Farrier Focus Podcast

Dr. Doug Butler - Understanding Anatomy of the Horse's Foot - Part 1

December 25, 2018 10:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MB

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares the importance of understanding the anatomy of the horse's foot. He compares the work that mechanics do for an automobile with what a farrier does when shoeing a horse. This episode shares Dr. Butler's thoughts on the importance of studying and mastering anatomy as farriers. This may be a great review of the structures of the horse's foot or a great start to learning the foot anatomy that will benefit you each day of your farrier career.

Interview with German Farrier Jürgen Gotthardt, BSc., AWCF, APF-1

December 18, 2018 10:00 - 47 minutes - 64.9 MB

In this episode, we talk with German farrier Jürgen Gotthardt who lives between Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany. He has been a farrier since 1982. Jürgen shares his story of how he got started, his unique gait analysis system, and numerous lessons he has learned in the trenches working with horses and gaining certifications from mentors around the world.

Dr. Doug Butler - Balancing High Tech Horseshoeing Solutions with Traditional Techniques

December 11, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 131 MB

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks to a group of farrier and veterinarians about how to balance high tech horseshoeing solutions with traditional techniques. Dr. Butler begins by sharing numerous experiences from his beginnings in horseshoeing as well as lessons he has learned over the years from teaching farriers and veterinarians. This episode is sponsored by Life Data Labs, Inc. (https://lifedatalabs.com) and by Butler Professional Farrier School. You can apply to attend upcoming cl...

Interview with Jim LaClaire, CF

December 04, 2018 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Farrier Jim LaClaire from Pensacola, Florida. He has been shoeing horses for 40 years since he started in 1979. Jim shares how he got started shoeing horses while serving for twenty years in the Navy and shares numerous lessons he learned from early mentors, experiences from shoeing horses on naval bases around the world and his perspective on the importance of continuing education. He also shares experiences from being a part of the Equine Locomotor...

Interview with Jack Millman, CJF, Dip.WCF, APF

November 27, 2018 10:00 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MB

In this episode, we talk with Jack Millman, of Worthington, Massachusetts. He is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, has a Diploma from the Worshipful Company of Farriers, and holds the APF designation from the Professional Farriers Association. He began shoeing horses in 1976 and has been shoeing now for more than 42 years. Jack shares his story about how he left the advertising industry, studied horseshoeing in Oregon, and numerous stories from his early mentors. He also shares lessons from ...

Interview with Austin Edens, CJF

November 20, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.7 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Austin Edens, from Dripping Springs, Texas. He is widely known as one of the most successful and consistent international farrier competitors in history (including being World Champion) and a popular judge. Austin’s farrier work today is centered on a sport horse client list and challenging veterinary collaborations. He has been shoeing horses since 1995 and has been working as a farrier, clinician, toolmaker, and contest judge fo...

Interview with Canadian Farrier Paul Thibodeau

November 13, 2018 10:00 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MB

In this episode, we interview Canadian farrier Paul Thibodeau of Port Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada. He attended Eastern School of Farriery in Martinsville, Virginia with Danny Ward. Paul shares his story about how he got started, lessons he has learned over 35+ years of shoeing horses, and memorable stories from his career of shoeing all over Nova Scotia.

Interview with Chris Madrid, CJF

November 06, 2018 10:00 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Chris Madrid, of Stanley, New Mexico (which is 40 miles east of Albuquerque). He studied horseshoeing for two years at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico with Nate Allen and Jacob Butler. He has been shoeing horses for more than 14 years. Chris tells his story about how he got started as a farrier, his lessons from competitions and getting the journeyman certification, as well as numerous stories and lessons from...

Interview with Jennifer DePollo Horn, CJF

October 30, 2018 16:36 - 1 hour - 86 MB

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Jennifer DePollo Horn of Northern Michigan. She has been shoeing horses for more than 26 years. In addition to her career as a horseshoer she is also a highly creative artist-blacksmith. She has been an active member of the Executive Board of the Michigan Horseshoers Association for many years. Next year will be the 50th year for the MHA and it’s annual contest and clinic. In this episode, Jennifer shares how she...

Interview with Scott Davidson, CJF

October 23, 2018 09:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Scott Davidson of Nine Mile Falls, Washington (just outside of Spokane, Washington) and Tucscon, Arizona. He has been shoeing horses since 1971 for more than 47 years. Scott shares how he got his start by studying under Scott Simpson, his experiences on the North American Horseshoeing Team in 1986 and 1989, and numerous experiences and lessons he has learned throughout his career.

