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News

Don't forget you can get 1 CPD point for writing a Farriery Related Article for Forge Magazine (max 4 points per year)
Attend a one day NAFB&AE Event for 4 CPD Points, A half day is 3 CPD Points and an evening event is 2 CPD Points.
These include local meetings etc but exclude purely social events. For further information contact the CPD Office on 01733 341393.

NED invites horse owners to take part in building the most trusted and comprehensive source of equine information ever available

The launch of the National Equine Database gives owners of all horses with UK passports a chance to check the information about their horse or pony online and to raise some money for Equine Charities into the bargain. 
The National Equine Database is now available to the public at www.nedonline.co.uk.  This is the first and only central source of verified combined breeding and performance data for UK horses and ponies.  Its arrival marks a new era in the UK horse world, where buyers and sellers can make use of a trusted source of genuine information about each individual horse or pony.  NED will also support and develop British breeding to enhance our position in the global breeding community.
NED contains an equine record for every passport issued by a UK Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO), featuring (if provided) the name of the horse, its age, gender, height, colour, sire and dam.  Data has also been provided by over 80 organisations, from Breed Societies to Olympic competition disciplines. 
To make this the most comprehensive source of all possible data about each animal, NED is inviting owners of all horses or ponies with a UK passport to visit the site, register and access the information held there about their animals.  If they then wish to access reports, link themselves with their own horse, upload pictures or add extra information, they will be asked for the nominal fee of £1 (for an introductory three month period).  This small credit card transaction is required to verify the identity of users to help prevent fraudulent or inappropriate use of the site.  The money raised from this will be donated to equine related charities. 
NED CEO, Nick Wallbridge said:
“Collecting this data from the various different sources on over 1 million horses has been no easy task, but we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far.  With the help of horse and pony owners, the database is going to be a rich mine of information and we’ll soon wonder how we ever managed without it.” 
Yogi Breisner, BEF World Class Performance Manager for Eventing, commented:  “In order to be able to compete with the best in the world it is important that Great Britain continues to develop its equine policies and NED is a great tool to support this”.

UK TAKES OVER PRESIDENCY OF THE EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF FARRIERS ASSOCIATIONS

Mr David Gulley, a Registered Farrier and a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, has been elected President of the European Federation of Farriers Associations. The appointment was made at EFFA’s Annual General Meeting in Saumur, France on 15 November, and is for a period of two years.
The mission of EFFA is to improve the welfare of the horse by encouraging the highest standards of trimming and shoeing. It has produced agreed standards of basic competence in farriery, and has started a process of accrediting the training and examination systems in member nations against these standards. Farriers who are recognised as meeting these standards will be entitled to call themselves Certified Euro-Farriers. In addition EFFA organises a European Farriery Championship every two years, and in alternate years arranges an educational event for farriery students and teachers.
Membership of EFFA is open to all farriery associations in all European nations, whether they are members of the EU or not. Current member nations are: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, France, Austria, Norway, Switzerland, Great Britain, Iceland, Ireland, Holland, Spain, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
David Gulley’s appointment recognises his many years experience as a farrier, both in the Army and in civilian life, his contributions to training apprentices, to competing and to judging competitions, and to supporting the work of the National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths and Agricultural Engineers.
David was delighted with his election to this prestigious and influential position, and has made clear his determination to carry forward and to publicise EFFA’s work in raising standards of farriery throughout Europe.

The Laminitis Clinic Launches Trial for Horses with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome, also known as Obesity Dependant Laminitis or Peripheral Cushing’s Disease, can cause horses and ponies to suffer recurrent attacks of laminitis. These cases have high blood concentrations of cortisol and insulin which are often impossible to normalise.
The Laminitis Clinic is currently trialling a new product, which has already shown encouraging results at normalising these blood parameters, meaning that affected horses are easier to keep free of laminitis whilst enjoying a more normal lifestyle with controlled grazing periods.
TLC are currently seeking more participants for this trial.  If you think your horse may be eligible and you would be interested in putting your horse forward to take part, please contact the office and speak to a member of our team  on 01249 890784. Alternatively, you will find more information at www.laminitisclinic.org/Trial.htm

