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Press Releases & Notices 2009

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Farriers needed to review new units of learning (added 16th December 2009)
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, is calling for farriers to take part in a review in the New Year to help ensure new bite-sized units of learning meet the modern needs of industry.
Designed to make the entire qualification system simpler to understand and use, the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) will change the way the skills of individuals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are recognised and accredited. Qualifications are broken down into small individual units of learning that can be fitted together to create complete qualifications that are more relevant to the needs of farriers. Lantra is asking for feedback from industry professionals to make sure these units encompass the skills required by farriers.
Nanette Lane, Project Manager for the Qualifications and Credit Framework at Lantra, said: “The review is a great opportunity for farriers to let us know what they need from qualifications. The process is starting with an online review, open Monday 18 January until Friday 26 February 2010, where the units of learning that make up qualifications will be reviewed.”
The new framework will acknowledge levels of achievements in terms that everyone can understand and will encourage learners to gain recognition of their skills through the achievement of accessible qualifications.
Kevin Willard, FWCF, Chairman of Training Advisory Committee (TAC) and External Verifier for British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) said: “Working closely with Lantra, we can insure the high standard of training remains at its optimum. As we have done in the past we need to pioneer the way forward with both our practical and theory skills. The opportunity to be involved with the future development of the trade should not be missed by the working everyday Farrier.”
Nanette concluded: “Our research shows that training not only boosts staff motivation but confidence and loyalty too. The new qualifications will prove to be a really positive step for the farriery industry, helping them fulfil their training needs, resulting in recognition of the highly skilled professional workforce. It’s really important the new units of learning meet the modern needs of farriers so by getting involved in the development process, farriers can influence the future of the qualification system.”
For more details on the Qualifications and Credit Framework farriery review, please visit www.lantra.co.uk/QCF, call 0845 707 8007 or email standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk.

Forge Burglary (added 2nd December 2009)
We were extremely saddened and angry to hear that Nigel Fennell has recently had his forge broken into. A lot of stock has been taken including anvils (300wt, painted red oxide), tools and a welder. If anyone is offered any farriers products or you feel you can provide any useful information please contact Nigel 07887 501 509.

CPD record cards 2009 (added 30th November 2009)
Please could all farriers return your 2009 CPD Record cards to the CPD Office at Sefton House or alternatively enter details of your CPD activity on the CPD Website www.farrierycpd.org by the end of December 2009. Thank you!

LANTRA calls for farriers to comment on apprenticeships (added 20th November 2009)
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, is calling for farriers to take part in a consultation this winter and help ensure their apprenticeships meet the modern needs of the industry.
Available to all ages, apprenticeships provide the only route into the farriery industry. One of the most successful in the UK, with an overall achievement rate of 85%, the farriery apprenticeship is completed by on-the-job training, delivered by approved training farriers in the workplace and through approved college or training providers during block release programmes.
The apprenticeship is not a qualification in itself but a package of learning and qualifications combined with practical work experience gained through employment in the farriery industry. Over 130,000 environmental and land-based businesses offer apprentice places because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring – increased productivity, improved competitiveness and a committed and competent work-force.
Jo-Anne Bryan, Project Manager for Apprenticeship Frameworks, said: “Apprenticeships are essential to the farriery industry as having well-trained employees is more important than ever as they aim to meet today’s many challenges.”
Jo-Anne continued: “Lantra is responsible for developing the content of apprenticeships in farriery and ensuring that farriers continue to benefit from this type of training scheme. We work jointly with the regulatory bodies FRA and FTA and are now inviting farriers to take part in a consultation to comment on the apprenticeship frameworks to ensure the content is up-to-date and relevant.”
The consultation process is starting with an online questionnaire, open now until Thursday 31 December 2009, where the qualification aspect of the apprenticeship will be reviewed. The qualifications test the apprentice’s knowledge and practical competence and Lantra wants feedback from industry professionals to make sure the framework encompasses the skills required by today’s employers.
Jo-Anne added: “These questionnaires will be a great opportunity for farriers to let us know what they need from an apprenticeship. But if you can’t take part online, there are other ways to get involved as further consultation meetings will take place later this year in various locations across the UK.”
For more details on Lantra’s apprenticeship reviews visit www.lantra.co.uk/apprenticeships, call 0845 707 8007 or email apprenticeships@lantra.co.uk.