Interview with Brent Chidsey, Founder of Stonewell and Bay Horse Innovations

October 16, 2018 09:00 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MB

In this episode, we talk with Brent Chidsey of Cynthiana, Kentucky. He is the founder of Stone Well Bodies & Equipment and Bay Horse Innovations. Brent is a manufacturer and supplier of a wide variety of farrier rigs and has been involved in the farrier industry for more than 28 years. In this wide ranging interview, he tells his story about how he got started shoeing horses and making rigs for farriers. In particular, Brent shares insights into how farriers should think about their rig...

Interview with Farrier Dani Rueter

October 02, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes - 59.3 MB

In this episode, we talk with Dani Rueter of Paulina, Iowa. She has been shoeing horses for eight years. Dani talks about her beginnings as a farrier, her experiences at Butler Professional Farrier School, business lessons she has learned, and her thoughts about what it takes to succeed in the farrier profession.

Interview with Shane Allen, CJF

September 25, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Shane Allen of Ocala, Florida who has been shoeing horses for 35 years. He started shoeing horses in 1982 while studying at Northwest Missouri State University under Dr. Doug Butler. Shane shares his story about how he got started, lessons he has learned as a farrier, the differences between feet in Florida and Pennsylvania, how he ran his farrier business in several states for years, his thoughts on balance in life and with horses...

Interview with Farrier Legend Gunner Gatski

September 11, 2018 09:00 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MB

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with farrier legend Gunner Gatski of San Diego, California. He has been shoeing horses for 55 years. Gunner shares his story of how he got started as a farrier in the army, memorable stories from his career including "The Horse with the Golden Shoes", "The Polish Chicken" and numerous other funny stories and memorable experiences. Gunner shares the origin of the Gunner Hammer and highlights from his life and career as well as his predictions and ...

Interview with Icelandic and Swedish Farrier Steindor Thorrison

September 04, 2018 12:28 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MB

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with farrier Steindor Thorisson, who lives in Sweden, but is originally from Iceland. He shares observations about Icelandic horses, their gait and observations about the farrier business in Iceland and Sweden. He also shares how he got his start, his schooling at Butler Professional Farrier School and the commitment it takes to master this craft. He shares business lessons and his thoughts about the future of licensing in the farrier business, bas...

Interview with Wayne Preece, FWCF

August 21, 2018 09:00 - 50 minutes - 69.3 MB

In this episode, we talk with farrier Wayne Preece, FWCF of the Midlands of England. He has been shoeing horses for more than thirty-three years. Wayne shares lessons he learned from teaching at Hereford College and some of the biggest mistakes he has seen beginning farriers and competitors make from his years of teaching and judging competitions. He also shares numerous lessons from his years of experience of being a farrier in the United Kingdom and why horsemanship is such a vital ski...

A Look Back at Lessons Learned from the First 100 Episodes of the Farrier Focus Podcast and Insights on Learning & Studying Anatomy

August 14, 2018 09:00 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MB

Today marks a special milestone in that this is the 100th Episode released of the Farrier Focus Podcast. To celebrate this historic moment, Dr. Doug Butler, Jacob Butler, Peter Butler and I reflect on lessons that have been learned and some of our favorite insights and stories that have been shared as we have talked with farriers from around the world. This episode shares some lessons that you may want to go back and listen to again (or for the first time) that can help you be a better fa...

Interview with Israeli Farrier Eli Atiya

August 07, 2018 09:00 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MB

In this episode, we talk with Eli Atiya, a farrier from Golan Heights, Israel. He has been shoeing horses for 6 years since he graduated from Butler Professional Farrier School. Eli shares lessons he learned in school, the value of a professional education, the importance of continually learning and some of his most memorable experiences. You'll learn a lot about how Eli has built his business, tips he uses to be more efficient and the keys that have been most important for him in building...

Interview with Blacksmith, Farrier and Toolmaker Robert Shepherd

July 31, 2018 09:00 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MB

In this episode, we talk with Robert Shepherd from the north Birmingham, Alabama area. He has been a blacksmith, tool maker, welder and farrier since 1987. Robert shares how he got his start, his experiences studying under Dr. Doug Butler at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri and lessons he has learned about making tools and Damascus knives.

Turning Points and My Observations on Great Achievements in the Farrier Business - Dr. Doug Butler

July 24, 2018 09:00 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MB

In this episode, Dr. Butler talks to a group of farriers about turning points in his career and his observations on great achievements in the farrier business. He shares numerous stories and historical insights into how numerous products and techniques have been developed that give a greater understanding to what farriers do everyday. You'll learn many tips on what it takes to master this craft and the historical importance of the most valuable tools and techniques that have been developed...

Balance and Priorities - Rollie Gallego, CJF

July 17, 2018 09:00 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MB

In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier Rollie Gallego of Waialua, Hawaii shares his thoughts and observations on what it takes to balance your life and your farrier business. You'll learn a lot from Rollie on what it takes to achieve balance from his experiences he shared at a Farrier Focus conference several years ago.

