Mullins Farrier Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Trussler FWCF, Jay Tovey FWCF, and Simon Curtis FWCF to explore the story behind their new farrier textbook, Farrier Skills and Knowledge - A comprehensive textbook on hoof care - from how the idea first came into being at a clinic to the collaboration that brought it to life. They share their backgrounds, the challenges of balancing writing with work and family, and what it took to manage all the components of the book's creation. We also get into the realities of publishing, tight timelines, and the unique features of this farrier textbook.  I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Get your own copy of the book here: www.farrierybooks.com Subscribe for full length episodes here: www.mullinsfarrier.supercast.com  

In this episode, I sit down with Billy Bleach DipWCF, a Norfolk-based farrier with a deep passion for working with heavy horses. Billy shares his journey from discovering farriery at a young age to mastering the art of crafting handmade shoes tailored to each horse's unique needs. He discusses the importance of early hoof care, his approach to training young horses, and his drive to inspire the next generation of farriers. From competition stories to shop talk, this conversation offers a genuine look into the craftsmanship and care behind the trade. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

In this 'Farrier Phone a Friend' episode, I sit down with Mike Mehak CF, President of the Ontario Farriers Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about the craft and community of farriery. We talk about the upcoming Royal Canadian Horseshoeing Classic, the day-to-day challenges farriers face, building better client relationships, and finding balance between work and life. Mike also shares insights on tools, conventions, and the value of continuous learning within the trade.    I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.   For access to more fll episodes like this one, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com   For more information on the Ontario Farrier's Association and their upcoming events, check them out here: ontariofarriers.ca    

In this episode, Certified Journeyman Farrier Riley Mickelsen shares how growing up around horses in Idaho put him on a path that shifted from veterinary ambitions to farriery, thanks to his love of working with his hands. He talks about the five years he spent in Mexico, including missionary work, and how returning to the U.S. led him to train in Oklahoma, co-own a farrier school, and eventually build his own successful program in Idaho. Riley reflects on expanding into Mexico, the challenges of running a business across borders, the importance of work ethic in students today, and how social media has helped him reach farriers worldwide. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For access to the full this episode and many others, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, I sit down with veteran farrier Mac Head of Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire. The conversation explores Mac's journey from his father's post-WWII blacksmith business to a long and varied career in farriery and horseshoe manufacturing. He shares insights into his time with the Worshipful Company of Farriers, his approach to designing shoes for the English market, and the evolution of horse care over the decades. Also included is a valuable business tip from Andrew DeVisser of Fletcher Forge and Tool on the lifetime cost of tools. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For access to the full episode, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this FREE FULL LENGTH episode, John Harshbarger from Amarillo, Texas, talks about his journey in the farrier supply business - from his early days running a local feed store to building a national operation. He shares insights on customer service, adapting to regional needs, and growing through challenges like the pandemic. John also reflects on acquiring two anvil manufacturing companies and his continued passion for farrier competitions and the industry as a whole. For more full length episodes, please subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, Mark Humphrey AWCF ATF reflects on his experiences at the Focus convention and international farriery competitions, where he reconnected with peers and deepened his craft. He shares insights on the AWCF journey, the importance of continued education, and the evolving techniques that shape modern farriery. Mark also discusses his approach to teaching, research, and the value of community in advancing the trade. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.   For full length episodes, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, Jay Tovey FWCF and Gavin Golby AWCF share their journeys in farriery, from their early days in the trade to becoming tutors and mentors. They talk about the challenges they faced, the importance of competition and continuous learning, and how education has shaped their careers. They also discuss Farriery Tuition, a supplementary educational resource for farriers who want to pursue higher exams or just improve their everyday work. As a participant in one of the Farriery Tuition shoemaking days with Spud Allison, I can personally attest to the value their clinics offer. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did... You can sign up for future clinics here: farrierytuition.com   Subscribe for full episodes: Mullinsfarrier.supercast.com  

It's a way back play back! We're re-releasing this episode with Dr. Sarah Cohen of Equity Performance Equine, based in Wellington FL, in anticipation of the NAEP's Saratoga Conference coming up next week. In this episode Dr. Sarah and I discuss her path to becoming a Vet, her concierge style practice in Wellington Florida, the NAEP and why she became a part of its board, as well as many other topics. Sarah shares a lot of great information in this episode. It's worth a re-listen for long time followers and it's a great first time listen too! I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Sign up for the conference today thenaep.com

In this episode, I talk with Team Norway, a group of farriers coming together from across the country as they prepare for a major competition. Most are based near Oslo, while others travel from much farther away, but they've built a strong team through regular practice and support from coaches like Ian Gajczak. Along the way, they share how they got started in farriery, the clinics and apprenticeships that shaped their careers, and the types of horses they work with, from Icelandics to drafts and sport horses. Katinka reflects on becoming the first female farrier to win the Norwegian championship, an achievement she never expected, and the group talks about the ups and downs of competing in Norway, where the scene is still small but growing. They also touch on the realities of working in today's economy, with changing costs and pressures on horse owners, and how those challenges shape their day-to-day work. Through it all, what stands out is their commitment to improving, pushing each other, and enjoying the journey as a team. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For Full-length episodes, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

