With a career in Farriery spanning some 35 years Jim has always been more than willing to put back into the industry that provided him his livelihood. His efforts in training highly skilled farriers have been duly rewarded by the Worshipful Company of Farriers who have awarded Jim the title of Approved Training Farrier of 2010. During his career Jim has trained over 35 apprentices many of whom have gone on to compete and win in top national and international competitions.

He has dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort teaching them the skills and techniques for shoeing and shoemaking he has gleaned over the years. His knowledge of remedial shoeing and veterinary work has proved invaluable for the young men and women coming through the ranks at Forden Farriers. He has also invested a great deal of effort making the forge facilities at Forden some of the best in the country.

It is a testament to his skill and understanding of Farriery that many of his old apprentices still visit him on a regular basis to pick his brains. Jim also likes to make sure his apprentices get an all round education passing on his business knowledge along with the practical farriery skills. He also makes sure each one is an expert tea maker!!

Kate Groes who has been a member of our team for over 4 years has recently gained her diploma from the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Passing her exams with distinction Kate narrowly missed out on the top apprentice prize finishing the second highest scoring apprentice in the country.

Kate gained an overall distinction in her Diploma gaining an Honours pass in the Theoretical aspect of her exam.

Originally from Devon, Kate has spent the last four years learning under the watchful eye of Jim Blurton and other members of the Forden Farrier Team. During her time as an apprentice Kate was successful in many competitions and in 2009 won the prestigious Herefordshire Master and Apprentice competition. She narrowly missed out by 0.1 of a point to regain this title in 2010.

During her apprentice ship Kate has also found time to “forge” a TV career staring alongside Jim in an episode of Fishlock on Wales.

 Kate will now join the Forden Farriers team as a full time farrier and the skills and knowledge she has gleaned will be available for our clients.

Jim Blurton has trained over 30 top class apprentices and Dan Rabin is shaping up to become one of the best off the Blurton conveyer belt.

After showing early promise Dan entered the English apprentice team trials and was selected to represent England in the forthcoming home internationals in May.

 It is a huge achievement for Dan and he will have the full support of Jim and the whole team at Forden Farriers for his debut.

James Gant who is progressing as one of Forden Farriers best young farriers can now add the title of “the Cat” to the many accolades he has received in his career so far.

After a hard day shoeing horses James happily turned out for the 5 aside tournament at Manor House Stables last night. Playing in goal, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. So impressed were the players and spectators alike, not only by his bold choice of attire but also his uncanny ability stop nearly every shot he was voted man of the match.

He happily received a bottle of champagne from Michael Owen but gracefully turned down a big money move to Manchester United!.