Mullins Farrier Podcast

Today I'm speaking with Cody Gregory. Cody has been one of my most influential teachers since I have been attending Heartland Horseshoeing School. We have this unusual dynamic where he is considerably younger than I am, yet I very much look up to him. Just like his Father, he has become an inspiring role model for me.

Cody trimmed his first pony and made his first shoe when he was four, and shod his first horse all around when he was eight. He became the youngest Certified farrier with the AFA at the age of 14 and the youngest CJF at the age of 15. Later, at the age of 19, he became an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

An avid competitor, Cody won his first belt buckle at the age of 6. He was the alternate on the American Farrier's Team in 2012 and won first place in the International Alternates Class in Stoneleigh that year. From 2013 to 2015 he earned a spot on the World Championship Blacksmith team where they won the world title in 2015 and he was the WCB national champion in 2014. Cody was also the top placing American at the World Championship Blacksmiths Competition in 2013.

Just as you will hear him say in the interview, Cody's brain doesn't work the same way as other people's do. When he says that, it's not to be pretentious, its just a fact. His ideas come fast and frequently, but if you can keep up with him, the insights you gain through his philosophies on shoeing and learning are fruitful. I especially liked his concept of "getting to the point that you are ready to ask the right question". I hope you learn as much as I did in this interview.

So let's get to it…

Welcome to the very first episode of the Mullins Farrier Podcast. My first guest, Chris Gregory was a natural choice for me. Chris has been my mentor and teacher for many years now. He is a role model in every sense of the word. He has continuously held himself to impossibly high standards and has always achieved them. Each new goal forcing him to get better and learn something new. With each accomplishment, he takes the opportunity to pass on what he has learned.

Chris has been a professional horseshoer since 1987. He holds several academic degrees, including a masters degree in human resource development, two bachelor's degrees (with a minor) and an associates degree. He has been a member of the American Farrier's Team, competed 18 times at the world championships Blacksmith Competition in Calgary and has been in the top ten at that contest.

He earned his CJF from the AFA in 1991 and the title of Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers at the age of 30. He is also the first American to be an examiner for a WCF exam. Chris is the creator of the FITS farrier exam system that has been adopted in Brazil, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and in North America as well. 1000's of students have graduated from Heartland Horseshoeing School that Chris runs with his wife Kelly, son Cody, Cody's wife Kirsty, daughter Jaqueline, and her husband Cameron.

I'm sure you will agree that if this whole shoeing thing doesn't pan out, Chris could have a promising career in Radio. His voice would be perfect for one of those late night call-in radio shows "This Is Lovers and Other Strangers with your host Chris Gregory"

So let's get to it…