Andrew Nickalls - Shoeing the Event Horse

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.