Top awards for Warwickshire College farriery student and staff

A Warwickshire College-trained apprentice has won a coveted award for submitting the best NVQ portfolio of any farriery student in the country.
Simon Hadingham, aged 31, received his award when he attended the Worshipful Company of Farriers Diploma ceremony in London, along with all the other students who achieved their diplomas.
The portfolios of students at Warwickshire College plus Hereford, Myerscough and Oatridge were inspected by Farriery Training Association (FTA) external verifiers who decided which candidate should receive the award.
Warwickshire College equine department lecturer Richard Bacon said: “Two significant farriers who were involved in training passed away in recent years and the candidate who presented the best NVQ portfolio wins an award and the college at which that apprentice trained also gets a shield in their memory. 
“It’s recognition of the tutors and apprentice farriers. I think the shield is a source of pride for the tutors and their award for overseeing the high level of work. This continues the farriers’ tradition of excellence at the college.”
The shield is in memory of Ivon Bell MBW FWCF Hons, and Carl Jones FWCF, and their dedication to farriery and the NVQ system.
Simon Hadingham has now finished his apprenticeship and is still working part-time for John Blake DWCF, based in Attleborough , Norfolk, and also working for himself part-time.
Simon, who lives near Beccles, north Suffolk, said: “It was a surprise because I didn’t do it to go in for the award. The portfolio was for my own value, it was to have something that I could refer to and look things up in." 
Simon came to farriery as a second career. He said: “I was in agriculture before so it was a change of career - I diversified.
“I enjoyed the course - I went round and looked at all the colleges and out of all of them Warwickshire had the best facilities and they attended events.”
The farrier he was apprenticed to, John Blake, used to send his apprentices to another college but Simon insisted on going to Warwickshire College, and now Mr Blake is sending his other apprentices there.
Simon had previously done a degree in agriculture, and worked on his family farm. But he said: “We got rid of the animals, and that’s why I changed, I wanted to keep working with animals. It’s brilliant and I am pleased I made the decision to get away.”
To become a farrier, students have to serve an apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier over four years, while successfully completing eight block release courses at Warwickshire College’s Moreton Morrell Centre to gain an NVQ Level 3 in Farriery. This involves submitting a detailed portfolio to support the practical and knowledge assessments, and retaining an understanding of the wide range of theory subjects and practical skills, before they are allowed to take their Worshipful Company of Farriers Diploma Examination. This is what Simon and his fellow students have now passed.
Warwickshire College student Lauren Carey won the best theory paper nationally in the Diploma exams earlier this year, and also won the best portfolio award.

Pictures: Simon Hadingham (left) and Richard Bacon with the shield and college trophy
Simon receiving his award from Howard Cooper, Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers


