A Scone farrier has beaten the world’s best to take out the National Title for Division Two Farriers in the United States.
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Mick Fitzgerald started his apprenticeship at 19 in Toowoomba before honing the finer points of his trade with accomplished Scone farrier Bret Jones.
With drive and determination as powerful as his hammer hitting the anvil, the 26 year old packed his bags – and a few tools of the trade – to compete in farrier competitions across the United States last year.
“I competed (and won) in six competitions between April and June in Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Nevada, then went back in October for eight days to compete at the World Championships Blacksmiths competition in New Mexico then Orlando for the National US Championships in December.
In between competitions, Mick also managed to squeeze time in to complete his Certificate Journeyman Farrier qualification and Farriers International Testing System exam enabling him to farrier anywhere in the world.
But his greatest achievement to date has been winning the US National Title for Division 2, securing a place on the four team squad to represent the United States in Sweden later this year.
“It’s a bit odd having an Australian represent America, but Australia didn’t have a team this year,” Mick said.
“Most people think it is an individual sport, but I couldn’t have done it without help.
“My brother has helped me so much as have my friends and colleagues, shoeing horses for me while I am away and helping me practice when I’m home.
“I love competitions because you learn so much from everyone.
“It has definitely made me a better farrier but it takes a lot of practice, so you have to really want to do it and then put the time in.
“I don’t have a social life, just my work and the competitions which are a full time hobby.”
It seems you can take the boy out of Scone, but as tantalising as the USA is for some, we won’t be taking the boy out of Scone (permanently) anytime soon.
“I love living here, but I also love competing and hope to keep doing it for as long as I am able.
“I just don’t like coming second,” he said.
To date, Mick has self-funded all of his competition and travel costs but said he was very grateful as the Australian Stock Horse Society would be sponsoring his next competition.