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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: 2019
Dec 31, 2019

In this episode, I share ten questions that reveal what it takes to raise your farrier business to the next level. I hope these stories, ideas, and questions help you evaluate where you are at in the growth of your farrier business and what it will take to grow your business to the next level.

Dec 24, 2019

Sadly, we lost John Marino this year on March 18, 2019. He was 84 years old. We had the opportunity to interview him for the Farrier Focus Podcast in June of 2018. Today, we are re-airing this podcast (June 19, 2018) to commemorate this great man. 

In this episode, 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 turning cams and the impact those anvils have had throughout the industry.

John also recounts numerous experiences with his Wednesday night forging classes at his shop and the farrier school he opened with Grant Moon in 1988 (Texas School of Farrier Science). John holds the Certified Master Farrier designation in the BWFA of which he is a charter member.   He also holds the Certified Journeyman Farrier designation in the AFA and the TPFA (Texas Professional Farrier's Association).  He served as Vice-President of the TPFA for 6 years.  He is an active lifetime member of all three organizations. 

John shares his experiences of operating JHM Manufacturing and making 6 styles of anvils and anvil stands until April of 2005, when he sold the business to Anvil Brand Shoe Company.

John has dedicated his life to improving and furthering the farrier industry through education and professionalism.  His influence has been far reaching and you'll hear his most memorable stories and experiences in this memorable episode.

Original Air Date: June 19, 2018.

Dec 17, 2019

In today's episode we talk to Dr. Doug Butler and Dr. Courtney Diehl, DVM to address a question about clogs vs. heartbar shoes.

Later, we talk to Leslee Connell Schwartz, daughter of famous horseman, Ed Connell. Ed Connell wrote the books, Hackamore Reinsman, Reinsman of the West – Bridles and Bits, and Vaquero Style Horsemanship. These books are well known among true horsemen and women all over the world. Ed was also a major contributor to Western Horseman for years. 

Leslee tells some great stories about the life of Ed Connell and some of the history of his books and training techniques.

You can purchase Ed Connell's books at: https://martinblack.net/product-category/dvds/books

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

 

Dec 10, 2019

In today's special episode, we speak to Martha Crawford Cantarini, a living legend in not only the horse industry, but the film industry as well.

Martha has had a long career with horses and worked as a stunt woman in Hollywood movies such as Yellow Sky, Interrupted Melody, The Big Country, The Law and Jake Wade, Love Me Tender, My Friend Flicka and many, many others. She didn’t just do horse stunts either. She did all kinds of stunt work in movies and even starred in a few such as The Killer is Loose – a Budd Boetticher film.

Martha has worked with such stars as Gregory Peck, Charleton Heston, Elvis Presley, Richard Widmark, Robert Taylor and Clark Gable. She has doubled for Eleanor Parker, Anne Baxter, Shirley Maclaine, Debra Paget, Claudette Colbert, Jean Simmons and Patricia Owens just to name few!

Martha has always said of all the stars she has worked with, her favorites were her four-legged co-stars. We talk with her about her experiences in stunt work and in working with some of the best horses and horse trainers in the world.

Martha has been inducted into the Hollywood Stuntman’s Hall of Fame and received the Golden Boot award for her achievements in Western Films. She has written several magazine articles over the years, including in the recent Equus Magazine 498, Autumn 2019! She is an outstanding horseman and a living legend. We are so honored to speak with her today.

Get a copy of Martha Crawford Cantarini's book at: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/fall-girl/

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

Dec 3, 2019

In today's special episode, we commemorate the landmark address that Burney Chapman and George Platt, DVM, gave in Dallas, Texas at the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) meeting in Dallas, Texas 35 years ago today! The 1984 meeting was significant because it was the first time a farrier had ever presented at the AAEP.

The presentation given by Burney Chapman who was a Certified Journeyman Farrier and George Platt who was a veterinarian is often cited as being a critical turning point in how equine professionals treated laminitis and founder. It is often noted that Burney Chapman and George Platt “re-introduced” the use of the heart-bar shoe to treat laminitis and founder at this meeting

Dr. Doug Butler weighs in on the profound effect on the 35th anniversary of that significant meeting. We also talk about some of his memories of both of these great men as he was fortunate enough to call both of them close friends. Sadly, both of these pioneers of laminitis treatment have passed away. Today we honor their legacy by remembering their long-lasting contributions to our noble craft.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

Nov 26, 2019

In this episode, farrier Michael Joshua shares his philosophy of the horseshoeing business. He started shoeing horses in 1987 and did so until a tragic accident changed the course of his life. He became an investor and returned later to the farrier business. You'll get tremendous insight out of his story and lessons he's learned throughout his career in this episode from a talk given at a past Farrier Focus conference.

