Unlock all things Mullins Farrier Podcast

 Welcome, everyone. I ran into today's guest at the International this year while cheering on her husband Steven and the rest of the English team as they competed their way to the top. While most, if not all, of the farrier world is likely to know the world champion and top toolmaker, Steven Beane, they may not be familiar with his wife, and fellow Canadian, Kathrine who is a mover and shaker in the farrier world in her own right. Since taking over the daunting task of organizing and running the Masters Cup competition in her home province of Quebec, it has become one of, if not the largest, competitions in Canada, drawing competitors from all over North America and across the pond. We also discussed Kathrine's start in the farrier world, accumulating many mentors along the way, her present, living in England with her new beau, and her future plans with Beanie Tools and life in general. I appreciate that Kathrine took the time to do this. It was a deeply honest and insightful chat. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

Today's episode comes out on the eve of the AFA convention, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is a PSA of sorts and will be available to paid and unpaid members of the podcast. I've had this thought for years that people don't appreciate or aren't aware of how much goes on behind the scenes of their associations to make these important entities run as smoothly and efficiently as they do. The two women in this interview play one of the most important roles in that system, but ironically they are so effective at their jobs that we barely think of them. I separately asked both Martha of the American Farriers Association and Holly of the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association a few years ago to do an interview to help their members understand what it is they do and who they are. They both politely brushed me off, but to be fair, I asked them in the midst of their busiest time of year during their respective conventions. Eventually though, they made me a counter offer, an interview with both of them together. It was a brilliant idea. So, as FOCUS was winding down this year, we sat down amidst all of the controlled chaos of the event teardown and had this chat. All of the competition's shoes were in the same room as us, so you will hear them clinking away as Jed Hallam and his team of scorekeepers inventoried and put them away. Thanks to my hosts at the BFBA, I had the opportunity to do so many fantastic interviews at FOCUS this year. You will hear those in the coming months. My face hurt the most from laughing at this one though. The bond between Martha and Holly is clearly strong and reflective of the bond between the AFA and the BFBA, which has benefited all of their respective members and the trade as a whole. So, if you're at convention this year and see either of these two incredible women, please thank them for all that they do for us or call or email them to do the same, just not in the week leading up to Convention or Focus. They're a bit busy then. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

For this episode, I've come to realize that after years of interviewing fellow farriers, I struggle at interviewing the suppliers in our business. I think it's because I don't know enough of the background of that world to ask the right questions. Due to these struggles, this interview ended up being a shorter format than my typical long form. But in the end, I hope I was able to do Steve and his company justice in telling his story about a brand we are all familiar with in the farrier world. You will hear the familiar tinging of anvils in the background as we recorded this down at Vern Powell's Puerto Vallarta clinic in Mexico last year. I hope to see him again this year on the same trip. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Here is a link to sign up for the monthly subscription and the process is fairly simple. Once you subscribe you will receive an email that allows you to open the feed in your preferred podcast player. https://mullinsfarrier.supercast.com/ Visit https://www.mullinsfarrier.com/ for more information. If you have any issues please email mullinsfarrierpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast, I sit down with Paige Poss, Master Equine Digit Dissector from Tucson, Arizona. Paige shares her incredible journey—from her early days trimming and learning from horses in need to becoming a sought-after educator and collaborator in the world of hoof care. Discover how challenges with her own laminitic horse sparked a passion for deeper learning, leading to impactful collaborations like her work with Jenny Edwards. Paige shares invaluable insights, opening up about teaching and balancing work with passion. To order one of Paige's beautiiful anatomy books, go to www.anatomy-of-the-equine.com

This week, Danny Elliott, a skilled farrier from North Yorkshire and the man behind the Silverback Chap Company shares his career journey. Danny talks about how his sister's connection to horses and subsequent loss of interest shaped his path, the challenges he faced during his apprenticeship, and what it takes to build a reputation in the farrier community. He also discusses the balance between work and personal life, the story behind his Silverback Chap Company, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Tune in to hear Danny’s thoughtful insights and experiences in the farrier world.

From growing up with horses in Danville, Illinois, to earning numerous farrier certifications including CJF, TE and AWCF, Steve Sermersheim shares his journey of dedication, mentorship, and lifelong learning. When his brother left horseshoeing, Steve stepped in, taking a crash course in the craft, and never looked back. From competitions and clinics to teaching and mentoring the next generation of farriers, Steve’s story highlights the power of continuous learning and giving back to the community.

Meet Stuart Muir, a dedicated farrier at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, originally from New Zealand, who has traveled the world refining his craft. From sport horses to therapeutic cases, Stuart shares his journey of growth, mentorship, and the challenges of working on high-performance horses. We dive into his transition to the U.S. with just two suitcases, the evolution of the farrier industry, and his passion for elevating hoof care through innovation and collaboration. This conversation is packed with insights, heartfelt stories, and a genuine appreciation for the art of farriery. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Tune in to hear about Stuart’s remarkable experiences and his thoughts on the future of the profession.