Being a UK Qualified Farrier, I undertook the vigorous Worshipful Company of Farriers 4 year long Diploma Apprenticeship in Farriery. The majority of the apprenticeship is supervised by an 'Approved Training Farrier' in the work place, along with every 6 months time spent at one of the three Farrier Training Colleges. While completing my apprenticeship, I gained invaluable experience working with
a wide range of equine disciplines and breeds. Throughout my apprenticeship I regularly worked for high profile customers such as 'William Fox-Pitt' (3 day event rider) and 'Dai Walters' (racehorse owner), where I frequently dealt with extremely valuably horses. I was also lucky enough during my apprenticeship to have worked alongside several highly regarded equine veterinarians, gaining vast knowledge and in hand experience with Remedial Farriery. They all had their own specialised area in Farriery, which allowed me the fantastic opportunity to further increase my Equine and Horseshoeing knowledge. Horses have always been a large part of my life since a young age. During my early teens years in the UK, most weekends I would Hunt with my Father and Sister on Horse back across the moors of south-west Devon with our local fox hounds. At the age of 16 I went to the Doncaster 'Northern Racing College' so I could learn how to race ride over National Hunt Fences. While at the college I was in the top percentage of students, from there I was lucky enough to lead our Graduation Parade across the gallops. Upon completion of the Northern Racing College, I was honoured to be offered a chance to trial for the Champion Trainer 'Paul Nicholls' at one of his yards where I was subsequently offered the job. However my initial intentions were to only attend the Racing College to learn how to Race Ride for my own personal enjoyment, rather than it becoming my full time employment. So I continued to pursue my long term career choice of becoming a Qualified Farrier. I was lucky enough to continue my love for racing through the backing of my parents, where they provided me the opportunity to train and race my own 2 thoroughbreds at 'Point 2 Point' level (National Hunt Fences). Shortly after this, I embarked on my 4 1/2 year long Farriery Apprenticeship.
