Background and History
I have wanted to be a farrier since I was about 8 years old. The picture to the right is me on my first pony Sarrason when I was about 9 when my love of horses really started. I just knew somehow I wanted to work with horses. I spent my early teenage years going to the gym and getting strong, as all the farriers I spoke to said there was no way I'd be able to with stand the job. "I was far to weak and skinny, and it's no job for a girl" Well with each comment like that I received it just made me more and more determined. My stubborn personality paid off on this occasion.
I started my 1 year Pre-Farriery course in 1999 at Warwickshire College to which I passed with a distinction and was awarded with best overall student. I then went on to start my 4.5 year apprenticeship with Chris Peacock in Steyning, West Sussex. I completed my apprenticeship with a distinction in the summer of 2004. I then went on to set up my own business. I have continued my learning since completing my mandatory exams and became one of the first 12 Farriers in the world to be a Certified Natural Balance Farrier (CNBF) and Certified Barefoot Trimmer (CBT). I completed these practical and written exams in Colorado Springs, USA in 2006. I have also just returned from America again undertaking more exams in April 2007. I am now also a Certified Lameness Specialist (CLS). I will continue to go on various courses to widen my knowledge and understanding of Farriery and all equine related topics.
In the Summer of 2005 I became the resident Farrier at Anvil Veterinary Clinic in Copsale. We hold weekly clinics for people to bring their horses to me for routine shoeing and remedial work. I love working as part of a team at the vets and take advantage of their knowledge and diagnostic tools for working up lameness's in further depth than you can out in the field. I find this work very rewarding and definitely want to continue along this more specialist route.
Towards the end of 2011 I became a partner in The Farriery Practice based in Five Oaks. This is a 6 Farrier Practice offering a wide range of skills. We feel like we can offer a premium service being part of a team, and will be holding various client evenings.
