The most recent American Farriers Journal Farrier Business Practices Survey showed that the average farrier drives 322 miles per week. Maybe your total mileage for the job is higher or lower, but unless clients bring the horses to your shop, you’re spending time behind the steering wheel to get to appointments.

There are ways to maximize your time while driving. Some farriers will contact clients, but even with hands-free devices, this can prove risky. Instead of putting yourself in a dangerous spot, why not use this time to further your equine knowledge with podcasts?

Podcasts are episode-based audio files that the user can download to a variety of devices for listening when most convenient. Searching on podcast directories reveals dozens of equine-themed shows. All of these shows are free to subscribe and listen to. Here are a sample of some of the ones you can listen to:

American Farriers Journal Podcast. This series interviews farriers about their careers and provides their perspectives and advice on various themes
of horseshoeing.

Farrier Focus Podcast. Dr. Doug Butler was a pioneer in educating farriers during windshield time with his cassette recordings. Hosted by Butler’s son Jim, this series also interviews farriers.

Horse Tip Daily. Geared more for the general equestrian, this series provides quick digestible information that can be shared with clients. Overall, this is a small part of the Horse Radio Network, which features more than 6,000 episodes.