At the 2015 International Hoof-Care Summit, Dave Farley delivered the closing remarks, which fired up attendees to return home and work to excel in their footcare practices. The short presentation hit the mark and several attendees say that it was a highlight of their experience. You can hear that speech in its entirety at americanfarriers.com/farleyspeech.

During his presentation, the Coshocton, Ohio, and Wellington, Fla., farrier stressed that mistakes will occur, but how we respond is the important part. A common hurdle to overcome in life is ignoring the doubters who attack when mistakes are made.

Negative people who take pleasure in supplying doubt, according to Farley, are easy to identify — they are great talkers, but poor listeners. 

“Just because you’ve made a mistake or two or failed doesn’t mean you are a failure,” he says. “Don’t let anyone tell you that. If they tell you that, they’ve never walked in your shoes.”

Farley stressed that every successful farrier has made mistakes. Learning from them builds strength in the individual.

“If you firmly believe in yourself, it is easy to make improvements,”
he says. 

Farley adds that when doubt creeps in, rely on the knowledge and skill you’ve accumulated, as well as talking with the peers you trust. Don’t rest on your current talents — improve through continuing education.

Admitting Mistakes

Farley wasn’t the only lecturer who touched on the mistakes we make. Cleveland, Texas, attorney and farrier spouse Jamie Cooper delivered two presentations touching on what farriers need…