Meet Glen Sharp

Meet Glen Sharp from Townsville, Queensland and discover his story, passion and favourite product. 

Glenn Sharp and some familiar faces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background on the Farrier

I was born in Toowoomba, in the back of a cab actually on the way to hospital. 

I got sick of school pretty quick so I took off to Brisbane to ride horses where I started riding for Eric Kirwan.

 

Why did you become a farrier?

I was watching all the farriers at each stable work and I was fascinated with the trade and the ability of these guys. I started holding horses for a few of the farriers, and a number of trainers had told me I was going to get too big to ride (which ended up being true) and this got me thinking what will I do when I can’t ride. So the thought was in there.

I saw another apprenticeship advertised in Cairns to ride and I took it, this got me north.  I eventually got too heavy and so I took to shoeing horses

 

Favourite part of the job?

100% learning. Especially at the moment the learning I have done in the last 5 years is more than the first 20. I get a real buzz out of going to any educational event, whether it be a conference, small clinic or competition.

 

Greatest influence on your career?

The people who have been the greatest influence on my career are my wife Candi and every Farrier I have met.  The unconditional support of my wife has enabled me to be a farrier.

I know it sounds a little repetitive but I genuinely believe you can learn off every farrier you meet whether it be a guy shoeing station horses in Western Queensland to a farrier shoeing polo ponies from Argentina (who I was lucky enough to meet at Ekka last year).

The farriers I have met have passed on so much knowledge and motivation for me to become better.

 

Favourite Mustad product and why?

Endura nails, closely followed by the Excel Legend Rasp. The Endura in the E head nail is very consistent and the drive is spot on.

 

Best experience working while in the industry?

I have some funny stories from staying overnight at Stockman Supplies in Brisbane. John’s hospitality to me has always been great. The people you meet in this industry are the highlight of being a farrier. 

 

Passion beside shoeing?

I do still love horse racing, you never lose that, but the big passion these days are the grandkids - absolute love spending time with them.