The last few weeks have been particularly busy - historically this time of year work begins to steady a little after many clients having a busy summer competing. The good weather in the last few weeks has meant that more clients are trying to squeeze in a few more outings before the weather turns really wintry!

I, like many farriers, have reported a slightly higher number of lost shoes; this can be for a number of reasons and is, unfortunately, affected by the weather – inconsistent hoof moisture content caused by very wet ground conditions followed by very dry can result in splitting and cracking within hooves which, especially when combined with a few hours of extra work, can make them more susceptible to throwing shoes. Shortening the shoeing cycle can help to alleviate this.

As farrier to racehorse trainer P D Evans, we are on duty in the yard three afternoons a week. David races horses predominantly on the flat and has had a very successful season so far this year. We currently shoe approximately 90 horses in the yard which can mean we can do more than a dozen sets in an afternoon! In the last few weeks the yard has enjoyed a few good wins which is great for everyone involved as it is a real team effort.

The NAFBAE Internationals Team Shoeing Competition saw the Pro Feet sponsored English Farriery Team steal back the coveted trophy from the Welsh who were victorious last year. Ireland put in a superb team effort to come very close runners up in third. The Individual Competition was won by Welshman Billy Crothers. 14 countries took part in the competition over the bank holiday weekend and it is always fascinating to see the slightly different techniques and approaches used by individuals across different countries. The Dutch completed the competition in their clogs and some European farriery teams chose to have a ‘hoof holder’ who holds the foot whilst the farrier nails the shoe on to the foot. This appears very odd but is a method that works particularly well for them - apparently in their every day work it is the horse owner that holds the foot!

Harry and Robbie are off to the Royal Berkshire (Newbury) Show this weekend to compete. Newbury is a really well run popular but tough competition so fingers crossed for them. Harry has just entered his third year in his apprenticeship so will be competing in the Third and Fouth year class and Robbie has officially just begun his, so will be competing in the First and Second year class. I am giving Newbury a miss this year as I am having a little break from competing – having done so many this year it is time to catch up on many jobs at home and in the forge!

Following successful completion of his 'final’ exams, Mike graduated in a ceremony in London in the first week of September. Organised by the Worshipful Company of Farriers and the Farriers Registration Council, the Presentation Ceremony is conducted at The Honourable Artillery Company and preceded by a service in Wesley’s Chapel. Attended by the newly qualified farriers, their Approved Training Farrier (me, in Mike’s case!) and their family, the service is a really pleasant occasion which emphasises the long tradition we have in our profession. The Presentation Ceremony is also attended by farriers gaining higher qualifications. This occasion was particularly special as two farriers, Mr David Gulley FWCF and Mr David Symons FWCF were recognised for their particular contributions; both having served 50 years in the farriery industry - I have some years to go to catch up with them!

In the next couple of weeks we have a number of clinics to attend, both practical and theoretical. The last couple of years has seen a greater provision in the number of clinics and courses allocated specifically for farriers, which has been as a result of formally recognised CPD (Continuing Professional Development) being introduced. For a long time many farriers have chosen to attend such events to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date with the latest research and this latest move recognises those farriers that are continuously re-evaluating and improving. Horse owners have a right to expect that our knowledge is kept up to date and as a farrier you are better equipped to dealing with a vast range of hoof ailments and applying therapeutic methods as necessary.