WELCOME TO PETER ABLETT, NEW FTA TRAINING DIRECTOR
“The main challenges for me are building new and productive relationships –
Farriery and the FTA can only move forward in partnership”
The Training Director of the FTA, Miles Williamson-Noble, has now retired. Peter Ablett started as the Training Director Designate on 2 June 2008 to commence a three month hand-over. Peter formally begins his new role as Training Director on 3 September 2008.
Before Peter came to FTA, he was the Chief Executive of the ‘Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners’ (CRFP) – a role not too dissimilar from the Registrar of the FRC, apart from there is no Forensic Scientists Registration Act. Prior to that, he held a number of senior roles in Police Training, which involved work-based learning across the UK - again, very similar to the FTA.
The following interview was kindly provided to Forge Magazine by the FTA.
You have been the ‘Training Director Designate’ for a few months now – has it been an enjoyable time?
“Loving it – absolutely loving it. Everyone I meet in the Farriery Family is so friendly and helpful. The Management Board, FTA and FRC staff could not be more supportive. Most importantly, Miles has shared much of his valuable experience with me, which has been very much appreciated.”
What do you see as being the main challenges for you in your new role?
“The main challenges for me are building new and productive relationships – Farriery and the FTA can only move forward in partnership. To make the most of what I can contribute, I need to fully understand people’s fears and aspirations – if there are any barriers to success, then we must overcome them!”
What message would you give to ATFs?
“ATFs are fundamentally crucial to the success of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Farriery – we simply could not operate without them. It is important to reflect that the Farriery Apprenticeship Scheme is one of the most successful in the UK, with a Completion Rate of 85%!
“The ATF is at the heart of this long term success story. I shall be doing all I can to support and encourage ATFs – together they are building the future of Farriery and, crucially, protecting the long term needs of equine welfare.”
What message would you give to Apprentices?
“From what I have seen so far, our Apprentices represent the very best of our youth today. They are so keen and eager to learn! The energy I have witnessed at Apprentice Shoemaking Competitions has been truly amazing – I am sure they would inspire anyone thinking of becoming a Farrier.
“My key messages to Apprentices would be; always think about the welfare of the equine you are working on and learn all you can from your Master because you cannot put a price on such knowledge and experience. Also, make sure that your working environment is safe and if you have any problems, do not be backward in coming forward. Why can’t we achieve a 100% successful completion rate?”
What are your aims for the FTA in the coming year?
“My main aim for the FTA in the coming year is to concentrate on our strategy; ensuring that it is fit for purpose, fully endorsed and supported by all our partners in the Farriery Family.
“I am very much hoping that we can organise an FTA Stakeholder Conference next year, which will be primarily aimed at ATFs, so that we have an opportunity to share and discuss key themes. We will listen very carefully and if changes need to be made – we will make them.”
How would you describe your approach as ‘Training Director’?
“As the new Training Director my approach, and indeed my key responsibility, is protecting equine welfare through knowledge and learning. To achieve that, I must encourage everyone involved in the Advanced Apprenticeship to embrace the highest possible professional standards, and obviously build upon the successful legacy that Miles has given me.
“I hope that everyone will feel free to raise issues with me – I am a great believer in continuous improvement and I also like to hear about achievement and success. Success is not necessarily about what has been achieved, but what has been overcome. Given that 25% of our Apprentices have learning difficulties, I think our efforts to support them should be applauded.”
What words would you say to Miles Williamson-Noble, your predecessor?
“Throughout my career I have been blessed with having worked with some remarkable individuals and I would put Miles in that league. As soon as I walked into Sefton House, I sensed an organisation that was thriving. Everyone at FTA and FRC clearly enjoyed what they were doing and saw real purpose in their daily duties.
“The leadership which Miles has given, has clearly brought about much long term success to the FTA and I am delighted to be following in his footsteps.”
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
“I guess one of the highlights of my career to date goes back to my days as an operational Forensic Scientist, when I brought about the conviction of a serial rapist who had attacked 26 women in the Birmingham area.
“The memory of this case stays with me as it represented to me what I was trying to achieve – making a safer and better world for everyone. To be honest though, I do get a real buzz from seeing young people achieve their aims and ambitions. Every Apprentice that gets to be a Farrier will be a highlight for me.”
What has been the funniest moment of your career to date?
“I very much believe in fun in the workplace and humour is essential in order to keep your sanity, especially in some of the very difficult and emotionally challenging roles I have held.
“On one occasion I turned out to deal with a murder in a high security prison. When reception looked at my Warrant Card which was signed by the Chief Constable they thought I was the Chief Constable! This unfortunate misidentification led to a number of crossed wires but I am pleased to say that the real Chief Constable saw the funny side!”
Who do you feel has inspired you in your career to date?
“I was born lucky; not in wealth but in the riches of the countryside. As a small boy, a close family friend, Peter Howard, taught me horsemanship, hunting, fishing and shooting. Peter was the salt of the earth. In adulthood, the most inspirational person for me has been Sir Ronnie Flanagan, currently Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, but most would remember him as Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
 “In my view, his qualities as a leader are unsurpassed and I mean that in every context of human endeavour, not just policing. He once used a forensic science principle; ‘Every Contact Leaves a Trace’, to describe what leadership is really about. I have never forgotten that, and in a way, it says it all about the relationship between ATF and Apprentice.”
Do you have any comments to make about the farriery industry in general?
“Farriers, in my humble opinion, are very unique and very special. The craft can boast a long tradition (not many professions can trace back to 1356!) and the profession is very rich in values. The human race owes the equine species so much for our past successes (‘My Kingdom for a Horse!’), and thankfully now that they are not needed for war or transport, we can focus on sport and pleasure.
“The Farrier is crucial to all of this to ensure that equine welfare is at its highest. Farriery is a tough and sometimes lonely job. I personally would like to see a greater focus on Health and Safety and Occupational Health research for Farriers. Put simply, I would like to see accidents reduced as much as is possible and for Farriers to enjoy long and healthy careers.”
Do you have any further comments?
“Finally I would just like to say how privileged I feel to have been given this opportunity to lead the FTA and contribute to the future of Farriery.”
The FTA staff are pleased to welcome Peter as the new Training Director.
Previous Training Director, Miles Williamson-Noble, said: “Peter stood out as an exceptional candidate for the job of Training Director, and I am delighted that the Management Board chose him to be my replacement.
“Like Peter, I am passionate about farriery and the training of future farriers, and from what I have seen and learnt of Peter’s understanding, capabilities and skills during our handover, he is the ideal person to carry on and develop the excellent farriery Apprenticeship. He brings with him a fresh outlook and new ideas, and just needs the guidance of ATFs and Apprentices in addressing the key areas for improvement. I am sorry to be leaving the world of farriery training, but delighted to be leaving the role of FTA Training Director in the hands of Peter.”
The Chairman of the Management Board, Mr Howard Cooper FWCF Hons, said: “The Board are confident that we have picked the right candidate to take the farriery industry forward.”

