Roland’s nags and nails: there's nothing like a good frog trim
Roland reflects on a few unusual things that only those who work as farriers or with horses will experience
Farriers
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Farriers have to undertake a four-year apprenticeship to learn how to trim, balance and apply shoes to the horse’s hooves. If they pass their exams, they are then qualified to shoe horses without supervision. Farriers learn blacksmithing skills in order to prepare horseshoes, but a blackmith is NOT allowed to shoe horses under UK law.
The farriery industry is regulated by the Farriers Registration Council in the United Kingdom. The National Farriers Training Agency used to oversee the farriery apprenticeship, but was shut down following a poor OFSTED report in July 2013. The apprenticeships are now run by a handful of colleges around the country.
Horse & Hound followed the ups and downs of apprentice Roland Thompson as he retrained to become a qualified farrier in a regular blog, Roland’s Nags and Nails from 2011 to 2013.
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Roland's nags and nails: 'I fear I might get mud fever myself'
As hunting winds down, Roland is enjoying a slightly quieter time at work and is looking forward to warmer summer days
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Roland's nags and nails: my uphill battle with making shoes
In this week's blog, Roland is already getting butterflies about making shoes in his final exam
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Roland’s nags and nails: health and safety or red tape madness
Farrier's apprentice Roland reflects on a talk by a health and safety executive from Germany
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Farrier struck off for animal cruelty offences
A farrier who was convicted of animal cruelty has been banned by the Farriers Registration Council
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Roland's nags and nails: facing the shoe-fitting challenge
Farrier's apprentice Roland is finding fitting shoes a challenge and isn't enjoying a forced return to 'smoking'
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Roland's nags and nails: getting there step by step
The recent wet weather has been responsible for an increase in thrush, seedy toe and abscesses, which have all been useful for Roland's education
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Roland's nags and nails: another lesson learnt
Roland is getting tougher when it comes to the weather and has learnt another valuable lesson
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Roland's nags and nails: passing an important milestone
There are no January blues for Roland as this week he is thrilled to have fitted his first pair of front shoes
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Roland's nags and nails: time to go back to work
It's time to head back to work after the festivities and although he's avoided going back with a bang, there's been plenty of aches and pains for Roland...
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Roland's nags and nails: looking forward to Christmas
It's going to be a tough week for our apprentice farrier as he gets ahead on his workload before Christmas
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Roland’s nags and nails: smelling like a real farrier
Our apprentice farrier Roland Thompson has had a busy week, including taking part in a shoeing demonstration in front of crowds of Christmas shoppers
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Roland's nags and nails: does this blog have a future?
This week apprentice farrier Roland is struggling to get inspired to write his blog entry after getting de-robed by some crafty horses!
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Roland’s nags and nails: getting in the festive spirit
It might seem early, but Roland has received his first Christmas present and is getting into the festive spirit
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Roland’s nags and nails: crushed by college report
This week apprentice farrier Roland Thompson tells us about his college report and a trip to a farriery clinic
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ShoeSecure takes the Equestrian Business Award at the HorseScotland awards
ShoeSecure, a horseshoe shield, took the Equestrian Business Award at the HorseScotland awards
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Roland’s nags and nails: exam success
Apprentice farrier, Roland, this week got the news that he's passed his exams and can proceed in to the third year of his scheme
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Roland's nags and nails: sounding like a steam train
Apprentice farrier Roland is struggling to keep his grunting in check while struggling with some heavy horses
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Roland's nags and nails: staying awake for 7 days and 7 nights
Our apprentice farrier is impressed by the dedication that one client shows to her horse after an emergency operation
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Roland's nags and nails: back to work after exams galore
Apprentice farrier Roland Thompson has completed his latest college block complete with additional scars and injuries