Nov 19, 2019

In today's episode we talk to Cliff Carroll of Larkspur, Colorado. Cliff Carroll is well known today for his anvils and forges that he manufactures and sells at his shop in Larkspur. Cliff shod horses for many years in Canada, Florida and Colorado. He certified with the Journeyman’s Union on the race track in Florida where he shod race horses for many years. He worked on several high caliber horses, some of which even raced in high stakes races including the Kentucky Derby.

In 1981, he moved from Florida to Colorado to start his supply shop and began to manufacture tools. His 70 pound anvil is a big seller and popular with farriers for its light weight, wide face, narrow rounded heel, and turning cams on the side near the trunk of the anvil. He also sells a 125 pound anvil for heavier horseshoe shaping and a 35 pound anvil that is popular with leather workers and jewelers. He also sells forges, anvil stands and assorted other tools.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

Nov 5, 2019

In this episode, we talk to Camilla Clawson of St. George, Utah. Camilla works at Intermountain Live Well Center as an Exercise Physiologist. She graduated with a degree in Human Performance management in 2004. She has been a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor as well. She specializes in how to make people feel better through proper balance, breathing, posture and exercise. 

Camilla gives some specific exercises that farriers can do every day to improve endurance, flexibility, and overall health. Taking a few moments every day to do these exercises will really make a noticeable difference on how you feel. Part of being a horseshoer is taking time to take care of yourself.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

Oct 29, 2019

In this episode, Jake Butler, AWCF of Butler Professional Farrier School, gives a presentation at the Farrier Focus Conference in 2006 at Centaur Forge in Burlington, Wisconsin. 

Jake discusses how to improve the bottom line of your business by better communicating with your customers, attracting new customers and managing your clientele through good record keeping.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

Oct 22, 2019

In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier, Bill O'Neill of Marengo, Illinois, gives a presentation at the Farrier Focus Conference in 2006 at Centaur Forge in Burlington, Wisconsin. 

Bill discusses some helpful business tips to make your shoeing business profitable including: how to communicate with clients, veterinarians and other horse professionals; time management; tool maintenance; ongoing study of the craft; exercise to maintain good health and much more.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

 

Oct 15, 2019

In 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. Original air date: December 17, 2016.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode! 

 

 

Oct 8, 2019

In today's episode, we talk to Certified Journeyman Farrier, Ted Shanks of Hawaii. He lives on the island of Kauai.

Ted is originally from East Tennessee. He is a traditionally trained blacksmith. He is a member of the Artist-Blacksmiths’ Association of North America (ABANA) as well as a Certified Journeyman Farrier and Tester for the American Farriers Association. 

Ted now lives in Hawaii where has been blacksmithing for four decades — first on Maui and then, since 1987, on Kauai. His award-winning designs are now found in homes, businesses and workshops across Hawaii and beyond.

He owns and operates Kipu Forge. They provide a wide range of custom metal work to architects, contractors, homeowners, craftsmen and galleries. They produce mostly unique forged gates, railings and home furnishings along with many tools for blacksmiths and farriers. Ted also has a unique claim to fame in that he has had two former U.S. Presidents in his shop. Ted talks about his experiences with President Carter and President Ford visiting his shop in Hawaii. 

Ted also offers lectures, blacksmithing and horsemanship demonstrations; he also enjoys studying the bible and reciting cowboy poetry at conventions.  And according to his website, every once in a while he shoes a horse.

To see Ted's award-winning blacksmith projects and visit his on-line store, check out his website at kipuforge.com.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode!

Oct 1, 2019

In today's episode we talk to internationally acclaimed farrier and teacher, Alan Bailey of England.

Alan Bailey began shoeing in 1963. He comes from a long line of farriers and blacksmiths. In 1978, he went to teach at the Hereford College. There, Alan became well-known for his teaching method; especially of anatomy and physiology. He is responsible for raising the standard of excellence in the farrier training exams at the Hereford College. Because Alan demanded such a high standard of his students, he has the unique distinction, as a teacher, of never having had a student fail. He is still affectionately remembered by many of his former students. They appreciate that he expected so much and he never gave up on them.

In 1988, Alan left the school to become the liaison officer for the Farrier Registration Council of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. He went to Louisville, KY and gave a presentation at the Laminitis Symposium in January of 1989. After that, he became popular on the international lecture circuit. He has spoken at many seminars and clinics all over the world (including eastern and western Australia, Tasmania, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, etc.). He was in high demand for his outstanding teaching style.

