H&C

6
Sep
2010

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Best shod prize and a baby on the way

Robbie receiving his prize

“Autumn is already here with sunny but frosty mornings! The combines are finally back in the fields trying to get the last of the corn following the recent bout of horrible wet weather. The straw does not look great for this year – let’s hope some of the earlier wheat cut will have produced some good bedding for the winter.

Hunting looms

Our hunt horses are back in work and wearing shoes out in less than two weeks due to the stringent fittening programme, which includes a serious amount of road work! Autumn hunting is imminent. The race yard, although winding down for the end of the turf season, secured a Group 3 win in Ireland last weekend and seems to be enjoying an end of season flurry of successes. Whilst some of the horses are now being given a rest, already new purchases from the sales are coming in to begin their work over the autumn and early winter months and the campaign for the all-weather season will soon begin to be considered.

All three of us took part at St Mellon’s Show – a local show to us, organised by farrier Tim Rooney RSS, which is always good fun and a good chance to catch up with other farriers in the area. A successful day out all round with Robbie winning the First & Second Year Class and coming third in the Third & Fourth Year Class, Harry although unplaced in his own class came second to me in the Open (phew!) and then went on to win the One Heat Shoe!

The following weekend at Peover Game Fair, the Shoemaking Competition also produced some good results with Robbie seventh, Harry fifth and me 9^th in our respective classes. A stiff competition with some really good farriers present, so well worth the trip!

Maybee comes up trumps

I was particularly delighted to receive a phone call from Lady Diana Hayman-Joyce, a long standing customer of mine and owner of Maybee IV, to inform me that I was the winner of the Worshipful Company of Farriers Best Shod Horse Award at the British Eventing Open Championship held at Gatcombe. Maybee IV was ridden by Matt Ryan and was placed 19^th overall. These awards are highly regarded amongst all farriers and are awarded taking into consideration the condition of the feet, the making and fitting of the shoes and the nailing and position of the clips.

Looking for new apprentices

After sifting through the pile of CVs we have begun to invite some potential apprentices for work experience. Those that have been unsuccessful have all been written a letter – we feel it’s important to try and provide feedback whenever we can. Competition for apprenticeships is steep but a lot of effort goes into writing and sending letters and CVs so although it adds to the paperwork pile, is a task worth doing!

Princess Anne and Junior

September looks to be an exciting month ahead! I have been invited to meet Princess Anne on a visit to Weston Cider as their farrier and Claire and I are expecting our first baby any day soon! Here’s hoping that the two events don’t clash!”