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Farrier Focus Podcast

The Farrier Focus Podcast releases an episode each week with inspiring tips, techniques, and strategies to help farriers unlock the secrets to succeeding in their business. 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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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 25, 2018

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler continues his explanation of the sensitive structure's of the horse's foot to help farriers and veterinarians better understand the anatomy behind what they do in their work each day.

Dec 25, 2018

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.

Dec 18, 2018

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.

 

Dec 11, 2018

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 classes by going to: http://butlerprofessionalfarrierschool.com

Dec 4, 2018

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 Research Course at the Royal Veterinary College, London, England this past year, some lessons on working on therapeutic cases, and what it takes to develop better relationships with veterinarians.

Nov 27, 2018

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 his time as a certification examiner for the AFA, his philosophy on shoeing, lessons from growing and sustaining a great business, and his tips for farriers getting started today.

In this episode, you'll hear great advice from a farrier who has been in the trenches for many years and has an enthusiasm and passion for sharing what he has learned with others.

Nov 20, 2018

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 for more than 23 years.

Austin shares his story about how he got his start, memorable experiences from his career, contests he won, advice for farriers about competing, his practice schedule, and what his daily schedule looks like today. You'll learn a tremendous amount from Austin about what it takes to succeed as a competitor and farrier today.

Nov 13, 2018

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.

Nov 6, 2018

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 his career. He also shares what it takes to get over a tough loss, and the story behind his nickname of "Money". You'll learn a lot from this dedicated craftsman, champion, toolmaker, and farrier about what it takes to succeed today as a farrier.

Oct 30, 2018

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 got her start, lessons she has learned from competitions, and how she got into being a creative artist and blacksmith.

Oct 23, 2018

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.

Oct 16, 2018

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 and the important questions to ask to improve efficiency on the job. You'll get a lot of stories behind the history of horseshoeing rigs and the numerous innovations that have been added over the years.

Oct 2, 2018

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.

Sep 25, 2018

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, and numerous lessons and experiences from his career.

Sep 11, 2018

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 beliefs about the future of farriery.

Sep 4, 2018

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, based on what he has already seen happen in Sweden. You'll get a unique perspective on the farrier business in Iceland and Sweden from this interview with a very skilled and talented farrier.

Aug 21, 2018

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 skill for farriers to develop.

Aug 14, 2018

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 farrier. In addition, the founders and instructors at Butler Professional Farrier School share their insights on how farriers can learn the skills of anatomy. Thank you so much for listening to the Farrier Focus Podcast over the past 100 episodes! We really appreciate it. If you have feedback or would like to recommend a topic or guest, please email jacob@dougbutler.com

Aug 7, 2018

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 a profitable business.

 

Jul 31, 2018

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.

Jul 24, 2018

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 over the past fifty plus years.

Jul 17, 2018

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.

Jul 10, 2018

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 you run your business better.  

Jul 3, 2018

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 graduation from Colorado State University, Dr. Miller settled in Thousand Oaks, California, where he founded the Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic.  In 1987, he retired as a renowned veterinarian and expert in ethology (the study of animal behavior). Dr. Miller has visited every continent giving lectures to colleges, conventions for animal groups, horse organizations, breed associations and other clients.   He has received numerous professional awards for his involvement with equine associations, production of videotapes, and lecturing.  He has authored several books, and his acute sense of humor and love of cartoons have provided several veterinary cartoon books.  

Dr. Miller discusses how he started his practice, lessons he learned about dealing with horses, humorous experiences from his many years as a practicing veterinarian, and how he became a cartoonist. You'll get a lot of insight about what it takes to succeed in business from Dr. Miller's stories and advice.

Jun 26, 2018

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 also shares valuable tips about how you select the best products for your business. You'll get a lot out of this interview on what it takes to run the supply part of your business as well as balancing your family and your business.

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