Farrier Focus Podcast
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratingsThe Farrier Focus Podcast shares inspiring tips, techniques, and strategies to help farriers unlock the secrets to succeeding in their businesses. With informative interviews, stories, and ideas, you’ll hear real advice on what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
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Episodes
Dr. Frank Gravlee and Dr. Doug Butler Discuss Founder
February 15, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 95 MBIn 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.
How to Recognize and Treat Club Feet in Horses - Dr. Doug Butler
November 13, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MBIn 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.
How Farriers Develop the Ability to See to Better Understand Balance and Shoeing
November 02, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler explains how drawing helps you learn to see so you can do a more efficient shoeing job. He talks about the mind shifts successful farriers make and outlines exercises that can help you be more efficient in your work. He also discusses balance and which dimension is easiest and most difficult for farriers to learn. He also shares stories and experiences about how he learned to see better and the path he took to better understand balance. By understanding the p...
Cushings Disease and Founder Treatment with Dr. Doug Butler
September 22, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 77.7 MBIn this talk given at a Farrier Focus Conference in 2005 in Indiana, Dr. Doug Butler discusses Cushings disease and some principles for treating the laminitis and founder that often follow. Cushings disease is a hormonal imbalance caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain that causes a horse to produce too much ACTH (Adreno Cortico Tropic Hormone) which regulates cortisol levels in the horse. Often, these horses develop long shaggy coats, lose weight and develop laminitis. Trea...
How to Diagnose and Treat Laminitis with Dr. Doug Butler
April 27, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBIn 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 optio...
Interview with World Champion Farrier Steven Beane, FWCF
February 24, 2023 14:31 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBIn this episode, we're privileged to talk with Steven Beane, FWCF of North Yorkshire, England. Steven is a five-time World Champion Blacksmith, three-time European Champion and three-time British National Champion. He has been selected for the English farrier team 16 consecutive years and is a renowned judge and clinician. Steven talks about how he got his start as a farrier, his practice regimen, and why he is so good as a competitor. He shares tips for farriers who want to be better in ...
Dr. Doug Butler - Selecting Therapeutic Shoe Solutions
February 10, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBIn 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.
Secrets of Six Figure Shoers - Dr. Doug Butler
February 02, 2023 10:00 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBIn 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.
How to Increase Your Value and Double Your Income - Dr. Doug Butler
January 19, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares ways you can increase your value and double your income as a farrier. This is from a talk Dr. Butler gave several years ago at a Farrier Focus conference. We hope you will consider the questions and ideas he shares here to improve your skills and increase your value so you can double your income in the next twelve months.
How to Diagnose and Treat Abscesses with Dr. Doug Butler
December 30, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks about how to diagnose and treat abscesses and what a farrier can do when working with a veterinarian to help the horse heal properly. This informative interview includes lessons, stories, and practical principles you can use in your daily work.
Dr. Doug Butler - Principles of Shoeing Gaited Horses
December 15, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 46 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares principles for shoeing gaited horses. He shares numerous lessons he has learned throughout the years of shoeing these horses and specific applications when dealing with club feet and quarter cracks. You'll get a lot of insight from this talk given at a previous Farrier Focus conference based on Dr. Butler's failures and successes with these horses over the years.
Dr. Doug Butler on Navicular Syndrome
December 02, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBIn 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.
Seven Strategies to Prosper in Your Farrier Business - Dr. Doug Butler
November 07, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares seven strategies to help you prosper in your farrier business. He uses the acronym of PROSPER to go through seven specific areas of your business that you must consider and pay attention to in order to grow a more successful and prosperous business. This was given at a talk at a previous Farrier Focus conference several years ago.
Interview with Scottish Farrier Jim Ferrie, FWCF
October 27, 2022 09:00 - 57 minutes - 78.9 MBIn this episode, we talk with Scottish farrier Jim Ferrie. He is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and is also an appointed Examiner and Approved Judge of the Company. He was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame in 2003 in recognition of distinguished accomplishments, achievements and contribution in advancing the farrier industry. He started shoeing in 1969. Jim, and his brother Allan, shoe all types of horses and also both lecture and give forging demons...