Stromsholm New Catalogue

A full viewable version is available on the website that farriers can see at www.stromsholm.co.uk now.

The Welsh Farrier & Blacksmith Association Royal Welsh
The Showground, Builth Wells, Powys
Welsh Farriery Base

On Saturday 29th March an apprentice seminar was held at The Royal Welsh Showground to highlight the new forges invested in by the RWAS and the forming of The Welsh Farrier & Blacksmith Association. The facilities will not only improve the show but allows the new association, Chaired by David Symons FWCF, to fulfil it’s purpose and provide a base to develop the knowledge and skills of Farriers and Blacksmiths in the Welsh Community. The event was generously sponsored by Stromsholm Ltd and eight Welsh apprentices were invited to appreciate the talented tuition of Tony Wilson AWCF who kindly gave up his time to make the first event a success. Future seminars organised by Mr Terry Anthony and again kindly sponsored by Stromsholm Ltd will be advertised in The Forge Magazine.

Caption: Tony Wilson demonstrates his skills to Dean Rose, Lee Morgan, James Barnes,
Daniel Shinton, John Davies, Gary O’Grady and Christopher Harries

 

Mary Bromiley: Anatomy, conformation, injury and rehabilitation
New dates in June and Sept 2008 coming soon ...

UKNHCP 2008 Conference

July 18th and 18th, Bristol Uni Equine Studies Centre, Langford

Dr Robert Bowker will be presenting current research:
Internal morphologies of good and bad feet dissipation in the hoof
Navicular syndrome
Hoof wall and its adaptive changes
Growth of hoof in foal
Foot as a neural structure
Feral horses and environment
Locomotion/movement - circadian rhthym how to increase movements
Bones of foot - adaptability and their changes
Doppler ultrasound
Radiographic examination of foot

Attendance qualifies as CPD for members of RCVS and UKNHCP
17th July: open to all; 18th July: UKNHCP members only
Cost: £50 per person per day before 31st May, £75 for later bookings.
Cheques payable to UKNHCP Ltd, Rockley Farm, Brayford EX32 7QR
Email: [email protected] or call 0772 5555 245.

For further information click here ...

