“September proved to be exciting as it promised! Harry Oliver Brown was born on the 15 September (his due date!) at 1.31am weighing 7lbs 7ozs. He is currently very well behaved, already loves walks and being outside in fresh air and is completely at home in the forge, unbothered by the noise! He is growing at a phenomenal rate - it is frightening how quickly time is going already, he changes and develops every day. I managed to have a few days off work and we are delighted to have received so many well wishes from our customers.

A royal visit

I attended the Royal visit By Princess Anne at Weston’s Cider as their ‘horse representative’ early in September (Harry was very polite and waited until I got home before he decided to make an appearance!). This was a real privilege and an extremely enjoyable afternoon. Princess Anne had presented the Best Shod Horse Award at Gatcombe and this provided a great talking point. She was Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers from 1984 to 1985 and has a great understanding of the work we do. We have shod Nobby and Senator (the shires) at Weston’s for a few years now and they are our ‘largest’ clients by far and among the friendliest!

In my absence, Harry and Robbie kept the flag flying at Newbury Show and at the National Hunter Championships with Robbie securing wins in both of his classes at the two shows and Harry gaining a fifth at Newbury and a sixth at the National Hunter Championships. The competition season is virtually at an end now but we do have the Master & Apprentice Competition at Holme Lacey College, Hereford, in just a couple of weeks to round the year off. Team trials for both the English (Robbie) and Welsh teams for next year are also due to take place.

A new apprentice

After sifting through a number of CVs from potential apprentices we have offered a conditional place to Lewis. Relatively local to us, Lewis is a member of the UK Under 21 Polocrosse team (apparently he’s quite good!). Lewis has joined us in preparation for his forging exam with a view to commencing the apprenticeship in earnest in July.

Moving on with new technology

For a long time I have been very much attached to my paper diary with appointments and paper address book with all my clients contact details. However, Claire has suggested that now is the time that I moved into the 21^st Century and we have begun to look at Netbooks and even the iPad as an alternative. An electronic device will enable me to receive emails on the move but also carry with me clients’ history and horses details - especially those with remedial and therapeutic needs. We receive x-rays from vets by email now and such a device would be very beneficial in being able to view these in front of the horse. It goes without saying we will also be able to back up all of the appointments and clients’ details so that the risk of ever losing them is decreased! Also on the technology front we are in the process of building a website for the business. The aim of the site will be to keep existing and new clients better informed of the service we provide and the latest news and developments within the business. Watch this space!”