Mullins Farrier Podcast
In part 2 of Ask Brian Anything hosted by Lee Olsen CJF, Lee and Brian cover more listener submitted questions. They discuss why Brian started the podcast in the first place, what future retirement looks like for him, the negative plantar angle epidemic, and many other topics. To see the many farrier resources Lee Olsen has on offer, go to www.olsenequine.com To subscribe and support the podcast go to: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com
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In this first of two “Ask Brian Anything” episodes, the tables have turned. With questions submitted by farriers and listeners from the community, I sit down with my good friend Lee Olsen CJF and dive into numerous topics about my career path, continuing education, the hot vs. cold shoeing debate, and the importance of mentorship and setting goals in the trade. It’s a wide-ranging conversation shaped by the farrier community and the questions you wanted answered. For access to full episodes and to support the podcast, subscribe here: mullinsfarrier.supercast.com To see more of what Lee...
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In the final episode of 2025, I talk with Jake Fivecoate CJF, from Northern Colorado, who shares his experience taking part in the Edward Martin Cultural Exchange across Scandinavia. Jake talks about the application process, earning his journeyman certification, and what it was like working in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. He reflects on adapting to different techniques and tools, winning a team shoeing contest in Denmark, and how the experience shaped both his skills and outlook on the profession. We also touch on his goal of keeping his business small to preserve the...
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In this episode, I sit down with Manuel (Manny) Gutierrez of Farrier MX, to talk about his path from growing up in poverty in Monterrey to running a successful farrier supply company in Mexico. Manny explains how he moved from the sugar and chocolate industries into farrier supplies after spotting a gap in the market, and what it took to build something from the ground up. We get into his efforts to support and professionalize the farrier industry in Mexico, his approach to money and goal-setting, and the mindset that helped him move forward when the odds weren’t in his favour. I hope you...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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
info_outlineTune 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.