Obituary of Mr. Peter Handley (added 12th November 2009)
On the 10th July 2009, Peter Handley passed away having sadly lost his battle against cancer.
Peter was born on 15th May 1933 and served his apprenticeship with his uncle the late Charles Perkin of Endon Smithy. As a young man he came to Knighton Smithy in the early 60’s and steadily built up his trade with the help of his devoted wife Kathleen. Over the next 40 years he trained 20 apprentices, including his two sons, and enjoyed a thriving Blacksmith and Farriery business.
He was well known for his ability to tackle any problem with horse or owner. He was a hard man but always fair. He had a gentle nature with all animals and birds and adored his ‘sanctuary’ that he built at Knighton.
He will be sadly missed by all his customers, friends and most of all, by his family.
He was laid to rest after a funeral service at Mucklestone Church attended by over 400 people who witnessed a wonderful send off for a great man.
A Devoted Apprentice.

Forge & Farrier would like to send their condolences to Mr Handley's family and friends; our thoughts of with them during this very sad time.

Call for the equine world to comment on the draft NOS for equine barefoot care (added 9th November 2009)
This is an opportunity for farriers to have their say - please do try to find the time to respond by clicking on the link below....
Individuals and organisations representing equine welfare, veterinary, farriery and equine barefoot care are being invited to comment on the draft National Occupational Standards (NOS) to ensure they accurately reflect today’s working practices.
Following agreement reached at an open forum earlier this year, Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, has been working with industry to develop recognised standards for equine barefoot care. As part of this process, Lantra is now opening an online consultation for those who want to take part. Lisa Jarvis, Lantra’s Partnership Manager, said: “We were really pleased that industry reached an agreement to develop NOS, which identify the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively. In this next positive step to move their development forward, we are calling for all interested parties to take part in our consultation and ensure that they are driven by the welfare of horses.”The cross-sector working group leading on the development of the standards have also agreed that the title of the NOS should be ‘equine barefoot care’, rather than the previous term ‘equine barefoot trimming’.
Lisa Jarvis continued: “The group felt it was important to change the title to reflect a wider role than just trimming. We want as many people to get involved as possible and it is really easy to do – you simply need to visit Lantra’s website by Monday 16 November or give us a call for more information.”
Lantra represents 17 environmental and land-based industries which will benefit by ensuring that their own National Occupational Standards are fit for purpose. The standards help businesses improve performance and productivity as they can be used to identify the skills needed for their workforce, highlight best practice, develop training and recruitment plans and develop job descriptions.
If you would like to take part in the consultation to help industry get the most out of the skills system please visit www.lantra.co.uk/nos or call Lantra on 0845 707 8007. The consultation runs from Monday 5 October to Monday 16 November 2009.

Horseshoe Museum (added 21st October 2009)
From the simplest example of horseshoes to the most ornate, the "Horseshoe Museum" has a mandate to be the most comprehensive collection of horseshoes in the world. From the old tradition of Handmade Horseshoes to fit any horse or pathology, to Manufactured Horseshoes from around the world. Horseshoe Museum is also looking for contributors wishing to submit digital photos of individual horseshoes, and passing certifacation shoeboard collections, for consideration. Visit www.horseshoemuseum.com.

Call for the equine world to comment on the draft NOS for Equine Barefoot Care (added 1st October 2009)
Individuals and organisations representing equine welfare, veterinary, farriery and equine barefoot care are being invited to comment on the draft National Occupational Standards (NOS) to ensure they accurately reflect today’s working practices.
Following agreement reached at an open forum earlier this year, Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, has been working with industry to develop recognised standards for equine barefoot care. As part of this process, Lantra is now opening an online consultation for those who want to take part.
Lisa Jarvis, Lantra’s Partnership Manager, said: “We were really pleased that industry reached an agreement to develop NOS, which identify the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively. In this next positive step to move their development forward, we are calling for all interested parties to take part in our consultation and ensure that they are driven by the welfare of horses.”
The cross-sector working group leading on the development of the standards have also agreed that the title of the NOS should be ‘equine barefoot care’, rather than the previous term ‘equine barefoot trimming’.
Lisa Jarvis continued: “The group felt it was important to change the title to reflect a wider role than just trimming. We want as many people to get involved as possible and it is really easy to do – you simply need to visit Lantra’s website by Monday 16 November or give us a call for more information.”
Lantra represents 17 environmental and land-based industries which will benefit by ensuring that their own National Occupational Standards are fit for purpose. The standards help businesses improve performance and productivity as they can be used to identify the skills needed for their workforce, highlight best practice, develop training and recruitment plans and develop job descriptions.
If you would like to take part in the consultation to help industry get the most out of the skills system please visit www.lantra.co.uk/nos or call Lantra on 0845 707 8007. The consultation runs from Monday 5 October to Monday 16 November 2009.

