Farrier Focus Podcast

In 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.

In 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 farrier business.

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 ensure the best possible care for horses and to allow for collaboration on treatment options. He is currently the owner of 3B Farrier Supply store in Valley, Nebraska.

In 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. 

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 should be thinking about and preparing for in the future. 

In 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 episode about how farriers learn, mistakes farriers should avoid when shoeing, and some hilarious and inspiring stories from Bob's career as a farrier and educator.

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.

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.

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.

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.