What skills are involved in your job?
A unique project to record the job roles and associated skills of farriers across the UK is being launched by Lantra Sector Skills Council. Farriers are invited to match their job role and skills with a comprehensive list available online at www.lantra.co.uk/jobconsulter.
The project aims to help improve careers information and feed in to the development of skills, training and qualifications to better match industry needs. However, it does not affect the National Occupational Standards for the Farriery NVQ.
Lantra Industry Partnership Manager for farriery, Lisa Jarvis, said,
“The project will consolidate our knowledge of the industry and ensure we portray the breadth of skills in farriery.”
Working with industry, Lantra has drawn up a list of six generic job roles, which are wide-ranging to reflect the differing work activities of people in farriery – from self employed to training and assessments. They have been compiled to reflect the training and progression routes in the industry. Equine welfare, the concept of duty of care and health and safety underpins all of the profiles with varying levels of responsibility in a regulated profession. The importance of customer care and communication skills has also been highlighted in line with the findings of the Sector Skills Agreement and farriery report. The consultation has been made easier using a new online Job Consulter1, which uses a simple tick box approach to record individuals’ feedback.
Lisa continued,
“We are looking for individuals in the industry to let us know if we’ve got it right or not – and if not what needs to be corrected. We would like individuals to pick the title which best fits their job, then view the list of skills to identify which activities they do.”

Keep up to date with news from NAFBAE

The Diagnosis and Management of Conditions of the Foot:
An International Approach
East Midlands Conference Centre – 14th April 2008
A few places still available for this popular biannual event!
BEVA and NAFBAE have once again joined forces to bring you an informative and stimulating one day conference with highly regarded international speakers.
The seminar will cover subjects that equine practitioners will find valuable in day-to-day practice, but uniquely the subjects are approached from both a veterinary and farriery perspective. With speakers from the UK – Tim Mair, Peter Clegg, Ian Hughes, Karen Rickards, Colin Goldsworthy and Chris Pardoe, the US – Dr Richard Mansmann and the Netherlands, a truly international approach is guaranteed, as are lively and informative post lecture discussions.
Unfortunately Pascal Ebell has been injured and is unable to be with us but we are very pleased to announce that Dr Meike Van Heel has agreed to participate, who is a movement scientist, Equine Physiotherapist and part of the same team at Utrecht,.
Meike, who has lectured in both Europe and North America, completed her PhD on ‘the effects of trimming and shoeing Warmblood Horses’ and has developed a prototype horseshoe which benefits the horse’s joint load and limb movement; this forms the basis of her presentation. She has also carried out studies into the development of uneven feet in foals due to grazing behaviour and conformation, and will bring an added breadth of knowledge to the discussions.
The event will also feature a trade show, strongly supported by manufacturers of farriery equipment and related products, which presents an ideal opportunity to acquire the latest tools and gadgets and discuss new techniques and theories.
Details on how to book and to view the full revised Programme please visit the BEVA website or telephone 01638 723555.
For more details and a revised programme click here...

Eastern Counties Shoemaking Weekend 2008
After the success of Last years Eastern Counties Shoemaking Weekend, we are pleased to announce we will be holding one again this year. The dates are; Saturday the 1st of November and Sunday the 2nd of November 2008. The weekend will follow a similar format to last years and further details will be announced very soon.
To be held at 'The Forge', Nabae Head Office, Stoneleigh.

European Championship of Farriers
Each European Country is allowed to compete for the EFFA Championship. The four contestants for each team are named by the country's Farriery Association.
Although there is an entry form within the information, entries are restricted and Farriers cannot attempt to enter the competition privately.
The team of four from the UK consists of one competitor from England, Scotland, Wales and the British Army.
If you are intererested in knowing more about this competition then
Click Here for details
(This is a large file and depending on your connection speed it may take a few minutes to download it. Please be patient)

Branch News Letter No: 3
Click Here

Apprentice Wages Ommission
In the December issue of Forge, page 17, details were given on the
national minimum wage. Some important information was omitted; this is
available here and has been provided by the Farriers Registration
Council.
Click here