Call for farriers to define the standards for their industry (added 3rd August 2009)
Farriers and their representatives from across the UK are being invited to define the standards for the modern day farrier.
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, is working to develop and update what are known as National Occupational Standards and is now calling for farriers to take part in an online consultation to ensure the standards accurately reflect current working practices within the industry.
Lantra’s Development Manager for Standards and Qualifications, Liz Pridgeon, said: “National Occupational Standards identify the essential building blocks – the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively. These standards form the basis of vocational qualifications, so they need to be completely up-to-date to best reflect how the industry currently operates and to ensure they can be easily understood by everyone.”
Lantra represents 17 environmental and land-based industries which will benefit by ensuring that their own National Occupational Standards are fit for purpose. The standards help businesses improve performance and productivity as they can be used to identify the skills needed for their workforce, highlight best practice, develop training and recruitment plans and develop job descriptions.
If you are a farrier or work in the farriery industry and would like to take part in the consultation to help the industry get the most out of the skills system please visit www.lantra.co.uk/nos or call Lantra on 0845 707 8007. The consultation runs from Friday 10 July until Friday 21 August 2009.

Stuart McGaffin? Entry for National Hunter Championship (added 3rd August 2009)
An apprentice, Stuart McGaffin, has entered for the National Hunter Championship but forgotten to include details of his ATF and/or a postal address! If you are, or know, Stuart please contact Nigel on nigel@farrier578.freeserve.co.uk.

6 in 10 horse owners have changed their spending habits as a result of the recession! (added 28th July 2009)
Results of a new equestrian survey conducted by BETA shows how the equestrian sector is being hit by the economic recession with nearly two thirds of horse owners saying they have changed their spending habits in the last 6 months as a result of the current economic climate.
The survey is the first conducted from the equestrian research panel, a joint venture between BETA and Sportswise, an independent research consultancy.
Jon Downer, Managing Director at Sportswise commented, “this first survey from the new Equestrian Research Panel clearly shows that the sector has been effected by the current economic climate. It shows that horse owners are cutting back and not spending in areas that they may otherwise have done. For example, 1 in 5 are choosing to repair equipment rather than replace it and a further 1 in 5 have not renewed equestrian memberships”.

Has the current economic climate changed your equestrian spending or riding habits over the last 6 months, if so how?.... (based on a sample of 500 horse owners from the Equestrian Research Panel)
30% Cut back on riding lessons
30% Reduced frequency of showing/competing
20% Haven’t replaced tack and/or other equipment
19% Not renewed membership of equestrian organisations
19% Cut back on traveling for purposes other than competing
19% Have repaired equipment rather than replace it
8% Reduced insurance cover
5% Reduced frequency of shoeing horses
5% Changed kind of livery used
4% Decided not to breed this year
3% Reduced frequency of worming horses
37% Not changed spending habits

2009 International Team Horseshoeing Championship Welsh Team Selection (updated 16th July 2009)
The Senior Welsh Team trials will be held on Monday 3rd August at Jim Blurton’s Forge in Forden Nr Welshpool. All those who want to attend for selection please let Martin Gould know by the 25th July. Their will be a charge of £25 per person for materials.
The Welsh apprentice team will be selected from the top six apprentices who compete at The Royal Welsh Show. If any Welsh apprentice is not competing at The Royal Welsh, but still wants to be considered for the team, they will need to contact Martin by the 25th July.
Contact: Martin Gould; martin@jimblurton.co.uk Tel: 01938 580 222

Great Harwood Show expands and seeks assistance with the a Farrier Competition (added 8th July 2009)
Great Harwood Show, is held annually on the last Monday in May. Although the show has been in existence for 143 years they have recently purchased a new much larger showfield of 40 acres and now hold one of the largest shows in Lancashire.
On the new site there is room for other attractions such as a farriery competition for the 2010 show.
The show organisers are currently looking for someone 'in the know' who may be interested in helping to organise the competition and welcome suggestions for class ideas. Please contact Claire if you think you could be of further assistance on 07747 602978 or email.