We're kicking off a brand new episode format on the Mullins Farrier Podcast called Farrier Phone a Friend. These episodes are all about those in-between-job conversations farriers have on the road - casual, candid, and full of real-world updates from the trade. In this first one, I catch up with my friend and returning guest Danny Bennett. We talk about everything from truck troubles and teamwork at international competitions, to the role of the "Purple Army," social license in farriery, and even a bit of lighthearted travel banter. Of course, there's plenty of practical shop talk too - cases, tools, and habits that make the work easier. It's an unpolished, behind-the-scenes look at farriery, and I think you'll enjoy riding along for the chat. This episode is available for free to non-subscribers but if you want to listen to future full length episodes please subscribe: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

From his early training in Staffordshire to his current role as a practicing farrier and clinician, Wayne Preece FWCF, has navigated challenges, setbacks, and successes throughout his farrier career. In this episode, he shares his journey, his philosophy on shoeing and apprenticeships, and why continuing education and community support are so vital to the trade. Wayne also reflects on mentorship, teaching, and finding balance in the later stages of his career. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.   For access to full length episodes, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hill and farrier Keith Green CJF AWCF share the stories of how they found their way into equine veterinary medicine and farriery. Sasha reflects on her path from being a 4-H kid and groom to specializing in sports medicine and podiatry, while Keith talks about his transition from crop farming to working with horses full-time. They discuss how collaboration became central to their work, highlighting the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and preventive care in keeping horses sound. They also touch on their involvement with the NAEP, the opportunities it provides for continuing education, and why bringing different practitioners together matters so much for the future of the horse industry. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Learn more about the NAEP and their Conference here: www.thenaep.com

From his beginnings in Scotland to shoeing Derby winner Desert Crown, Ian Alexander Nixon shares the journey that's taken him to some of the sport's most prestigious yards. We talk about working under Simon Curtis, how farriery has shifted into a service-driven industry, the value of apprenticeships, and his approach to handling high-energy horses. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. For full length epsiodes subscribe here: www.mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

Nick Harvey, a farrier based in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, shares his journey from wanting to be a cowboy to building a successful farriery career. He talks about the lessons learned working with thoroughbreds in a racing stable, transitioning to a mixed clientele, and the importance of adapting hoof care to seasonal changes. He also touches on managing lameness, setting client expectations, and why less is often more when it comes to trimming.  I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

In this episode, Spud Allison shares stories from a career that's taken him from his forge in Warwickshire to horse shows and competitions around the world. He reflects on the changes he's seen in shoemaking, what it takes to keep standards high, and how he's passing those lessons on. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

This week, we're joined by Ben Schroeder, CJF, who shares how his interest in horseshoeing started as a kid on his aunt's dairy farm and eventually turned into a full-blown career. From early mentors like Lee Olsen and Aaron Lohmann to working across Wisconsin, Colorado, and Texas, Ben talks about the ups, downs, and everything in between. He also shares what it's like helping behind the scenes at the Chattanooga convention, and why staying connected to the farrier community means so much to him. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.   Subscribe to support the show and get access to full length episodes: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

Farriers from the pleasure horse and race horse worlds rarely find themselves in the same place to have a chat. In this episode, I speak with Gavin Moody AWCF of the legendary Racehorse community of Newmarket in England. Gavin explains his philosophies of shoeing thoroughbred race horses and dispels many of the myths and misconceptions that exist about that industry. We also cover Gavin's journey through the higher level exams, what compelled him to do them, and how it has benefitted him and the horses he shoes everyday. Join me for a wide ranging and thoughtful conversation with this incredible farrier!   To support the podcast and access full length episodes, please click the link below:   mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

Tune in to our latest episode featuring a panel discussion from last year's AFA Convention  with multi-farrier practice owners sharing what it takes to run a thriving, sustainable business. From training apprentices and setting high standards, to pay structures, legal logistics, and how to handle mistakes - nothing was off the table. Hear from: - Kayla & Lyle Shepherd (Tennessee) - Lee Olsen (Texas) - Jason Critton (Colorado) Whether you're a solo farrier or dreaming of scaling up, this conversation is packed with real talk, hard-won advice, and a reminder that mentorship and community matter more than ever.

Special Bonus Episode! For over 30 years now Heartland Horseshoeing School has been producing high calibre farriers and educating seasoned ones. I managed to get Kelly, Chris, and Cody to sit still for a brief period during the weekend anniversary celebration to discuss the past, present and future of their incredible school. From its humble beginnings, to Cody's childhood working alongside his folks, to what it takes to become a successful Heartlander, we cover a lot of ground in this episode. I hope you enjoy it… As much as I did. Subcribe here for more full length episodes: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com