Meet Mike
Farrier | Clinician | Hoof Care Specialist
Mike is a professional farrier known for his thoughtful, biomechanics-based approach to hoof care.
His career includes official farrier roles at the FEI World Equestrian Games, USEF Eventing Championships, and premier international equestrian events across the United States and abroad.
With over 4 decades of experience working with horses across multiple disciplines, Mike focuses on helping horses move comfortably and perform at their best through balanced trimming, thoughtful shoeing, and careful evaluation of the entire horse.
In addition to providing farrier services, Mike is also an educator and clinician who shares his expertise with horse owners, farriers, and equine professionals through clinics, speaking engagements, and educational resources.
A Farrier Focused on Movement
Mike’s approach to hoof care goes beyond simply trimming or applying shoes. Every horse is evaluated as an individual, with attention given to how hoof balance influences posture, movement, and overall soundness.
By observing how a horse moves biomechanically and understanding how the hoof interacts with the rest of the body, Mike works to create balance that supports healthy movement and long-term soundness.
This whole-horse perspective allows him to address the root causes of many common hoof and movement issues rather than simply treating surface level symptoms.
Professional Designations & Certifications
Accredited Professional Farrier™ (APF-I)
American Association of Professional Farriers | 2017
Certified Natural Balance Farrier / Trimmer (CNBF, CNBT)
Equine Lameness Prevention Organization | 2007
Registered Journeyman Farrier (RJF)
Guild of Professional Farriers | 1996
Certified Journeyman Farrier II (CJF II)
Brotherhood of Working Farriers | 1994
Certified Tester
Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association | 1997
REINS Volunteer Certification
North Carolina State University (96 CE hours) | 2006
Proper Balance Movement Certification
Instructor: Tony Gonzales | 1994
Natural Balance Shoeing Certification
Instructor: Gene Ovnicek | 2000
Mike believes that effective hoof care requires looking beyond the hoof itself. The way a horse stands, moves, and carries its body all influence how the hoof should be trimmed or shod.
By evaluating a horse’s posture, movement patterns, and conformation, Mike works to restore balance that allows the horse to move more naturally and comfortably—with or without shoes.
Rather than applying the same solution to every horse, each trim or shoeing decision is made with the individual horse’s needs and workload in mind.
The "Whole Horse" Approach to Hoof Health
Learn From Mike
In addition to his farrier work, Mike is passionate about sharing knowledge with the equestrian community.
He has been a clinician and speaker since the mid-1990s, presenting across the United States and internationally, including clinics in New Zealand and Australia.
He regularly teaches at veterinary colleges, farrier symposiums, and equine industry conferences focused on hoof care, biomechanics, and lameness prevention.
Through these opportunities, Mike aims to give horse owners the tools to recognize potential hoof issues early and help both farriers and professionals expand their understanding of how hoof care affects the entire horse.