Interview with Neil Miller, CF

July 10, 2018 09:00 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Farrier Neil Miller of Brighton, Colorado. He has been shoeing horses since 1975 and specializes in shoeing reiners, and jumpers. Neil shares memorable stories from his career including how he got his start, lessons he has learned from training twenty apprentices, how to be more efficient with your shoeing rig and under the horse, how he got into competing and running a horseshoeing contest, as well as many practical and business tips that can help y...

Interview with Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM

July 03, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert M. Miller, an equine behaviorist, veterinarian and cartoonist. He is recognized for his system of training newborn foals known as imprint training. Dr. Miller is well known among both veterinarians and cowboy poetry & humor enthusiasts. His cartoons, done under his initials RMM, have been published in veterinary and horse magazines around the world. He has been featured at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame's Cowboy Cartoonist Art Show. After grad...

Interview with Jed Pappas of Stockhoff's Farrier Supply

June 26, 2018 09:00 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MB

In this episode, we talk with Jed Pappas of Stockhoff's Farrier Supply (www.stockhoffsonline.com). Jed talks about how his wife Molly (and her family) purchased Stockhoff's from the Stockhoff family, which started the farrier supply business in 1863 and how they have grown it to four locations today (two stores in Kentucky, New Jersey and Arizona). Jed shares numerous business lessons he has learned from the farrier supply business and how farriers can better run their own businesses. He a...

Interview with John Marino, CJF

June 19, 2018 09:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MB

In this episode, we talk with farrier legend John Marino of Peaster, Texas. 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 turnin...

Interview with Argentinian Farrier and Veterinarian Emilio Ezcurra

May 30, 2018 04:04 - 50 minutes - 68.8 MB

In this episode, we talk with farrier and veterinarian Emilio Ezcurra of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has been shoeing horses for more than twenty-five years. Emilio shares his story of how he got started as a veterinarian and his quest to become a farrier including his travels to the United States to study with Danny Ward, Dr. Doug Butler, and many others. Emilio shares insights about the farrier business in Argentina along with many of his most memorable experiences as a farrier. He also...

Interview with John Schmidt, CJF, AWCF

May 01, 2018 09:00 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MB

In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF John Schmidt of Shelbyville, Tennessee. He has been shoeing horses for more than 33 years. He talks about Tennessee walking horses, unique aspects of the breed, and some of the controversy that has arisen in recent years around them. He also shares lessons from his career and some of his most memorable experiences.

Interview with Dr. Rachael Shuster, DVM

April 10, 2018 09:00 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MB

Today, we’re privileged to talk with Dr. Rachael Shuster, an equine veterinarian who practices and is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Having ridden since a young age, Dr. Rachael Shuster knew that she wanted to work with horses and therefore pursued equine studies. She graduated from Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1995. Dr. Shuster worked in various multiple-doctor equine ambulatory practices; interests were lameness, wound...

Interview with Italian Farrier and Veterinarian Cristiano Biacca, DVM, CF

April 03, 2018 09:00 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MB

In this episode, we talk with Cristiano Biacca who is a certified farrier and veterinarian from Parma, Italy. He was trained as a farrier at Butler Professional Farrier School. He shares how he got his start as a large animal veterinarian and what made him decide to become a farrier as well. He also shares insights into the farrier profession in Italy, some memorable cases he has worked on, and lessons he has learned over the years learning and teaching about farriery to others.

Interview with AFA President Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF

March 14, 2018 05:03 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

In this episode, we talk with farrier Travis Burns. He is a Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF), holds the Therapeutic (TE) AND Educator Endorsements (EE) from the AFA, and is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF). He was recently elected as the president of the American Farriers Association. He is currently the Chief of Farrier Services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia and has been shoeing horses...

Interview with Israeli Farrier Guy Karsh

February 13, 2018 17:34 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MB

In this episode, we talk with Guy Karsh who lives about 25 minutes outside of Jerusalem in Israel. He has been shoeing horses for 25 years. He shares experiences from becoming a farrier, learning from his father and other mentors, the importance of continuing education for farriers, and memorable experiences he has had while shoeing horses in Israel. This is a fascinating discussion about how the farrier business works in another country that you can learn a lot from and apply in your farr...

Interview with Andrew DeVisser, CJF

January 30, 2018 09:28 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MB

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Andrew DeVisser from Ayr, Ontario, Canada. He has been shoeing horses for 9 years. He attended Butler Professional Horseshoeing School in 2009. Andrew shares his insights about the value of horseshoeing school, the benefits of the AFA cultural exchange program that he was a part of, how he prepared for his certification exams, and the benefits of competition. He also shares his thoughts on how farriers can build and maintain succe...

