Farrier Focus Podcast
Episodes
Dr. Doug Butler on Functional Balance
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler continues his discussion on balance by discussing functional balance and how it relates to geometric balance which wa...
Dr. Doug Butler - Horsemanship for Farriers
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares his observations about the early history of horse training. Many of the misconceptions that exist in the minds...
Dr. Doug Butler on Geometric Balance
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks about the basic fundamental skill of farriery of geometric balance. You'll get a lot out of this discussion tha...
Lessons Learned from Horses - Interview with Dr. Doug Butler
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Butler shares lessons he has learned over a lifetime of working with horses and tips that can help you be a better farrier.
8 Diseases of the Horse's Foot and Their Treatment - Dr. Doug Butler
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you'll hear a discussion that Dr. Doug Butler had with a group of farriers and veterinarians on eight specific foot diseases includin...
Dr. Frank Gravlee and Dr. Doug Butler Discuss Founder
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Frank Gravlee of Life Data Labs and Dr. Doug Butler discuss the treatment of founder. You'll get a lot of great insights from thi...
How to Recognize and Treat Club Feet in Horses - Dr. Doug Butler
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares insights of how to recognize and treat club feet in horses. He shares techniques, stories, and strategies you ...
How Farriers Develop the Ability to See to Better Understand Balance and Shoeing
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler explains how drawing helps you learn to see so you can do a more efficient shoeing job. He talks about the mind shift...
Cushings Disease and Founder Treatment with Dr. Doug Butler
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this talk given at a Farrier Focus Conference in 2005 in Indiana, Dr. Doug Butler discusses Cushings disease and some principles for treating the l...
How to Diagnose and Treat Laminitis with Dr. Doug Butler
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler explains laminitis and how a farrier can recognize its symptoms, diagnose, and treat it. He also explains how farrier...
Interview with World Champion Farrier Steven Beane, FWCF
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're privileged to talk with Steven Beane, FWCF of North Yorkshire, England. Steven is a five-time World Champion Blacksmith, three...
Dr. Doug Butler - Selecting Therapeutic Shoe Solutions
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks about the criteria a farrier should use when selecting which therapeutic shoe option should be utilized for dif...
Secrets of Six Figure Shoers - Dr. Doug Butler
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler discusses what it takes to build a farrier business that consistently produces six figures plus each year. He discuss...
How to Increase Your Value and Double Your Income - Dr. Doug Butler
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares ways you can increase your value and double your income as a farrier. This is from a talk Dr. Butler gave seve...
How to Diagnose and Treat Abscesses with Dr. Doug Butler
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler talks about how to diagnose and treat abscesses and what a farrier can do when working with a veterinarian to help th...
Dr. Doug Butler - Principles of Shoeing Gaited Horses
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares principles for shoeing gaited horses. He shares numerous lessons he has learned throughout the years of shoein...
Dr. Doug Butler on Navicular Syndrome
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview Dr. Doug Butler about the assessment and treatment of navicular syndrome. You'll learn what causes navicular syndrome an...
Seven Strategies to Prosper in Your Farrier Business - Dr. Doug Butler
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares seven strategies to help you prosper in your farrier business. He uses the acronym of PROSPER to go through se...
Interview with Scottish Farrier Jim Ferrie, FWCF
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Scottish farrier Jim Ferrie. He is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and is also an appointed Examiner and ...
Interview with Fran Jurga, Founder of Hoofcare Publishing and Previous Editor of the American Farrier's Journal
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Fran Jurga of Gloucester, Massachusetts. She is the founder of Hoofcare Publishing, which was established in 1985 to ful...
Interview with Margie Lee-Gustafson, CJF
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and past president of the American Farriers Association, Margie Lee-Gustafson. She and her ...
Developing Your Powers of Observation - Dr. Doug Butler
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares his insights in how you can learn to enhance your powers of observation and see more so you an properly diagno...
Front Limb Conformation and Unsoundness with Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Interview with Pat Burton, CJF
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Interview with Allie Hayes of Horse Science
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Allie Hayes of HorseScience.com about how she got started as a farrier, her interest in horse anatomy, and how she began...
