Do you remember a time you overcame fear in your career? Maybe it was taking the leap to enter the profession and invest your resources into becoming a farrier. Or the first time you took on a client when you experienced self-doubt. In both of these cases, there was a limiting factor, and by overcoming it, you improved

At the January 2023 International Hoof-Care Summit, Mike Wharton welcomed the attendees with a motivational lecture. The Port St. Lucie, Fla., farrier talked about the presence of fear and opportunity in our personal and professional lives. Opportunity will arrive throughout your life, but if you fail to seize it because of fear, you will stagnate as a farrier.

“Fear is a liar, and if you let fear conquer you, then you are done,” says Wharton. 

To illustrate the rewards from choosing opportunity over fear, Wharton shared two examples from his life. 

From Humping Rockets to Gunner

Before his horseshoeing career, Mike Wharton served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Having just joined his squad 2 weeks prior, Wharton explained that as the new guy, he was trusted with carrying three 8-lb. rounds for a M20 rocket launcher.

When the squad came upon an enemy position, the commanding officer called for the rockets to fire at the enemy. The gunner missed the target, so the frustrated officer asked if there was anyone who could hit it. Wharton stated he could. The rocket was loaded, Wharton fired and hit the…