Interview with Dr. Tracy Turner, DVM

January 17, 2018 07:14 - 50 minutes - 69.8 MB

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Tracy Turner, an equine veterinarian who was trained as a farrier. He was raised on a small ranch in southwestern Colorado. As a youth he was active in the local 4-H Horse Program. As a young adult he apprenticed with a farrier in 1972 and used those skills to help finance his education. From that time on he has dedicated his life to horses. He received his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1978, after which he was able to pursue his interest in...

Jeff Rodriguez - What it Takes to Build and Maintain a Successful Farrier Image and Business

December 27, 2017 06:55 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MB

Jeff Rodriguez passed away after a long battle with lung cancer in November of 2016. A native of Tampa, Florida, he moved his practice to Golden, Colorado and built a profitable and successful farrier business. He spoke many times at Farrier Focus conferences and in this episode, we share a talk he gave about what it takes to build and maintain a successful farrier image and business. With his trademark wit and humor, Jeff shared personal experiences and stories to help farriers build more...

How to Successfully Market Your Farrier Business - Bob Smith

December 20, 2017 05:55 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MB

In this episode, Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School shares insights into how to successfully market your farrier business. He shares the differences between products and services and that how and why you market your horseshoeing services will make all the difference between the perception that clients have of you and the price you can charge. You'll get a lot out of this talk from a previous Farrier Focus Conference.

Interview with Kevin Oliver

November 28, 2017 10:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MB

In this episode, we talk with Kevin Oliver of Eddington, Maine who went to Cal Poly in winter and spring of 1973. He has been shoeing horses for more than 44 years and shares experiences and helpful hints from his years as a farrier that can benefit you and your business. Kevin shares his thoughts about the importance of continuing education, the value of attending a horseshoeing school, tips about treating laminitic horses, and his thoughts about the most valuable tools in the farrier bus...

Interview with Bryan Quinsey, Executive Director of the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF)

November 07, 2017 10:00 - 1 hour - 91.9 MB

On this episode, we interview Bryan Quinsey, the Executive Director of the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) and the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF). He has been involved with the farrier industry since 2003. Bryan talks about how he got his start, how the AAPF got started, and his thoughts about the future of the farrier business.

Interview with Ian Bevington, CJF

September 26, 2017 16:37 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MB

In this episode, we talk with Ian Bevington, CJF about his career, advice on running a multi-farrier practice, raising prices, how he got into owning a farrier supply business, and his thoughts on how farriers can be more successful in their careers. Ian grew up in Valley, Nebraska and completed his farrier training in 1998. He is a certified Journeyman Farrier and participates in clinics and horseshoeing competitions throughout the country. Ian works closely with area veterinarians to e...

Interview with Walt Taylor, Founder and Past President of the AFA and WFA

July 25, 2017 09:00 - 1 hour - 84.7 MB

In this episode, we talk with Walt Taylor, the founder of the AFA and WFA. He started shoeing horses in 1948 and has been involved with the farrier industry ever since. We discuss stories from his career, memorable experiences from the beginnings of the AFA and WFA, and his work with Working Together for Equines, Inc. (a whole horse equine charity). We also discuss his views on being a professional farrier, licensing, his feelings about the state of the farrier industry, and what farriers sh...

Certification in the United States and United Kingdom and Benefits for Farriers - Interview with Dr. Doug Butler

May 30, 2017 09:00 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MB

In this episode, Dr. Butler explains the levels of certification in the United States and United Kingdom and the benefits of certification for farriers in reaching a higher standard of their profession.

Chris Minick - Computer Skills to Maximize Profitability of Your Farrier Business

April 18, 2017 09:00 - 22 minutes - 30.3 MB

In this episode, farrier Chris Minick shares how he uses technology and computer skills to improve the way he provides and breaks down his invoices for his clientele. You'll get a lot of insight about how to better run your business with the advantages of technology to make end of the year tax preparation much simpler and easier to navigate. You'll also learn some time saving tips that will help you more efficiently run your farrier business.

The Dark Side of Horseshoeing - Overcoming Discouragement and Adversity as a Farrier

April 11, 2017 08:30 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MB

In this episode, Farrier Focus Podcast host Jim Butler shares his perspective on The Dark Side of Horseshoeing and how farriers can overcome discouragement and adversity in their businesses. You'll hear several inspiring stories about what it takes to succeed in the farrier business and quotes and ideas that will help you be more of an optimist in your daily work. This was from a talk that was given at a previous Farrier Focus conference.

Interview with Farrier Brian Fitzgerald

November 29, 2016 10:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MB

In this episode, learn how farrier Brian Fitzgerald got his start, lessons he has learned on the track, and how he is now transitioning into a new specialty in Georgia. Brian shares his expertise about staying motivated, learning new skills, and the best way to set prices and work with farriers in a new area.