Horse industry says “no” to proposed levy (added 8th July 2009)
A consultation response on behalf of the horse industry and horse owners has been submitted to Defra, turning down their proposals to impose a levy on horse ownership.
The proposal for a New Independent Body for Animal Health has been widely consulted upon in the last few months, both within the equine and other livestock sectors.
In the case of the horse sector, there is insufficient accurate information in the Consultation document and no visible benefits for horse owners, to enable anything other than a firm “no” response to a proposed levy.
The Consultation response was prepared jointly by the British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC), British Horse Society (BHS) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).
Further information:
BHIC Consultation response
BHS News
BEF News

Stolen: Horse & Trailer (added 8th June 2009)
Austin - Stunning Irish Sport Horse, 14.1hh, Grey (dapple), 6 years old. Friendly, adorable, a real family pony.. Please help us get him back!
Austin was taken from Red Lane, Disley, CHESHIRE in the very early hours of 4th June. Please help us to spread the word and help us to find Austin.
Also Red Ifor Williams Trailer with reg plate RN53 EHO was taken and wheel clamp and hitch lock must have been damaged in order to take it!
Please call us if you have ANY information:
Karen Steele- 01663 763708 / 07896421728
Becki Steele- 07875177189
Melissa Steele- 07812352199
Download flyer.

Warrington Horse Show Farrier Competition (added 14th May 2009)
The Warrington Horse Show will go ahead on 25th May 2009. The farrier competition however has been unable to go ahead this year. If anyone could help with the organisation next year so this competition can continue please contact Roger Sutton, email roger@delameredairy.co.uk.

BETA International 2010 “more than 71% sold” (added 14th May 2009)
Buoyant exhibitor bookings for BETA International 2010 indicate more than 71% of stand space already sold.
The world’s leading equestrian and country trade exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 21-23 February. Abbey Saddlery & Crafts returns as main sponsor for a third year.
Applications from exhibitors for BETA International 2010 have so far have been confirmed for 3,747sqm of stand space. The figure (at 11th May 2009) compares with a total of 5,223sqm at BETA International 2009.
Among BETA International’s longest standing exhibitors committed to returning in 2010 are leading British wholesalers Matchmakers International, Belstane Marketing, Shires and Battle, Hayward & Bower.
A strong contingent of European wholesalers includes HKM Sports Equipment and Pfiff Pfitzner Reitsport, both from Germany, French based Ekkia and Acavallo from Italy. Life Data Labs, JC Quarter Horses, Professional’s Choice and W.F. Young are among the American exhibitors already booked.
Country clothing is strongly represented by the re-appearance of Joules, Dubarry and Puffa; while Horseware Ireland, Polly Products and Italian company Plastica Panaro emphasise BETA International’s equestrian core.
Pet products and horse feed are set to become even more prominent at BETA International’s 31st running with canine and equine products from TopSpec and the return of British Horse Feeds.
“With more than 71% of stand space already sold, BETA International clearly marks an important milestone in many exhibitors’ commercial calendars.” said Claire Thomas, commercial manager of BETA International organiser EMC.
“As we look forward to BETA International 2010, it’s good for our visitors to know that exhibitors already number globally recognised brands as well as many exciting, emerging companies.”
BETA International also recently reimbursed 2009 exhibitors who were eligible for its long-established Prompt Payment Rebate. The 5% repayment on net stand space to those who booked with a deposit before 1 October and completed their payments by 11 December remains in place for 2010.
In addition, exhibitors can take advantage of a 2.5% Early Commitment Discount, making a total of 7.5% in available savings on stand space. Although the application deadline has passed for 2010, applications are open for the 2011 exhibition.
BETA International is to retain its exhibitor rates at 2009 prices for the 2010 exhibition. Stand allocation commences in October.
BETA International 2010 takes place on 21-23 February at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. Organiser Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BETA Group.
Contact James Palmer at BETA International on +44 (0) 1937 582111 email jamesp@beta-int.com or visit www.beta-int.com

EU horses on NED (added 14th May 2009)
NED, the National Equine Database, launched last November with over a million records of horses and ponies with UK passports, is now able to register details of horses with passports from other European Union countries.
If you have a horse with an EU passport, including horses with passports from the Republic of Ireland, and you’d like to see its details on NED, log on to www.nedonline.co.uk and follow the simple steps on the form provided.
Said NED Chief Executive Nick Wallbridge “NED is the only central source of verified identity, pedigree and performance information for UK passports, and the addition of the details of horses with EU passports will make it an even more complete source of reference for buyers, sellers and breeders”.
The EU passport service is now live at www.nedonline.co.uk

Change in Pension Legislation (added 13th May 2009)
Pension access has been pushed back to the age of 55. Anyone born between 1950 and 4th April 1960 only has until 5th April 2010 to commence some form of a a pension withdrawal. Failure to meet the deadline means access is denied until age 55 regardless on any change in financial circumstance.