Interview with Fran Jurga, Founder of Hoofcare Publishing and Previous Editor of the American Farrier's Journal
October 20, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MBIn this episode, we talk with Fran Jurga of Gloucester, Massachusetts. She is the founder of Hoofcare Publishing, which was established in 1985 to fulfill a growing global demand for information about the horse's foot that could be accessed by equine professionals, especially farriers and veterinarians, around the world. She is also the creator, publisher and editor of Hoofcare and Lameness Journal and her articles can be read at hoofblog.com. You can find over 1700+ articles there that sh...
Interview with Margie Lee-Gustafson, CJF
October 13, 2022 12:11 - 52 minutes - 71.7 MBIn this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and past president of the American Farriers Association, Margie Lee-Gustafson. She and her husband Don are based in Palo Alto, California. We talk about her beginnings as a farrier, lessons and mistakes she made when starting, the value of a multi-farrier practice, her experience as president of the AFA, and numerous experiences from her career. Margie is a fantastic example of service and she shares her perspective about the impor...
Developing Your Powers of Observation - Dr. Doug Butler
October 06, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares his insights in how you can learn to enhance your powers of observation and see more so you an properly diagnose and discuss the work you do with your clients and veterinarians. You'll get a lot out of this episode about the importance of seeing more because you have trained yourself to concentrate and see what others may otherwise miss.
Front Limb Conformation and Unsoundness with Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler
September 29, 2022 15:10 - 55 minutes - 75.8 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler share insights on front limb conformation and unsoundness. You'll get a lot out of this episode on ways you can treat the various unsoundnesses that result front limb conformation deformities. We recommend you use Chapters 20, 22, and 40 from the Principles of Horseshoeing III as a reference when reviewing the information from this podcast episode.
Interview with Pat Burton, CJF
September 22, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MBIn this episode, we talk with Pat Burton, CJF, of south Fort Worth, Texas. He has been shoeing horses since the late 1970s and shares his insights on the fundamentals of horseshoeing, some of his early mentors, his experience of becoming certified, and experiences he has had as a certification tester. You'll gain a lot of valuable advice from Pat on what it takes to build up a successful practice as well as several lessons he learned the hard way that you can use to be successful in your f...
Interview with Allie Hayes of Horse Science
September 08, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBIn this episode, we talk with Allie Hayes of HorseScience.com about how she got started as a farrier, her interest in horse anatomy, and how she began processing horse feet and limbs to help farriers, veterinarians and horse owners see what is really happening inside the foot structures of the horse. She shares some of the lessons she has learned from studying, processing, and teaching anatomy through these invaluable resources. She also details some of the trial and error experiences she ...
Interview with Gerard Laverty, CJF, AWCF
September 01, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBIn this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF, Gerard Laverty. He is the instructor of the Farrier Program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia. He has been shoeing horses for more than 40 years in several different countries.
Interview with Farrier Walter Varcoe of EquineSkeletons.com
August 25, 2022 12:25 - 52 minutes - 72.7 MBIn this episode, we talk with Walter Varcoe about his work as a farrier and his interest in equine skeletons. Walter was a professional rider and equine manager for the New York State Department of Corrections as well as their only farrier until his retirement in July 2006. In addition to his normal duties Walter also served as their equine instructor, teaching inmates the proper care of horses as well as teaching many of the inmates the art of farrier work. This not only allowed the anim...
8 Diseases of the Horse's Foot and Their Treatment - Dr. Doug Butler
August 18, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBIn this episode, you'll hear a discussion that Dr. Doug Butler had with a group of farriers and veterinarians on eight specific foot diseases including abscesses, white line disease, keratoma, canker (and the rare coronitis), quittor, pedal osteitis, osteomyelitis, and low ringbone. These correspond to pictures and additional information that can be found in Chapter 39 of The Principles of Horseshoeing 3 on Diseases of the Horse's Foot. He discussed the DACCT method of studying and describ...
Learning to See and Assess Conformation in Horses - Dr. Doug Butler
July 01, 2022 20:09 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBIn this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares insights to a group of farriers and veterinarians how to look and see conformation deformities and what can be done to help horses that have these different conditions. Dr. Butler shares numerous experiences and techniques on observation that will help you better assess the horses you work with on a daily basis.
Interview with Jim Quick, CJF
June 23, 2022 09:00 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBIn this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Jim Quick of Niwot, Colorado who has been shoeing horses for more than 27 years. Jim shares his start as a farrier, his education at Colorado State University including studying with Dr. Doug Butler in Colorado, his beginnings into competitive shoeing, and lessons he has learned through numerous mentors he has had over the years. He shares insights into what it takes to be the best at this craft in terms of time and practice and...
