CAREERS


BECOMING A QUALIFIED FARRIER Sasha Melia recently caught up with farrier, James Bendon, to explore the journey he took to gaining qualification.


J


ames grew up in asmall village near Banbury. After local schooling, he attended Moreton Morrell College to study game keeping. It was from


there that he first gained an interest in horses and farriery, so after completing a two year Countryside Management course he went on to take his first steps in farriery. This involved taking the pre- apprenticeship course where you learn about handling horses, basic equine anatomy, and an introduction into forge work. The next step was to find an apprenticeship. This


can be tricky as quite often it is difficult to find a placement. James had tomove away fromthe area to northWales, where he spent ayear learning the basics. He thenmoved back home to Oxfordshire and started an apprenticeship training under Andrew MartinAWCF (Associate of theWorshipful Company of Farriers). The apprenticeship is four and ahalf years long.


During this time, James spent two three week college blocks ayear studying horse anatomy and learned all about different ailments and conditions affecting the whole horse, not just the feet. During these college blocks he practised shoe making and shoeing, with the college providing horses. This involved making the shoes fromscratch for each horse. When not at the college James worked


alongside his employer honing skills, and putting the knowledge he learned at college into practice. James tells us that the apprenticeship builds


up to the Diploma Exam, and this is broken down into three parts; Practical;- two hours to shoe one fore and one hind hoof, one of which is made out of concave steel, and the other one fromflat steel. Written paper;- two and ahalf hours of essay questions and drawings. Oral;- three ten minute oral exams, two with farrier examiners and one with a vet. Once passed, you gain the status of DipWCF


(diploma of theWorshipful Company of Farriers). Interestingly theUK is one of the only


countries worldwide where farriery is regulated, and it is considered by many to have the highest standard of farriery worldwide. James is nowtaking bookings; all aspects of hoof care undertaken, barefoot and shod.


Tel: 07910590015 Email jimbendonfarrier@ hotmail.com


WINTER WORRIES LOVE THE SKIN HE’S IN –MUD GARD SUPPLEMENT


Nutritional support for skin challenged by wet, muddy conditions. When exposed to wet muddy conditions, some horses can be affected by soil dwelling bacteria that gain access into the skin when weakened by the external conditions. By improving the diet we can help the horse to strengthen his skin from the inside out. Mud Gard contains aunique complex of scientifically verified, naturally sourced antioxidants


to flush excess free radicals away from the areas affected by the ravages of the mud. It also contains key herbs and other nutrients, including MSM, to support strong healthy skin from within. For optimum nutritional support improve the diet with Mud Gard prior to the onset of wet, muddy conditions to allow the key nutrients to assimilate in the system. Available in 690g and 2.1kg RRP from £30.50 ForfurtherdetailspleasecalltheNAFFreephoneNutritionalAdviceline0800373106oremailinfo@naf-uk.com. www.naf-equine.eu/uk


LOVE THE SKIN HE’S IN –MUD GARD BARRIER CREAM


Protect your horse’s skin when exposed to the wet and mud with this rich, nourishing barrier cream. Wash legs off thoroughly and apply before turnout. Contains MSMto support healthy skin and hair growth, and rosemary to soothe sore areas. Available in 1.25kg RRP £22.50


ForfurtherdetailspleasecalltheNAFFreephoneNutritionalAdviceline0800373106oremailinfo@naf-uk.com. www.naf-equine.eu/uk


18


JANUARY/FEBRUARY2018


For the latest newsvisitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk


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