Interview with Gerard Laverty, CJF, AWCF
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF, Gerard Laverty. He is the instructor of the Farrier Program at Kwantlen Polytechn...
Interview with Farrier Walter Varcoe of EquineSkeletons.com
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Walter Varcoe about his work as a farrier and his interest in equine skeletons. Walter was a professional rider and eq...
Learning to See and Assess Conformation in Horses - Dr. Doug Butler
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares insights to a group of farriers and veterinarians how to look and see conformation deformities and what can be...
Interview with Jim Quick, CJF
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Jim Quick of Niwot, Colorado who has been shoeing horses for more than 27 years. Jim share...
Interview with Peter Butler, CJF
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier, Peter Butler about his experiences in becoming a farrier, getting certified, competing, an...
Interview with Nate Allen, CJF
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with certified journeyman farrier Nate Allen. He studied under Dr. Doug Butler at Northwest Missouri State University and Co...
Interview with Farrier and Educator Bob Smith
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 pro...
Interview with Bryan Farcus
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with farrier Bryan Farcus of Athens, Ohio. Bryan was a director/instructor of a farrier program at Meredith Manor Equestria...
Interview with FIA President and GE Forge and Tool Representative Dan Bradley
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with FIA President and GE Forge and Tool Representative Dan Bradley. He was recently inducted into the International Horsesho...
Interview with Todd Allen, CJF
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Todd Allen, a Certified Journeyman Farrier from Vandergrift, Pennsylvania who has been shoeing horses for more than 35 y...
Interview with Farrier Legend Lee Green
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Lee Green of Yucaipa, California about how he got his start in horseshoeing, memorable experiences of shoeing during th...
Interview with Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier and AWCF Doug Russo, who is the resident farrier at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at...
Interview with Dr. Simon Curtis, FWCF, Ph.D.
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Simon Curtis, FWCF, PhD. He has been shoeing horses for 46 years. He is a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farri...
Interview with Dennis Manning, CJF
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Dennis Manning of Roosevelt, Utah. He shares his beginnings as a farrier, lessons he learne...
Interview with Farrier Legend Dr. Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Doug Butler about how he got into horseshoeing, stories from his career, and thoughts about the profession of farrie...
Interview with Myron McLane, CJF
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re privileged to talk with farrier legend and Certified Journeyman Farrier Myron McLane of Somerset, Massachusetts. He has been shoeing ho...
Interview with Henry Heymering, CJF - Founder of the American Farrier's Journal
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Henry Heymering of Frederick, Maryland. He is the founder of the American Farrier's Journal...
Interview With Farrier Legend Lee Liles
16 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, farrier legend Lee Liles shares how he got his start shoeing horses and in particular his specialties of shoeing Tennessee Walking ho...
Interview with Farrier Legend Jim Poor, CJF
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Jim Poor of Tuscola, Texas. He has been shoeing horses for more than for...
Interview with Farrier Legend Steve Kraus
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with farrier Steve Kraus, who is the head farrier at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Steve is an Ame...
Interview with Farrier Legend Rusty Brown
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with living legend Rusty Brown who been shoeing horses for more than 50 years. He served as president of the Western States ...
Interview with Farrier Legend Ken Mankel
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Ken Mankel about his innovations with gas forges and anvils as well as experiences throughout his career....
Interview with Farrier Legend Bob Marshall
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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. B...
Interview with Farrier Legend Randy Luikart
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview farrier legend Randy Luikart, who has been shoeing horses for more than fifty years. He is a past president of the Ameri...
Interview with Farrier Legend Bill Miller
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Bill Miller's career of horseshoeing for more than 65 years and lessons you can learn from his experiences. Bill also tau...
Interview with Farrier Del Slaugh
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview Del Slaugh, of Milliken, Colorado who has been shoeing horses for more than 47 years. He shares experiences about how he...
Interview with Terry Stever
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview farrier Terry Stever from Sulphur, Oklahoma. He has been shoeing horses for almost 50 years. You'll get a lot of insight...
Interview with Eric Nygaard, CJF
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Eric Nygaard. He is a past president of the AFA and has been shoeing horses for more than ...
Dealing with Foot Fads and Doodads: An Update on In Defense of Tradition and Common Sense in Horseshoeing
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Doug Butler on how farriers deal with fads and specific criteria you can use to evaluate the numerous fads and dooda...
