Advertising Feature
It’s an artform drawing on timeless traditions and the equine industry literally rides upon it.
Farriering is the process of shoeing horses and this weekend you can witness it firsthand at the Professional Farriers Association NSW Branch Title and Blacksmith competitions at the Scone Horse Festival.
History will be forged, not to mention many horseshoes, at White Park from Friday to Sunday, with competition in novice, intermediate and open divisions.
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Action commences 7am each day and carries on until around 5pm Friday and Saturday before the climax on Sunday with the draught horse division where three-men teams shoe the front and hind foot of these majestic animals.
“People don’t believe we still shoe horses, but it’s a timeless trade and there’s no getting away from it,” James Balfe, secretary of the Professional Farriers and Blacksmiths Association of NSW said.
“If you have horses, you need farriers, and it’s like art watching it being done as iron or mild steel is forged into a beautifully balanced shoe and then shod to a perfectly trimmed hoof before you’re very eyes.
“One person mans the fire, one makes the shoe and the other trims the hoof. It’s great to watch and kids love it.”
Top farriers from around the country will be using these state championships as a stepping stone to national selection. Next year Scone will hold the Australian titles.
Entry is free at White Park over the weekend.
