organizer, and former Team GB farrier through the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. The main discussion focuses on Sidebone: Andrew Bowyer explains how his interest grew from high-performance cases, how feedback from his Fellowship thesis challenged his use of packing, and how dissections and a pilot X-ray loading study informed his thinking. He describes collateral cartilage anatomy, ligament connections, diagnostic radiographic views, possible links to navicular suspensory injuries, and how different shoeing options (barshoes, spider plates, pour-in packing, impression material etc) can affect PIII position, hoof mechanics, and outcomes, stressing the importance of individual diagnosis andf treatment. He closes with tips on efficient van setup and maintaining hobbies and wellbeing.

Understanding the Impact of Frog Support Pads in FarrieryIn this episode of The Farrier Project, hosts Jay Tovey and Mark Trussler discuss the evolution and applications of frog support pads in farriery with special guest, Andrew Casserly. They explore historical use, personal experiences, and the results of Andrew's FWCF thesis study on the efficacy of frog support pads and packing materials. The conversation covers the challenges and benefits of using these pads, the importance of proper hoof care, and the balancing act between preventing and treating hoof issues. They also delve into the impact of environmental and hereditary factors on hoof health and the need for ongoing education and innovation in farriery practices. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion on Andrew's nickname and a reflection on the importance of documenting and sharing knowledge in the farriery community.

In this episode, hosts Mark Trussler and Jay Tovey, along with special guest Ian 'Spud' Allison, delve into the intricate and methodical world of shoemaking. Spud shares his extensive experience with various types of horses, including sport horses and racehorses, shedding light on the adjustments he's had to make due to changes in the industry, such as Brexit. The discussion highlights the importance of consistent methods in shoemaking, the debate between handmade and machine-made shoes, and the vital role of shape and pitch in forging durable, effective shoes. Spud also emphasizes the traditional skills and techniques passed down in farriery and the potential implications of removing shoemaking from entry-level exams. The episode concludes with practical tips and advice for aspiring farriers and a reflection on the importance of making life easier for the horse to ensure better performance and longevity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuanced craft of farriery and the blend of tradition and modernity in shoemaking.

An introduction to the new and exciting farriery podcast. This podcast series will explore all subjects related to farriery, hosted by Mark Trussler and Jay Tovey with special guests.