Interview with Loet van der Linden - Founder of Delta Horseshoe Company
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re privileged to talk with Loet van der Linden, the founder of Delta Horseshoe Company. He is a manufacturer and supplier of a ...
Interview with Jim Masterson (The Masterson Method®)
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to Jim Masterson of world-renowned Masterson Method®. Jim, an equine massage therapist for USEF Endurance Teams from 2006...
Interview with Blane Chapman, CJF
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview Certified Journeyman Farrier Blane Chapman of Lubbock, Texas. Blane shares experiences from his more than thirty plus ye...
Dr. Doug Butler - Horseshoeing Teaching Techniques
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler shares horseshoeing teaching techniques he has learned over a lifetime of teaching and helping farriers progress from...
Etymology of Horseshoeing Terms
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the etymology (study of the origin of words) of common horseshoeing terms. By learning the root words, prefixes and suf...
Interview with Jacob Butler, CJF, AWCF
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview, farrier educator Jacob Butler, CJF, AWCF shares his insights about how farriers can learn and master anatomy and the sequential ski...
Interview with Dr. Farrier Legend Dr. Doug Butler
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Doug Butler about how he got into horseshoeing, stories from his career, and thoughts about the profession of farrie...
Interview with Farrier Legend Jim Smith
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Jim Smith of New Hampshire who talks about his experiences as he has shod horses over the past 47 years a...
Interview with Farrier Legend Doyle Blagg
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with farrier legend Doyle Blagg about his horseshoeing career over a 57 year span in Texas. Doyle worked as a farrier to man...
How to Set Up and Run a Successful Multi-Farrier Practice - Interview with Tom Parris, CJF
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Certified Journeyman Farrier Tom Parris of Woodbine, Maryland how to set up and run a multi-farrier practice. Tom has b...
Dr. Courtney Diehl, DVM - Lessons from a Horse Veterinarian
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview Dr. Courtney Diehl, an equine veterinarian who published her book Horse Vet, Chronicles of a Mobile Veterinarian in 201...
Interview with Mark Deesing
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are honored to have as our guest, Mark Deesing. Mr. Deesing is a custom-design consultant for Grandin Livestock Handling Systems, Inc. in For...
Advanced Anatomy Applied to Therapeutic Shoeing - A Seven Point System for Discussing Cases and Working with Veterinarians
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler discusses a seven point system you can use to discuss cases and work with veterinarians. This discussion of applying ...
Interview with Dr. Steve Peters, Psy.D., ABN
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to Dr. Steve Peters, co-author of Evidence Based Horsemanship. Dr. Peters is a Neuroscientist that specializes in brain fu...
Bob Smith - Improving Farrier and Client Communication
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School talks about ways you can improve farrier and client communication by understanding how...
Dr. Rachael Shuster - Successful Foot Therapeutic Teamwork - How to Improve Farrier and Veterinarian Communication
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Rachael Shuster, DVM discusses two cases of successful foot therapeutic teamwork. She uses these case studies to talk about how ...
Bob Smith - The Pitfalls of Accepting Responsibility as a Farrier For Things Over Which You Have No Control
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Bob Smith of Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School details the pitfalls of accepting responsibility as a farrier over things which you ha...
Dr. Robert Eustace - Nutraceutical Treatments of a Horse's Foot
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Robert Eustace shares a myriad of nutraceutical treatments that can be used on a horse's foot and the effects of each. You'll get...
Jacob Butler - How to Get in the Zone for Certification Testing
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jacob Butler details his experiences with certification testing to help farriers prepare for and do well in the exam. He shares detai...
Dr. Rachael Shuster - Reading Radiographs with Foot Pathology
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Rachael Shuster teaches how to read radiographs with foot pathology. You'll get a lot out of this episode discussing...
Interview with Farrier Legend Randy Luikhart (Re-Release)
07 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview farrier legend Randy Luikart, who has been shoeing horses for more than fifty years. He is a past president of the Ameri...
Interview with Farrier Legend Ada Gates-Patton (Re-Release)
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk to farrier legend, Ada Gates-Patton of Southern California. Ada shares her experiences in beginning her farrier career in 197...
