In this episode of Farrier Phone a Friend, Andrew DeVisser, CJF, joins for a wide-ranging conversation covering busy summer schedules, lessons from The Toyota Way, and the new trailer forge, the Fletcher Forge and Tool FFT-200.

They get into forge efficiency, burner design, firebrick durability, vehicle choices, working with veterinarians and X-rays, rising material costs, crushed heels, pads and frog support, and the benefits of having a helper in the field.

Lots of practical ideas, problem-solving, and farrier talk packed into this one.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

For access to the full length episode, subscribe here:

mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Hillegas, CJF, a farrier from New Windsor, Maryland, whose nearly 40-year career has been shaped by a commitment to never stop learning.

Matt shares how pursuing his AFA certification after decades of shoeing challenged long-held beliefs and opened the door to becoming a tester and board member. We also talk about shoeing hunters, jumpers, and equitation horses, how small changes can make a big difference in performance, and why slowing down has made him a better farrier.

Matt shares many tidbits of wisdom he has accrued over the years as well as his philosophies on teaching and learning new concepts.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Paulson, CF, to talk about building a stronger future for the farrier industry through his nonprofit, Shod with Love. Created to help farriers access continuing education, certification, and the tools they need to succeed, Brendan shares the inspiration behind the organization and his vision for giving back to the trade.

We also dive into his own path into farriery, the value of certification, running a practice in New Hampshire, handling difficult horses, pricing, travel, and the everyday realities of life under horses. Whether you're just getting started or have been shoeing for years, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

For more information on clinics and ways to support Shod With Love go to:

www.shodwithlove.org

For access to this episode in its entirety, please subscribe here:

mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

In this episode, Brian does a deeper dive into the topic of burnout. Referencing the episode he did on the topic back in the first season, he delivers a more informative account of it's three defined symptoms and six causes according to the research of Christina Maslach. He also relates these symptoms and causes to the farrier trade and offers some advice to mitigate it's effects. In the midst of a busy show season, this is information he hopes will help some of his peers.

For access to full length episodes, please subscribe here:

mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

Farrier Major Paul Jones, AWCF, joins the podcast to share his remarkable journey through 24 years in the British Army. Raised in a military family, Paul discusses his deployment to Afghanistan, the devastating IED attack that changed the course of his career, and how his lifelong connection to horses led him into farriery.

Four weeks from retirement from the military and serving at the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray, Paul gives an inside look at Army farrier training, exam preparation, and the unique challenges of shoeing both ceremonial and sport horses. With retirement on the horizon and a new chapter ahead in teaching and business ownership, Paul reflects on a career built on service, adaptability, and a passion for the trade.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

For access to the whole episode and many others, please subscribe here:

mullinsfarrier.supercast.com

This week, I'm joined by Heidi Stoer, CJF, from Midland, Ontario. Known to many as "Bam Bam," Heidi shares her journey from growing up around horses to building a successful farrier business.

We talk about her experience at Heartland Horseshoeing School, the challenges of building a client base, lessons learned working with difficult horses, and the importance of horsemanship and client relationships. Heidi also dives into her AFA certification journey, the persistence it took to earn her CJF, and the study methods, mentors, and resources that helped her along the way.

Whether you're working toward certification yourself or simply enjoy hearing how others have built their careers in the trade, Heidi's story is full of valuable insight, determination, and practical advice.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.