moreBFBA PRESIDENT'S PIECE

BFBA PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

A message from your BFBA President - Chris Linssner

Welcome to another issue of the
British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association’s, Forge magazine

President's address

I have just got home – exhausted – from the European Federation of
Farriers Association’s (EFFA’s) AGM in Switzerland. There was a lot of
business to be done and a full report will be in the February 2016 issue.
In early November, during one of the weekend sessions of the BFBA’s Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers course at Stoneleigh, a farrier’s van was stolen from outside the Forge. Even though the showground has a manned access gate, there is always something going on at Stoneleigh Park; for example on Sundays, there is often a car boot sale in the indoor barns and there are dog shows, sales and events of all sorts.
It means that the showground is vulnerable to the attention of those involved in criminal activity just like anywhere else. People have free run of the showground to go wherever they want unchallenged. Over the years, we have had various incidents at the Forge - even during the International Team Championship - but never on this scale, so please look after your property and we do hope this farrier gets his van and equipment back.
In the October issue of Forge magazine there was an article on referrals, when to seek a second-opinion and how to go about it (Forge, October 2015, vol 2, p 16). The piece was provided in two parts: one was by the Farriers Registration Council and the other was by Andrew Poynton FWCF. This was a very good article, setting out the guidelines that should be followed when a farrier runs into problems with a lame horse or a client who wants a second-opinion.
Additionally, John Ford’s letter ‘Trade or profession: it’s your choice’ (Forge, October 2015, vol 2, p 34) called for Farriers to adopt a professional attitude in all their activities.
The organisations and bodies involved with representing, educating and regulating farriers promote adopting a professional attitude when dealing with any professional matter.
Communication is the key – talk to owners, let them know that you are well placed to discuss issues of concern, and perhaps give them a follow-up call, for example, to ask how the horse is doing or just to keep in touch if you’ve not heard from them for a while.
Where a vet is concerned, if you have not heard from them, it’s a good idea to ring them to discuss their findings and to agree between you on what’s best for the horse.
Communication is a two-way process - it doesn’t matter who starts it.
The winter months may be quieter for some – it may be just the time to catch up on your reading, a bit of CPD perhaps (and getting your CPD record up to date). 2016 is going to be an absolutely bumper year for BFBA as we will be the hosting the World Championships in August. The National Championship will be held at the Royal Yorkshire Show (July 12-14) and the International Championships and the Farrier Focus will be held at the Association’s home – The Forge, Stoneleigh Park (September 23-25).
Have a great Christmas and New Year. Eat, drink and make merry and I hope you manage to get some days off over the festive period.
Chris Linssner
BFBA President
www.forgemagazine.co.uk
www.bfba.co.uk
ForgeMagazine; FarrieryFocus