Alan retired from international lecturing having realized the limitations of his practical know-how, and returned to horse shoeing and veterinary technical consultant work. He revisited the traditional methods as taught in the United Kingdom, relearned horse shoeing to the benefit of the horse, and how not to follow a method determined by history and practiced by the indoctrinated. He suggests that 'the methods subsequently learned and used in his everyday shoeing would now raise awareness of the farriers responsibility to the functionality of the animal.

Alan retired from shoeing horses in 2016.

Alan shares some of his experiences with running a shoeing practice, working with veterinarians, his friendship with Dr. Doug Butler, and his experiences teaching at the Hereford College in England.

 

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode.

 

 

Sep 24, 2019

In this talk given at a Farrier Focus Conference in 2005 in Indiana, Jake Butler discusses how he uses the book, Principles of Horseshoeing 3rd edition to teach. He also gives tips on how individuals can study the book on their own to maximize their learning. At the time, Jake Butler was teaching Farrier Science at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, NM.

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases, general horse hoof care questions, or suggestions for future podcasts, please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode.

Sep 10, 2019

In this episode we talk to Gary Huston of Hertfordshire, England. He is a Farrier, Blacksmith, welder and general fabricator. He started out in 1978 with a four year Farriery apprenticeship, qualifying in 82 with his Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. He worked with his boss for nine years before going solo.

In 2006, Gary started a YouTube channel showcasing his many talents and interests. Apart from blacksmithing and Farriery there are videos on metal detecting, my animals, cooking, motorcycles and nature to name but a few.

In 2012, Gary became somewhat famous on the internet as he posted a video entitled, “Horseshoeing Ruby.” The viral video is simply Gary doing good solid farrier work with little narration. The video is 11 minutes 34 seconds and it has over 8 million views on YouTube!

Gary continues to put content on his channel with his farrier and blacksmithing videos being the most popular. In July of this year he reached over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. However, his subscribers only account for 6.6% of the people who view his videos!

Gary's videos can be seen at:

https://www.youtube.com/user/garyhuston

Gary has an Amazon.com page and Etsy store here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/garyhuston

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GaryHustonStore

You can also follow him on Instagram at gary.s.huston.

 

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases or general horse hoof care questions please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode.

 


Sep 3, 2019

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Diehl, DVM explains some of the most common equine infectious diseases that horses are usually vaccinated for including: Equine Infectious Anemia, Eastern, Western and Venezuelan Encephalitis, and West Nile. Recently, there have been some confirmed cases of these diseases in horses in the United States. Learn more about what these and other diseases can do to horses and what can be done to prevent them.

Farriers should not vaccinate or deworm horses that they trim and/or shoe. Veterinarians are responsible for administering vaccinations and dewormers. Farriers are often asked questions about general horse health. Though we recommend that farriers be knowledgeable about all aspects of horsemanship, we also recommend that farriers refer to the veterinarian when questions come up that fall in the vet's realm.

Dr. Courtney Diehl, DVM is a horse vet with experience in treating horses in the Eastern and Western United States.  

This episode is brought to you by Vettec. Vettec Manufactures hoof care products for the hoof care professional. Vettec’s extensive line of hoof related materials allow your hoof care professional to complete hoof repairs and glue on shoes with Adhere, as well as create instant shoes and foal extensions with Superfast. Vettec’s instant pad materials (Equi-Pak, Equi-Pak CS, Equi-Pak Soft, Sil-Pak and Sole-Guard) promote heel and sole growth, eliminate thrush, protect and support the equine foot, and prevent stone bruising. Does your horse suffer from sore feet, low heels, broken walls, thrush, laminitis, navicular or founder? Ask your hoof care professional or visit www.vettec.com to explore how these tools can work for you.

Aug 27, 2019

In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler gives advice on how to successfully market yourself in your business. He gives the secrets to set yourself apart from the competition in order to grow your business. By applying the techniques and strategies he outlines, farriers will be able to attract more customers and increase their bottom line.

If you would like to contact us with questions relating to your business, specific cases or general horse hoof care questions please email us at farrierfocuspodcast@gmail.com. We might even feature your email in a future episode.

This episode is brought to you by Vettec. Vettec Manufactures hoof care products for the hoof care professional. Vettec’s extensive line of hoof related materials allow your hoof care professional to complete hoof repairs and glue on shoes with Adhere, as well as create instant shoes and foal extensions with Superfast. Vettec’s instant pad materials (Equi-Pak, Equi-Pak CS, Equi-Pak Soft, Sil-Pak and Sole-Guard) promote heel and sole growth, eliminate thrush, protect and support the equine foot, and prevent stone bruising. Does your horse suffer from sore feet, low heels, broken walls, thrush, laminitis, navicular or founder? Ask your hoof care professional or visit www.vettec.com to explore how these tools can work for you.

