European Federation
of Farriers Associations (EFFA)
Farrier Schools » United Kingdom
- The Worshipful Company of Farriers
- The Farriers Registration Council
- National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths & Agricultural Engineers
The Worshipful Company of Farriers
The Craft Secretary
Mr Richard Burt Andrews
Bourton Farm, Shrewton, Wiltshire SP3 4EH
Tel. (0044) 01980 621655
Fax (0044) 01980 621655
The Clerk & Registrar
Mrs C.C. Clifford ,
19, Queen Street, Chipperfield, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 9BT
Tel. (0044) 01923 260747
Fax (0044) 01923 261677
www.wcf.org.uk
Background Information
The Farriers Company has acted as the independent examining body for Farriery in England for more than 100 years. Prior to the introduction of the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, the examination of Apprentices for the Diploma was conducted on a voluntary basis. Since 1975, there has been a legal requirement for apprentices to take a qualifying exam and be registered with the Farriers Registration Council before they can set up in business as a farrier.
Objectives of the Organisation
The objectives of the Company are to promote and encourage the art, science, training and education of Farriery.
Examinations Offered by the Company
The Diploma (DipWCF) The Diploma exam is sat by all farriery apprentices at the end of their 4 year apprenticeship. The exam comprises:
- A written paper (5 questions; two and a half hours) The questions cover all aspects of the principles of farriery, the anatomy of all structures of the fore and hind limbs with special attention to the lower limb from the knee and hock to the hoof; and some aspects of surgical, remedial and corrective shoeing.
- A practical element (2 hours). The candidate must prepare a fore and hind foot of a horse for the reception of a shoe, make one fore shoe and one hind shoe and fit these shoes to the horse and finish off correctly.
- An oral assessment (not less than 15 minutes) involving a live horse assessment, radiographs, general aspects of farriery and related subjects.
Associateship (AWCF). This exam is for candidates who have held the diploma for at lest 2 years. It concentrates on therapeutic and remedial farriery as required by the equine veterinary surgeon in everyday practice.
The syllabus is detailed and an extremely high standard of technical competence is demanded. Candidates are required to sit a written paper; be able to make a range of therapeutic shoes and fit them, and to carry out modern farriery procedures as required when working with a veterinary surgeon.
There is also an oral test and live horse assessment.
Fellowship (FWCF). This is the highest level of technical competence and the Hallmark of a Master Craftsman. Candidates who have held the Associateship for at least one year can apply. The requirement is:
- To submit a dissertation on a subject relating to the principles and practice of farriery.
- To make a therapeutic shoe to fit a dead specimen hoof.
- To prepare and give a 20 minute lecture on a subject of the examiner’s choice.
Notes
The syllabi for all the examinations can be obtained from the Craft Secretary on request .
Nationals from all countries are welcome to apply to sit the examinations listed above. Details are available from the Craft Secretary on request.
Activities
Training and Continuing Professional Development
The Company organises a range of seminars and training days through the year. These courses are mostly for farriers, but also for veterinary surgeons who specialise in equine matters. Details of these are available on the website.
Competitions
The Company offers prizes and awards at many farriery competitions held round the UK through the year. These include special Silver and Bronze medals and Best Shod Horse awards. Details of these are available on the website.
