HEREFORDSHIRE College of Technology’s (HCT) specialist Rural Craft Centre hosted its national competition last weekend attracting more than 200 blacksmiths and farriers from all over the UK The event took place at the college's Holme Lacy campus, with some competitors travelling from as far away as Scotland and Sussex to compete.

Now in its 19th year the HCT Rural Crafts Centre Shoeing, Shoemaking and Blacksmithing Competition provides the ideal opportunity for young apprentice farriers to show off their developing skills and for master farriers to showcase their professional craft.

Featuring some of the biggest names within the industry, many spectators got to see their skills firsthand.

Competitors took part in a series of competitions throughout the day with prizes donated by Arthur Cottam and Co, Jim Blurton, Mustad, Strömsholm, Billy Crothers and Pegasus Horse Shoes.

Charlotte Gibb, team leader for Rural Crafts, said: “It was excellent to see such a good turnout of farriers and apprentices from around the country. There was strong competition in all classes which showcased the high level of skill demanded by the farriery industry.”

A total of 40 pairs competed in the master and apprentice shoemaking category, judged by Danny Bennett AWCF. First place and the Hereford School of Farriery Shield went to Billy Crothers and Joshua Twomney, second to Mark Evans and James Price and third to Andrew Martin and Liam Winsper.

A total of 30 pairs took part in the master and apprentice live shoeing category, judged by Jonathan Nunn AWCF and Alan Worthington AFCL. First place and the Capewell Challenge Shield went to Billy Crothers and Anthony Morris, second to Billy Crothers and James Elliot and third to Jim Blurton and Dan Rabin.

Six farriers entered the Strömsholm Challenge Eagle Eye competition, producing superb fitting quality forged shoes in just one hour. Judged by Wayne Preece FWCF, the winner was Luke Silcock who received an equine anatomical example donated by Strömsholm.

The prize for the apprentice with the best-dressed foot went to James Gant.

A total of 30 students entered the live forging competition judged by Rob Dunn, assistant principal for Land-based Studies.

In the year one/year two category, first place went to Steven Dawes and second to Dylan Seiche.

In the year three/year four category Tim Willoughby de Eresby claimed first place with Mark Thomas coming second.

In the professionals category, Shane White took first place and David Field took second.

Doug Wrenn Dip WCF, farriery tutor and competition organiser, said: “As always a big thanks to the competitors, supporters and sponsors of the event.

This year has seen a significant increase in entries and this has shown a great industry support for the training we deliver at this campus.

“A special thank you should also be made to HCT’s blacksmithing and farriery students for their hard work throughout the day.”