New guidance – “A Who’s Who of UK Farriery” – has been developed through collaboration between the three UK farriery organisations.
The Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF), the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) and the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association (BFBA) have distinct roles and responsibilities with regard to maintaining high standards of farriery and the welfare of the horse.
The WCF is the head of profession for UK farriery – safeguarding standards of farriery through its examinations. The principle entry point to the profession in GB is the Diploma of The Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF), which is also offered in some other countries.
A City of London Livery Company, the WCF has been involved with training farriers since 1356 and its higher examinations – the Associateship (AWCF) and Fellowship (FWCF) – are highly regarded worldwide. The WCF also awards prizes for excellence in farriery at horse shows and promotes best practice in shoeing. It provides opportunities for senior veterinary students to embed with our top farriers to encourage mutual understanding of each’s role.
The FRC is the national regulatory body for farriery; the Council maintains a register of farriers who may practise farriery in Great Britain. In addition the Council approves courses of training, examinations and training establishments, and conducts investigating and disciplinary functions on a statutory basis and in response to complaints and notifications.
The BFBA is the membership organisation that represents farriers’ and blacksmiths’ interests, being the publisher of Forge magazine and supporting its members throughout their careers. Its national network of branches hosts educational events, competitions and social get togethers, but when farriers need someone by their side, it’s the association they turn to. Members benefit from a range of discounts on products and services, and they receive the continuing professional development magazine Forge Knowledge.
Steven Wilson, Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers said:
“As the UK’s head of profession for farriery, we are proud to publish this new leaflet, which has been produced by our Craft Committee in partnership with the FRC and BFBA to explain how the three organisations serve farriery in different ways but work to promote the welfare of the horse and maintain the high standards of UK farriers and farriery. Publication of the leaflet coincides with the launch of our new website, from where it can now be downloaded.”
David Hall, Chair of The Farriers Registration Council said:
“The Council is the regulator for the profession of farriery, established by primary legislation our responsibility is to safeguard the public’s interest; this includes the interests of the horse, its owner and those of the public at large. The Council is delighted to contribute to the leaflet which explains how each organisation is committed to the welfare of horses.”
British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association President Huw Dyer said:
“The BFBA were delighted to be invited to contribute towards the production of this leaflet, which quite clearly defines the individual role of each farriery organisation. We work independently but come together for the mutual benefit of the horse whilst ensuring our standards are amongst the best in the world.”
The leaflet is available as a PDF e-brochure.