Interview with Peter Butler, CJF
June 09, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBIn this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Peter Butler about his experiences in becoming a farrier, getting certified, competing, and training horses. Pete shares lessons about teaching students, how students learn differently, the value of understanding the origin of words in mastering anatomy, and experiences with horses over the years. He also shares his experiences of working with and observing horses in Mongolia when he was there fifteen years ago. You'll get a lot out...
Interview with Nate Allen, CJF
May 05, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIn this episode, we talk with certified journeyman farrier Nate Allen. He studied under Dr. Doug Butler at Northwest Missouri State University and Colorado State University. He taught as an instructor at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico for many years. He currently serves as an administrator at Central Community College in south central Nebraska. He has been shoeing horses for more than thirty years and shares lessons he has learned throughout his career, his insights in...
Interview with Farrier and Educator Bob Smith
April 22, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBIn this episode, we talk with Certified Farrier Bob Smith. He is the founder of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School and has been shoeing horses as a professional farrier for more than 43 years. He was inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, KY in 2010. Bob has authored many articles published in leading equine magazines such as Practical Horseman, Dressage Today, and the American Farriers Journal. You'll get a lot out of this episod...
Interview with Bryan Farcus
March 04, 2022 10:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBIn this episode, we talk with farrier Bryan Farcus of Athens, Ohio. Bryan was a director/instructor of a farrier program at Meredith Manor Equestrian Centre in Waverly, WV for 14 years. In addition, Bryan was an adjunct farrier instructor for Hocking College in Nelsonville, OH for 6 years, and breifly served as a guest instructor for an Equine Science program at Salem International University in Salem, WV. Bryan's other accomplishments include both a Master of Arts degree with a specializatio...
Interview with FIA President and GE Forge and Tool Representative Dan Bradley
February 25, 2022 10:15 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MBIn this episode, we talk with FIA President and GE Forge and Tool Representative Dan Bradley. He was recently inducted into the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame and has been shoeing horses for more than 43 years. Dan talks about lessons he has learned through the years, insights into the history of tools and manufacturing, how he developed the specialty of working and shoeing with aluminum, some of his most memorable experiences, and his views on licensing and certification.
Interview with Todd Allen, CJF
February 18, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 86 MBIn 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 lear...
Interview with Farrier Legend Lee Green
January 21, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MBIn 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.
Dr. Doug Butler - Horsemanship for Farriers
January 15, 2022 21:53 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBIn 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.
Interview with Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF
December 30, 2021 22:17 - 56 minutes - 78.2 MBIn 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.
Interview with Dr. Simon Curtis, FWCF, Ph.D.
December 04, 2021 02:59 - 1 hour - 98.7 MBIn 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 Roy...
Interview with Dennis Manning, CJF
November 12, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBIn 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....
Interview with Farrier Legend Dr. Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF
November 05, 2021 20:55 - 53 minutes - 74 MBIn 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.
Interview with Myron McLane, CJF
October 29, 2021 15:12 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBToday, 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 f...
Interview with Henry Heymering, CJF - Founder of the American Farrier's Journal
October 19, 2021 09:00 - 45 minutes - 62.4 MBIn 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.
Interview With Farrier Legend Lee Liles
October 16, 2021 00:43 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIn 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.
Interview with Farrier Legend Jim Poor, CJF
September 30, 2021 14:31 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBIn 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 compet...
Interview with Farrier Legend Steve Kraus
September 02, 2021 15:45 - 1 hour - 99.3 MBIn 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 ...
Interview with Farrier Legend Rusty Brown
August 20, 2021 20:17 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBIn 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.
Interview with Farrier Legend Ken Mankel
August 11, 2021 16:39 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBIn 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.
Interview with Farrier Legend Bob Marshall
August 03, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBIn 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.
Interview with Farrier Legend Randy Luikart
July 29, 2021 21:34 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBIn 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.
Interview with Farrier Legend Bill Miller
July 06, 2021 17:02 - 1 hour - 109 MBIn 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.
Interview with Farrier Del Slaugh
May 11, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBIn 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.
Interview with Terry Stever
April 20, 2021 09:00 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBIn 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.
Interview with Eric Nygaard, CJF
March 30, 2021 09:00 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBIn 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.