Farrier Randy Fisher - How to Improve Client Communication
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, farrier Randy Fisher talks about how he moved from being a UPS driver to a successful farrier. He tells his story and shares specific...
Interview with Farrier Legend Carl Bettison, AWCF (Hons)
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we are honored to be speaking with Carl Bettison, AWCF with Honors, from Milton Keynes, England. Carl has over 40 years experience...
How to Teach Lower Leg and Foot Anatomy of Horses to Farriers - Jacob Butler
09 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, farrier instructor Jacob Butler explains how to teach lower leg and foot anatomy of horses to farriers. You'll get a lot of insight o...
How to Teach Forging Skills to Farriers - Dr. Doug Butler
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler teaches the process by which he teaches farriers to learn forging skills. He explains the exercises and skill levels ...
Interview with Rose-Marie Clark -- Inventor of the Rose Foal Shoe
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, our guest is Rose-Marie Clark from Sweden. She has over 40 years experience shoeing horses and has worked with many different disc...
Interview with Farrier Legend and World Champion Jim Blurton, AWCF
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to World Champion Farrier Legend Jim Blurton, AWCF from Forden, Wales in the United Kingdom. Jim has been a practicing far...
Interview with ABS Master Bladesmith Jason Knight
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to ABS Master Bladesmith Jason Knight from East Tennessee. Jason has over 30 years experience making blades. He earned his...
Interview with Farrier Legend and World Champion Grant Moon, FWCF
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk to Grant Moon of Derbyshire, England. Grant is a 6 time world champion at Calgary; he’s won numerous horseshoeing and forgi...
Interview with Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin is a world-renowned author and speaker on animal behavior, autism and education. She ...
Interview with Brian Brazeal
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to Brian Brazeal. Brian is well-known for his innovative blacksmithing. Tools like the Brazeal style hammer, Brazeal ham...
The Emergence of Modern Farrier Education
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Butler explains the evolution of the six stages of farrier education and how you can use lessons from his life to learn faster an...
Interview with Martin Black
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we we talk to acclaimed horseman, clinician and author, Martin Black of Bruneau, Idaho. He is famous for his many educational book...
Interview with Farrier Legend Don Jones
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we interview farrier legend Don Jones who has been shoeing horses for more than fifty-three years. He was a former farrier school ins...
Interview with Dr. Adam Pendleton, DVM, CJF
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today our guest is Dr. Adam Pendleton. He is the seventh person to achieve the designation of Veterinarian and Certified Jouneyman Farrier. Dr. Pendle...
Interview with Dr. Maarten Oosterlinck, DVM, PhD, ECVS, ECVSMR
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we talk to Dr. Maarten Oosterlinck from Belgium. Dr. Oosterlinck graduated from Ghent University in 2004 and has gained extensive e...
Treatment of Serious Foot Diseases with Dr. Robert Eustace
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Robert Eustace details his treatment methods for laminitis and other serious foot diseases from a talk that was given at a previo...
Interview with Farrier Legend Shayne Carter, CJF, MS
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we talk to farrier legend, Shayne Carter. Shayne is Certified Journeyman Farrier and a Master Bladesmith. In 1984, Shayne was the ...
Interview with Dr. Ann Swinker, PhD
11 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Ann Swinker, PhD about her experiences in the horse industry as an academic researcher, state extension horse speciali...
How To Choose and Use the Anvil with Dr. Doug Butler
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, taken from a talk that Dr. Doug Butler gave at Farrier Focus Conference at Centaur Forge in Burlington Wisconsin, Dr. Butler talks ab...
Interview with Farrier Legend Steve Kraus (Re-Release)
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with farrier Steve Kraus, who is the head farrier at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Steve is an Ameri...
Dr. Doug Butler - Seven Stages of Applied Learning in Horseshoeing
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Doug Butler discusses the seven stages of applied learning in horseshoeing and how you can use these to better assess and teach t...
10 Questions that Reveal What it Takes to Raise Your Farrier Business to the Next Level
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 qu...
Interview with Farrier Legend John Marino, CJF (Re-Release)
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Heartbar vs. Clog Question; Interview with Leslee Connell Schwartz -- daughter of famous horseman, Ed Connell
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 Lesl...