It all started with his studies in animal care at Cannington College. Mike found his calling when one of his courses included a tour of duty in the elephant department. “The day I walked through the door, I was hooked,” he said, “and I never looked back. They’re so intelligent and sensitive, besides. And, they took to me as I took to them.” Upon graduation, Mike went on to work with the Safari Wild Life Parks traveling throughout England for the next 12 years, training and caring for their elephants.  

 Then, one day he got an offer from Ringling Brothers – an offer he couldn’t refuse. So, he packed his bags and hopped the pond to America, where he spent the next seven years, “living next to my best friends.” Walking them two to three miles a day for exercise, then washing and scrubbing them afterwards with a wire brush and special soap to keep their pH balanced (elephants have very sensitive skin), Mike talks about the special bonds that he developed with each elephant. “They’re as individual as we are,” and again touting their intelligence, he maintains they answer to 50-60 commands.  

Mike then went on to identify the difference between the Asian and African elephant, which he equated to the difference between the draft horse and the thoroughbred. Easier to handle and less temperamental, the saying goes that you “tell” an Asian elephant, while the more high strung African elephant, “you ask.” And, like with horses, Mike notes, elephants respond to body language and bow to the leader, “who would be me,” he adds with a laugh. He did mention, though, that for show purposes he works primarily with the females, as the males can become challenging when they reach maturity, not unlike stallions.  

 Mike also likened elephant health care and management to that of horses as, “their feet are of paramount importance to their well- being, too. When in the wild,” he said, “elephants will typically journey up to 30 miles a day in search of food, and through the process will wear down their feet naturally, similar to what horses do.” He continues by saying that domesticated elephants, like horses, don’t have that luxury and so are on a six week maintenance program, “although there’s a lot more filing, since elephants have five toes in front and four in back.” He says that he can trim seven or eight in two days - each day being from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

 So, with all his knowledge and long- standing involvement with elephants, how did it happen that Mike made a switch? “I fell in love,” he said with a smile. And, in customary circus style, it was with someone within the ranks. Taking the plunge and getting married, the newlyweds made a decision to settle down and raise a family, which meant that circus life would have to be left behind. “It was hard to part with my elephants,” Mike said, “but I know they’ll be in good hands. And, it’s time to move on.” Having chosen the northern California coast to set up housekeeping, he says they love its beauty and climate, not to mention that the area is abound in horses.  

Mike owes his new-found direction to Steve Wiburg, Ringling Brothers farrier. Getting together every six weeks for the last seven years, Mike and Steve found they had much to talk about. Having a shared interest in keeping animals sound, they often compared notes while monitoring one another’s trimming techniques. “The fundamental principles apply to elephant and horse alike,” contends Mike. “Balancing the foot based on how the animal stands is at the core of it all.” So, it was a natural that when the time came, he would make a move toward horseshoeing.  

 "I wish I'd started this 10 years sooner," he says. "It's the best job in the world. I love waking up and going to work and having fun all day. Elephants were tons of fun, but I really get a kick out of shoeing."  

Mike has articles featured in the following:  
"American Farriers Journal" 
"Fortune Magazine"