Farriery businesses chance to find out about funding
Farriers and others in land-based industries in the South West can get free advice and information to help them develop their businesses at an open day to be held in Somerset on February 15.
The Business Improvement Day, which will be held at Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset (from 9.30 am to 2.30pm), has been organised by Train to Gain in partnership with Lantra, the Sector Skills Council.
The open day will provide farriery businesses with an update on key issues, as well as advice about new ways of increasing business and attracting new customers.
Funding opportunities and other new initiatives will be explored, while participants can learn more about ways of planning their business.
There will also be an emphasis on managing, developing and motivating staff.
The event is free of charge and places are limited to one per company, in order to allow the maximum number of businesses to take part. They will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The South West region has a population of over 5 million and is the largest and most rural of all English regions. There are around 23,600 businesses or organisations that operate wholly or principally in the land-based sector within the South West, 6.22% of which are businesses within the animal care industry (Source: Lantra Estimates, 2005).
To find out more call 08456 047 047 or email [email protected] you can also book your place by visiting http://www.bldc.co.uk/dcevents/evnt_ttg_partner.html
Train to Gain is funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and delivered by the Business Link and the training provider network. Skills Brokers offer businesses impartial advice on their skills requirements; match the training needs of companies with training providers and help to create tailored development packages.
More information on Train to Gain can be found via www.traintogain.gov.uk.

Lords throw out hunt ban challenges
Law Lords have thrown out latest challenges to ban on hunting with dogs
The Law Lords threw out the latest challenges to the ban on hunting with dogs when they ruled that the Hunting Act did not contravene any human rights.
The House of Lords, the highest court in the land, rejected an appeal two years ago in which the pro-hunt lobby claimed that the Parliament Act, used to force through the Hunting Act, was unconstitutional.
On Wednesday Lords Bingham, Hope, Rodger and Brown and Baroness Hale dismissed a second challenge by the Countryside Alliance and other campaigners to the lawfulness of the Hunting Act.
The same panel of Law Lords also dismissed an appeal from the Scottish courts by Brian Friend and Jeremy Whaley, both members of the Union of Country Sports Workers.
They also claimed that the ban, introduced in Scotland under the Protection of Wild Mammals Act, is an infringement of their human rights.
Lord Bingham, the former Lord Chief Justice who headed the panel of Law Lords, said in his ruling: "Fox hunting in this country is an emotive and divisive subject. For some it is an activity deeply embedded in the tradition, life and culture of the countryside, richly portrayed in art and literature, a highly cherished, skilful, healthy and useful form of communal outdoor exercise.
"Others find the pursuit of a small animal across the countryside until it is caught and destroyed by hounds to be abhorrent."
He said the House of Lords had never given its consent to the Hunting Act but they were a judicial committee who had to give their views without reference to their personal sympathies.
The Countryside Alliance, along with various individuals, claimed at a hearing last month that the Act - which prohibits fox hunting, deer hunting and hare coursing with dogs in England and Wales - violates the fundamental human rights of thousands of people whose livelihood and way of life revolve around the meet and the chase.
Between 6,000 and 8,000 were expected eventually to lose their jobs, and many would also lose the homes that went with the jobs, the Law Lords were told. Others would lose businesses and the commercial "goodwill" attached to them.

Be On Your Guard
PHILIP RENDELL a farrier in Warminster was viciously attacked by three men on Thursday evening (15th Nov). He was hit about the head with a piece of scaffolding pipe and ended up in a coma.
Philip was dealing with his wife's horses when he disturbed the men in the barn, it is thought they were after the steel for it's scrap value.
All in a days work..... NOT! NAFBAE and Forge Magazine wish Philip a speedy recovery.

Eastern Counties Clinic 3rd / 4th November 2007
Eastern Counties held a hands on shoemaking and farriery lecture weekend at the forge stoneleigh on the 3rd and 4th of November ’07, Saturday was the apprentice day and some 16 lads had the amazing opportunity to work with twice Reserve World Champion Steven Beane Awcf, this was truly a hands on experience with Steven demonstrating, then watching, helping, advising and inspiring all. Whilst one group worked with Steven the other participated in lectures from Sergio Muelle and Huw Dyer on Anatomy (diploma level) and everyday practical Farriery theory. Then after lunch the two groups swapped over.