NBCC, New for the Blacksmiths Competing this year (added 7th May 2009)
In these times of the credit crunch, the opportunity to present your work to potential clients at the lowest possible cost to yourself must surely be an attractive proposition. The easiest and the cheapest way must to be by taking part in the Blacksmithing Competitions on the NBCC circuit.
With most shows having at least 100,000 visitors attending, there is obviously vast potential for securing commissions, and making your name known to the public.
All you need to do is to enter at one or more of the shows on the NBCC’s circuit.
This year as an extra incentive to encourage entries into the competitions on the NBCC circuit, the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths have increased their contributions to the prize monies on offer at the qualifying shows.
At each show, in the static competitions classes, The Show Champion will receive a cheque for £200 and the Reserve Champion will receive a cheque for £100 sent to them directly from the WCB.
These payments are in addition to any other prize monies on offer.
Details of where these shows are and who to contact to enter the competitions at each show can be found at www.blacksmithscompetition.co.uk
Additionally at the years end, The overall National Champion Blacksmith will receive a cheque for £500, a silver cup and a plaque, and the Runner up will receive a cheque for £250 and a plaque, Also the National Live Champion Blacksmith will receive a cheque for £500 and a plaque, and the runner up will receive a cheque for £250 and a plaque, these will be presented at the Worshipful Company’s annual ceremony.
This year at the Royal Show, a new initiative is being introduced. The National Blacksmiths Competition Committee is sponsoring an Inter College Trophy, The winning college will hold the shield until the next years competition, when they can defend their title. To encourage entries, the colleges will only pay one fee to participate in the competition, and all the students entries at the show in whatever classes they choose to enter will be free. This years competitions will be located in the Country Crafts area at the junction of Avenue A and Avenue G.
The range of work put into these competitions is vast, from a toasting fork, flower, or some other simple piece of work to the larger complex pieces, all are of interest and attract the attention of the public.
Many exhibits are put in from ‘smiths who are attending various courses such as the ones that can be found at www.blacksmithsguild.com (Formerly the Guild of Wrought Ironwork Craftsmen of Wessex, and the Blacksmiths and Metalworkers of the South West).
This guild is very active in promoting the shows and the blacksmiths craft in general, providing help and assistance in many ways.
At most shows, the competitors are also able to sell items they have made directly to the public via a sales area within the marquee.
The shows are enjoyable, an excellent shop window and marketing opportunity to display your works and abilities, and an opportunity to meet with like minded people and pick up new tips from watching others work, so why not think about taking part and entering your local show.

YFEDA Competition 24th & 25th October 2009 - your thoughts (added 5th May 2009)
Steve Hewitt and team are now in the process of planning the October competition. This year the competition will be held over two days and it is anticipated that the second day will include a 'team' competition. Suggestions so far have included county teams, teams of master and apprentices or teams of mixed age groups. Steve would like anyone with feedback for these suggestions or who has a suggestions of their own to get in touch. Email Steve or call 07720 405062.

