Jim Blurton

Welcome everyone. Before we start today, I wanted to have a discussion about mental health.  Just this summer in Ontario, we had two farriers take their own lives. Over the relatively brief time that I've been a farrier, this has occurred far too many times.  I know from discussions I've had with many of my friends and peers that it does seem to be getting tougher out there.  My friend Mike Mehak wrote a very well worded Facebook post about how it's the people, not the horses, who make this job so tough.  These are Mike's words. The people are what cause us to put a tremendous amount of stress upon ourselves. The people are the ones who have unrealistic expectations, who assign blame, who bring on guilt. I couldn't agree more. I have experienced a great deal more of this in my own practice this year, and while I am extremely fortunate to have a full book of fantastic clients, unfortunately, it's the minority of squeaky wheels who have made themselves stand out.  This time of year with show season peaking, and horses breaking, the tensions are high. For farriers and vets, it feels like we are constantly being bombarded from all sides. Mike's post offers a solution that he has come up with and that is social engagement - going to clinics, courses, certifications. He says it's not just the learning that he's there for, it's the camaraderie and conversation. There truly is something about being able to converse about our shared experiences that thwarts the feelings of isolation. As someone who has struggled personally with mental health issues for most of my life, the loss of any of my peers really hits close to home. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help. I myself have used a therapist for many years. Sometimes you need more than a fellow farrier's ear. Sometimes you need to call in the pros. The people who've been trained to listen and to help you come up with solutions.  You'd be surprised how many of your peers have already gone this route. Now, I'd like to ask you all to do me a favour.  We can all think of someone, a farrier or vet, who has seemed a little distant lately, someone you suspect has been having a difficult time.  Please reach out to these people and ask how they're doing, but not in the surface stuff niceties way. Really ask them.  We're all in this together and we can be a source of support for each other.  When I say take care of yourselves and each other out there, this is exactly what I'm talking about.  All this said, there is an event coming up soon that many of your peers will be at, The BFBA Focus 2024 and the Stoneleigh International.  There will be tons of vendors, lectures, demos, and a world class competition all in one place and all in one weekend at the end of September,  Go to https://www.forgeandfarrier.co.uk/event/bfba-focus-2024/ to register.

I met today's guest at that very event last year, and we sat down and had a chat. As you will hear, no dust settles on Jim, and resting on laurels is just not his style.  We discuss his time competing for the Welsh team during the record breaking streak at Stoneleigh, his multi farrier practice, and, of course, his world renowned tool and farrier supply business. The theme of independence runs strongly through Jim's entire story, and I bet you'll be as inspired as I was by the end of it.  It was a genuine pleasure getting to know this man.  I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

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