Sunday was an open shoemaking and lecture clinic, with qualified and apprentice farriers taking part, Steven demonstrated making and applying a straight bar and a concave hunter front to a live animal and then participants had the choice of hands on shoemaking with Steven or a lecture by Sergio on anatomy (associate level). After lunch it was back in the forge for another demonstration with Steven making and applying an egg bar shoe and a calkin and wedge and then hands on shoemaking with Steven till the end of the day.

Massive thanks to Steven Beane Awcf for his excellent demonstrations, his wonderful hands on classes and his all round enthusiasm. Also massive thanks to Sergio Muelle Awcf and Huw Dyer Awcf for their brilliant lectures and bringing their subjects of Anatomy and Practical everyday shoeing theory to life so vibrantly. Massive thank you’s to Will and Ed O’Shaughnessy who organised the weekend on behalf of the Eastern Counties District.

NAFBAE

Full write up and pictures will be in the February edition of ‘Forge’.

European Farriers Challenge

The European Farriers Challenge is a new horseshoeing competition that will take place annually.
The First competition will be held on 12th-14th December 2007 and will take place in Denmark at Bergers Smedie.
During the competition there will be shoes and other farriery products on show.
Billy Crothers is holding a clinique at the event.
The two Judges this year are: Sandy Beveridge and Allan Ferrie
The best 20 qualify for the semi-final, and the best 10 go on into the final.
Prizes:
Class 1 & 2: a gift certificate (EUR) 400 - 268 - 134
Class 3 & 4: a gift certificate (EUR) 670 - 400 - 201
Class 5 & 6: cash (EUR) 670(+2 beer) - 400 (+1 beer) - 201(+1 soda)
Total winner of class 3+4+5+6
Trophy + cash (EUR) 2012 - 939 - 400
When the competition is over, there will be an event-dinner and a Christmas party.
If you are interested and/ or require further information, contact:
Bergers Smedie
[email protected]

Danish/Nordic Championship for Farriers on the 14th - 16th of March 2008

For members who may be interested in attending: visit the website www.hovpleje.dk where you can register for the championship.
Further details can be obtained from Steffen Mose
The Association of Danish Farriers, DS Håndværk & Industri
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ds-net.dk

Australian Shoeing Competition 2008

For members who may be interested in attending:
The full program can be found at
http://horseexpo.com.au/farriers.html
Further details can be obtained from
Richard Hansen. Hansen Forge Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 115, Samford, 4520, Ph: 61 (0)7 3289 6897
email: [email protected]
Web: www.hansenforge.com.au

CPD
It doesn't have to be a dirty word.
Take a look.

Andrew Poynton and an Imprint shoes training day. Facillitated by Wayne Upton at his Forge.
For further information click here

Farriery: The whole Horse Concept.
(The Enigmas of hoof Balance made clear.)
By David W Gill
This book is a must for anyone who is seriously contemplating the theories of hoof balance.
click here for more details.

Farriery Horse Biomechanics:
What's in it for Farriers?
An afternoon of CPD at the Royal Veterinary College University Of London
Find out What is going on in Equine Biomechanics Research and how this could be useful for your daily work.

Missing

My Stolen Horse
Hello, my name is Lynn, and I am writing to ask if you have seen my horse Toby. He was stolen on 1/6/06, from his field and since then I have been trying to find him. I desperately want him back, I am worried for his safety, he was lame when he was taken.

His details are 14.3hh Heavyweight cob gelding.Tri coloured. Mostly white with bay markings, black patch on his left knee. Aged 16+, lame in right shoulder with arthritis when taken. Very gentle natured, He is very heavily built, he wasnt cut until age 12, so at first glance could be mistaken for a stallion.
He was stolen from his field in Telford, Shropshire on the 1st june 06.
Toby is microchipped, but not freezemarked.
If anyone has any information please email Forge Magazine in confidence - I just want him to come home. If someone has innocently bought him, please contact me and we can come to an amicable agreement.

Please email: [email protected]
quoting: Lynn - if you have any information that may help.