Apprenticeships will help the farriery industry says LANTRA
(added 18th February 2009)
Apprenticeships have a central role to play helping Farriery firms maintain and improve business productivity during the economic downturn, said Lantra in the run up to Apprenticeship Week 2009 (23-27 February).
Lantra - the Sector Skills Council responsible for ensuring that people working in environmental and land based industries have the right skills to work effectively – said apprenticeships can lead to improved productivity and performance for businesses where they work. Recent research has shown that 77per cent of employers believe that apprenticeships help make them more competitive.
Farrier Ian Hughes believes apprenticeships are essential for the future of the industry and they help young people build their skills and confidence.
Ian comes from a long line of farriers. He worked for the Beijing Olympic Committee as head farrier for the equestrian events and with the British para dressage team.
He is also an Approved Training Farrier and currently has two apprentices.
Ian said:” As a training farrier it is great to see your apprentices come on. I always say they start as a kid and leave as an adult. My involvement with the Olympics inspired my apprentices. They realised how far they could go.
“The greatest reward is seeing their personalities develop. I would have no qualms sending my apprentices out anywhere. If you didn’t have the apprenticeship system and the Approved Training Farrier system with set standards, this industry would either die a death or the standards would drop.”
Reece, who is one of Ian’s apprentices, is now in his third year.
He said: “ My sister had a horse and I started working with her farrier before I got the apprenticeship. It’s great working with somebody who really knows what they are doing and is enthusiastic about the job.
“You get on the job training and learn skills gradually rather than just the theory. Eventually I want to run my own business, perhaps with other farriers because they are a friendly bunch.”
Liz Pridgeon, Standards and Qualifications Development Manager at Lantra said: “Apprenticeships give businesses a practical and effective way to develop staff without the need for expensive training courses or taking time away from the work place. There is clear evidence that employers find that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce. This in turn helps to reduce staff turn over, boost productivity and leads to higher profitability.
“Employers find that apprenticeships give them the edge over their competitors and that can make a massive difference in the current economic climate. During Apprenticeship Week 2009 Lantra are running a number of events around the country for employers to find out more about how they could benefit. For more information log on to the Lantra website at: www.lantra.co.uk/apprenticeships or phone 0845 707 8007”
Apprenticeships are available to all ages and provide employers with on-the-job training so that employees can contribute to a business whilst gaining skills and experience. There is no set period to complete an apprenticeship and they can be delivered entirely in the workplace or through a combination of workplace and off the job training.

Forge Robbery!
(added 16th February 2009)
Stolen: two Swan eurofitter gas fires, nails, and 3 shoeing jackets (with "GH" burnt on pockets) and multiple hand tools including a 2lb Chatterton turning hammer with "GH" stamped into the shaft, two handmade nailing on hammers and an original Gunner Gatski ballpein hammer also with " GH" burnt into the shaft please email mandy_harland@yahoo.co.uk.

Farrier to Judge Innovation Award
(added 14th January 2009)
Farrier David Gill has been invited to judge the Innovation Awards at this year’s BETA International - the world’s foremost equestrian and country trade exhibition which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 15-17 February.
Joining David to assess the latest equestrian inventions will be British eventing team manager Yogi Breisner, equine nutritionist Dr Catherine Dunnett, master saddler Mike Norton, international dressage rider and trainer Pammy Hutton and equine physiotherapist Kate Rees.
The awards, designed to reward innovation plus products’ potential profitability, will be judged in six categories (Saddlery & Tack, Rider Clothing, Feed & Supplements, Horsecare Products & Equipment, Safety & Security, Other). A number of entries relate to hoofcare.
“As a long-time advocate of the ‘whole horse’ approach, I’m delighted that the farriery profession is to be represented on the judging panel for these prestigious equestrian awards,” said David.
Farriers are invited to attend BETA International. Admission is free upon pre-registration via www.beta-int.com or tel: 01937 582111 for more details.

CPD 2008 Record Cards
(added 13th January 2009)
Please could all farriers return their completed 2008 CPD Record Cards to : The CPD Office, Sefton House, Adam Court, Newark Road, Peterborough, PE1 5PP as soon as possible.

Auditions for Dragons’ Den at BETA International
(added 12th January 2009)
Equestrian entrepreneurs could find themselves in front of the TV cameras when Dragons’ Den visits BETA International 2009.
Researchers from the hit BBC2 show will be attending the trade exhibition seeking people with ingenious products and market-ready business plans.
Dragons’ Den has previously attended BETA International. But for the first time this year, the production team plans to conduct on-camera auditions with filming taking place during the exhibition.
Suitable candidates are in with a strong chance of appearing in the seventh series of Dragons’ Den – and potentially securing investment of more than £50,000 from the show’s panel of rich but ruthless venture capitalists.

BETA International 2009 takes place on 15-17 February at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. Organiser Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BETA Group.
Contact James Palmer at BETA International on +44 (0) 1937 582111 or visit www.beta-int.com for a full list of exhibitors and detailed visitor information including online pre-registration for free admission.

World Championship Roll of Honour

In 2008 the World Championships were won by Irish competitor Paul Robinson, but who has won other years? Click here to view the World Championships Roll of Honour.

Website Links

American Farriers Journal
Australian Farriers & Blacksmiths Association
Blacksmiths Competition Website
David Hankin DipWCF
European Federation of Farriers Association
International League for the Protection of Horses
New Zealand Farriers Association Inc
Queensland Master Farriers Association
Roythornes Legal Services
The Horse Trust
World Champion Blacksmiths