You come from a long line of farriers - when did you know it ran in your blood for real/ when did you want to follow the family tradition? 

I didn't start working in farriery until I was 23. Coming from a very horsey background, having both parents working within different fields in the same industry, I didn't think that I would follow in their footsteps. However, coming home after Mum had an accident with a horse and Dad needed hip surgery, I went to work with Dad and absolutely fell in love with the work. Six months later, I was signed up as an apprentice, I moved back to Victoria, and I haven't looked back. 

Tell us what it's like working with horses every day.

The horses are great; they keep you honest and calm. 

It's very important to keep your emotions regulated, as the horses will react to anything you may be feeling. 

How do you keep your body safe for a physically demanding job like this?

It's important to listen to your body. If I feel an ache or a pain, I need to be conscious of how I have held myself and ensure that I am not compensating in any movement. I think it's also important to do other activities outside of work, which helps to remain fluid within my strength and movement. 

How did you learn your skills?

I did a four-year apprenticeship under my Dad, I also went to TAFE in Epping and then Wangaratta, where I was lucky to learn from a number of different farriers

What's your favourite aspect of your job?

I enjoy so many things! I enjoy the freedom of my work. Picking my own hours and driving through beautiful landscapes. I enjoy the people and horses that I work for. I like that my job makes me constantly think and keeps me physically strong. It's also equal parts science and art, which I find very interesting. Most of all, I like that it's a skill that you can only keep learning and get better within. 

You aren't the typical farrier - you are tiny and mighty, rather than a big, broad bloke. How are you received in the industry?

Really well actually! Being smaller in stature, I cannot muscle my way through a job; I need to work smarter and work with the animal to get to a safe and positive outcome. I think my clients appreciate this also.

I also think it is an advantage as it's easier for me to get under the horses. 

Tell us about life as a sole trader working in a mobile business?

I love it. I really enjoy being responsible only for myself, the flexibility of my hours and work, but also having full pride in the work that I produce 

Is there any farrier/horse lingo you absolutely love/find hilarious?

This isn’t job lingo, but my partner clocked "straight from the horse girl’s mouth”, which cracks me up 

What's a really satisfying farrier job you love?

Always, the end product, when you've completed a really neat job, always leaves you very stoked and is a very nice feeling 

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about that we haven't asked?

We could talk about my Pop being known as the yodelling farrier? 

He would sing to help regulate a nervous client and take their energy away from the horse. Singing also creates a slow heart rate, which the horse responds very positively to. This is something my Dad has carried on, and I continue to as well. 

Although none of us can actually yodel.