Aug 20, 2019

In this episode, we talk to farrier legend, Ada Gates-Patton of Southern California. Ada shares her experiences in beginning her farrier career in 1971 to becoming the first woman to ever become a licensed racetrack farrier and member of the International Union of Journeyman Shoers in the United States and Canada. She shares some of her experiences in working on the most famous race horses in the United States and other countries. She was the official Farrier Liaison for the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, California. She has been a consultant for many high profile cases all over the world and is an inductee of the Horseshoers Hall of Fame. She received the American Farrier's Association Edward Martin Humanitarian Award in 2008. 

 

This Farrier Focus Podcast episode is brought to you by Vettec. Vettec Manufactures hoof care products for the hoof care professional. Vettec’s extensive line of hoof related materials allow your hoof care professional to complete hoof repairs and glue on shoes with Adhere, as well as create instant shoes and foal extensions with Superfast. Vettec’s instant pad materials (Equi-Pak, Equi-Pak CS, Equi-Pak Soft, Sil-Pak and Sole-Guard) promote heel and sole growth, eliminate thrush, protect and support the equine foot, and prevent stone bruising. Does your horse suffer from sore feet, low heels, broken walls, thrush, laminitis, navicular or founder? Ask your hoof care professional or visit www.vettec.com to explore how these tools can work for you.

Aug 6, 2019

In this episode, we talk to Tab Pigg, CJF of Azle, Texas. He started shoeing horses in 1983. He has been very involved in the Texas Professional Farriers Association and became the president in 2000. He has served as a tester for AFA certification and participated in several clinics and contests.

For the last several years, Tab has been the Technical Specialist for Vettec. He travels around the country to demonstrate how Vettec products can help horses and cattle. He also has a popular internet video series called, Two Minutes with Tab where he gives helpful tips on how to use Vettec products.

This Farrier Focus Podcast episode is brought to you by Vettec. Vettec Manufactures hoof care products for the hoof care professional. Vettec’s extensive line of hoof related materials allow your hoof care professional to complete hoof repairs and glue on shoes with Adhere, as well as create instant shoes and foal extensions with Superfast. Vettec’s instant pad materials (Equi-Pak, Equi-Pak CS, Equi-Pak Soft, Sil-Pak and Sole-Guard) promote heel and sole growth, eliminate thrush, protect and support the equine foot, and prevent stone bruising. Does your horse suffer from sore feet, low heels, broken walls, thrush, laminitis, navicular or founder? Ask your hoof care professional or visit www.vettec.com to explore how these tools can work for you.

 

   
Jul 30, 2019

In this interview, we talk about how Dave Duckett, FWCF began his career in horseshoeing and discuss the things he has learned along the way. He discusses his championships, how he mastered the skills of farriery, principles of his research regarding Duckett's dot and what he has learned from teaching farriers all over the world.

Jul 23, 2019

In this episode, we talk to Wes Earls of Brawley, California. He started shoeing horses full-time in 1970 where he learned from his father who owned and operated a Horseshoeing School there in Southern California.

Wes shares many of his experiences, including how he got started, shoeing the horses for the Border Control and many other memorable stories from his career.

Jul 16, 2019

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier John Sligh of Talkeetna, Alaska, which is about three hours north of Anchorage). He started shoeing at Guantonomo Bay, Cuba in 1970 while he was in the Marine Corps. He practiced in Ocala, Florida from 1978 until he retired 2017.

John shares how he got his start as a farrier, lessons from becoming a Certified Journeyman Farrier, competing, and memorable stories from his career.  

Jul 9, 2019

In this episode, we talk with Danish farrier, Jan Krogh, of Aabenraa, Denmark. He started shoeing horses in 1980 (nearly forty years ago). Jan talks about how he got started, lessons from his career, and his approach to shoeing horses today. He shares his thoughts and observations about farriery in Denmark and what you can do to be a great farrier.

 

Jul 3, 2019

In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Jake Engler of Navasota, Texas (which is just outside of Houston) who has been shoeing horses for more than twenty years. 

Jake shares his story about how he got started as a farrier, lessons he learned from certification and competing, and memorable stories from his career.

Jun 18, 2019

In this episode, we talk with Michael Wildenstein, CJF, FWCF (Hons) of Sharon, Vermont. Mike is retired from teaching farrier at Cornell Vet School in Ithaca, New York and now offers his services as a referral or consulting farrier, working in a hands-on capacity with a horse's current farrier and/or veterinarian for special problems, or to help farriers improve their skill on their home ground with their own tools and their own horses.

Mike is one of three people in the world to have passed the extremely distinguished Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers examination in the United Kingdom with an "Honors" designation. We talk with Mike about how he got his start, lessons he has learned from his years as a farrier, and his thoughts on the future of farriery.

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