The Worshipful Company of Farriers

As we head towards the eleventh hour of the eleventh day and the eleventh month , rembering all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Please let us not forget those who shared that journey , sent by order not normally returning, never complaining and all the way giving great companionship and tireless service : God Bless the Horse. The Remount Train. Every head across the bar, Every blaze and snip and star, Every nervous twitching ear, Every soft eye filled with fear, Seeks a friend and seems to say : Whither now, and where away?' Seeks a friend and seems to ask : 'Where the goal and what the task?' Wave the green flag! Let them go! — Only horses? Yes, I know; But my heart goes down the line With them, and their grief is mine! — There goes honour, there goes faith, Down the way of duel and death, Hidden in the cloud that clings To the battle-wrath of kings! There goes timid childlike trust To the burden and the dust! Highborn courage, princely grace To the peril it must face! There go stoutness, strength, and speed To be spent where none shall heed, And great hearts to face their fate In the clash of human hate! Wave the flag, and let them go! — Hats off to that wistful row Of lean heads of brown and bay, Black and chestnut, roan and grey! Here 's good luck in lands afar — Snow-white streak, and blaze, and star! May you find in those far lands Kindly hearts and horsemen's hands! W.H. Ogilvie.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers was proud to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Show to celebrate the 696th Lord Mayor of London Alderman Alastair King of the Queenhithe Ward taking office. Master Farrier, John Chilman was joined by Liveryman Matthew Burrows and Freemen Christopher Hole and Toby Pedley, all practicing farriers supporting the farriery community.

The wait is nearly over. Celebrating the ordinary and extraordinary people of London, the oldest civic procession in the world, the #LordMayorsShow 2024, is just one week away! 🎭 Over 7,000 participants 🐎 250 magnificent horses 🚲 50+ spectacular floats Joining the parade and riding in the magnificent, famous golden State Coach, which has been used in every Lord Mayor’s Show since 1757, will be Alastair King, who was elected on Monday as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London. Join us - ⏰ Saturday 9 November, 11am 🎟️ Free https://lnkd.in/dp32G2R #TheSoulOfLondon

The Worshipful Company of Farriers had the honour of presenting a trophy for Best Shod Horse in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Saturday 19th October 2024 at the British Champions Day, Ascot Racecourse. The judging was conducted by Court Assistant Robin May AWCF and accompanied by the Senior Registrar Sarah Michaels. The winning trophy was crafted using a shoe belonging to Emma, Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite riding pony who appeared at the late monarch’s funeral. The Company greatly appreciates the work of Liveryman Trevor Clarke who originally mooted the idea and Past Master Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE DL. The trophy was crafted by Sam Hewitt, son of Liveryman Stephen Hewitt. The Master, John Chilman was delighted to be in attendance at the presentation made by Past Master, HRH The Princess Royal . The winner was Ice Max, shod by farrier Jason Gajczak, trained by Karl Burke and owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum With thanks to Trevor Clarke for use of the photograph.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers is delighted to welcome its new Freeman Ian Fox who was admitted to the Freedom of the Company by Upper Warden John Cowper-Coles at a ceremony in the wonderful surroundings of St James Garlickhythe along with Middle Warden Lydia Brown and Renter Warden Paul Watts

On Thursday 26th September 2024, Mr John Chilman was installed as Master of The Worshipful Company of Farriers during Common Hall at Vintners' Hall. As a working farrier, the Master greatly looks forward to promoting the ancient craft of farriery in the City of London and beyond. He will be supported through out the year by Upper Warden John Cowper-Coles, Middle Warden Lydia Brown, Renter Warden Paul Watts together with the Clerk Valerie Gaisford St Lawrence and Beadle, Mr Jamie Wallis. With thanks to Samantha Lane.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers is proud to be a supporter of Brooke, Action For Working Horses and Donkeys John Cowper-Coles, Thomas A Burch MBE RSS, Jessica Maybanks

The Worshipful Company of Farriers annual Livery Banquet took place at the Mansion House on Friday 17th May in the presence of the Representative Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny CBE and his wife Amanda. The Master Heather Clabon, Wardens John Chilman, John Cowper-Coles, Lydia Brown and Immediate Past Master Martin HC Russell MBE DL FCT proudly welcomed Company guests from across all its military affiliations, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), Royal Veterinary College, Brooke, Action For Working Horses and Donkeys and British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association. The Master spoke about the vital importance of the Welfare of the Horse and the historic role of The Worshipful Company of Farriers both within the farrier community and the City of London. With thanks to Jonathan Cherry.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers applies for Re-Approval from the Farriers Registration Council. On 8th April 2024, the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) applied to the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) for Re-Approval to deliver the ST0172 Farriery Apprenticeship End Point Assessment, after the FRC withdrew its former Approval late last year. The Master of the WCF, Heather Clabon, observed: “The WCF has used the intervening period to completely refresh its policies and procedures to meet the expectations of FRC, while meanwhile giving assistance to the current commercial provider, thereby avoiding prejudice to apprentices, and in furtherance of equine welfare. WCF has appointed a new Senior Registrar to be the single point of contact for apprentices, for training providers and for regulators, and who brings considerable experience from the higher education and regulatory sectors. All areas of the Company have cooperated in the preparation of this fresh application, and I am particularly grateful for the support and significant experience of the WCF Executive Examinations Group and the wider Livery and craft community.”

Congratulations to the eight new Liverymen who were admitted into the Livery of The Worshipful Company of Farriers on Tuesday 19th March in the magnificent surroundings of Drapers' Hall. The Company is thrilled to welcome Karn Herbert, Jay Tovey, Andrew Prout, Susan K. Armstrong M.Sci BVMS PhD(UoE) CertAVP MRCVS, Professor Roger Smith, Cathy Taylor, George Shirley and James Ryan - VR. MIWFM. As we warmly welcome these new members, with careers ranging from farriery, education, finance, and veterinary science, we know their significant expertise will greatly contribute to this ancient Livery Company. Thanks to Samantha Lane for the wonderful photographs (as always).