http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/ (c) 2007 jimblurtt.co.uk All Rights Reserved Ricky Hilton has been selected to represent the UK in the forthcoming European Skills championship to be held in Rotterdam in September.   Along with his close friend and rival Ben Casserly (pictured below) they will carry the hopes of Great Britain to this prestigous event. Considered by their peers and many established world class farriers as the best apprentices on the competiton cicuit for many years, Ben and Ricky are proudly sponsored by Jim Blurton Farrier Tools. In the past two years they have won every competition achievable. Ben was recently crowned National Apprentice Champion at Stonleigh with Ricky finishing a close second. The tables were turned at the recent Handmade Shoes competition with Ricky taking the honours. With both these rising stars using Jim Blurton Tools they are certain to progress further. Their selection for the UK Skills team is the pinnacle of their competition careers so far. They will travel to Rotterdam with a lot of confidence and are many poeples favourites to collect the honours. Ben is apprentice to his father Andrew Casserly and has a lot to live up to with his father being a regular memebr of the strong English team and he is also a reserve World Champion. Ricky is an apprentice at Forden Farriers with Jim Blurton as his master. The undoubted talents of Ricky have been nurtured by Jim a World Champion Farrier and long standing member of the Welsh Team. The competion in the forge at Forden creates a winning mentality with both Jim and Ricky gathering many honours this year.   http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/testing-2008-07-11.php Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC 12 farriery teams from across the world took part in the hotly contested Team Horse Shoeing Championships held on bank holiday weekend at The Forge, Stoneleigh. Organised and run by the UK’s National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths and Agricultural Engineers, this competition includes the prestigious Individual Championship as well as the hotly contested World Team Championship title. Each team, consisting of five farriers, is selected to represent their country in a gruelling competition covering three days. The judge’s this year, Jim Balfour (Scotland) and Bruce Hague (Canada), completed the unenviable task of rigorously evaluating and marking each part of the competition. The Welsh Team consisting of Billy Crothers (Mentmore, Buckinghamshire), Grant Moon (Chebsey, Stafford), Andy Martin (Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire), Jim Blurton (Forden, Welshpool) and reserve Nigel Brown, (Abergavenny, Monmouthshire) presented an exceptionally high standard of work at every stage of the competition whilst demonstrating a strong sense of belief and team spirit.   The Individual Championship was won by Grant Moon which was made all the more remarkable by the fact that Grant had won this tile previously in 1985, a gap of 23 years. Billy Crothers followed in 6th with Andy Martin and Nigel Brown in 10th and 12th respectively. Billy Crothers also took the special prize for the Best Specimen Shoe.   The Team Championship, starting in earnest with ‘gas shoemaking’ on Saturday afternoon saw the English team gain a brief lead in the competition just 0.6 marks ahead of Wales with Scotland 0.8 marks behind in third place. With all to play for in the Team Shoeing on the Sunday, the Welsh team pulled out all the stops with a fine performance to comfortably secure the Team Championship title 2.4 marks ahead of England with Scotland third, Ireland fourth and the USA fifth.   As a competitor and manager of the welsh Team, Jim Blurton stated that it was the best final days performance from any team in the last ten years. “The standard was very high this year but the Welsh Team produced some fantastic work throughout the weekend to clinch a hard fought victory”  With Billy Crothers, Grant Moon and Jim Blurton all World Champion Farriers the bar was set very high and with the talents of Andy and Nigel Wales truly are on Top of the World!     http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/test-2-2008-07-18.php Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC 2008 has been a successful one for Jim Blurton and the team at Forden Farriers. It started early for many of the team with the Ayrshire Branch Competitition on the 4th & 5th April. Ricky Hilton started the competition season well being crowned overall apprentice champion with Julia Cheney finishing in the top five. Will Grattam also impressed the judges at the competition and was unlucky not to come away with any prizes.  (Ricky Hilton receiving his award at J&A Ferries Competition) It was then the turn of Jim to impress in the European Farriers Championship held at Hansepferd, Hamburg on the 18th, 19th April. As part of the British team Jim helped clinch the European Team title for Great Britain and a fine performance saw him finish fourth in the individual competition behind England\'s Steven Beane who was crowned European Champion. Leicester County Show, 4th - 5th May, was the next destination and Ricky again took the honours with Julia Cheney a close fourth. Devon County Show, 15th - 17th May, quickly followed and once again Ricky took the honours with some superb shoemaking. Forden Farriers director Elgan Harries started his campaign with some fantastic shoeing winning the Hunter shoeing class. After two days of gruelling competiton he crowned Open Reserve Champion being narrowly beaten by his Welsh team mate Nigel Brown.  (The specimen that won Elgan the Hunter Shoeing Class at Devon) Ricky and his close friend and rival Ben Casserly, both sponsored by Jim Blurton farrier Tools, would spend most of the year contesting the major events. However Julia Cheney would fight them all the way for honours and at Stafford County Show, 28th & 29th May, she won the Restricted Roadster Shoeing competition. (Julia Cheney receives her prize from judge, Carl Bettison) Next on the honours list was Jim. A top class field from all over Europe gathered at the prestigious Bath & West Show. After 4 hard fought days of competition a masterly display of shoemaking and shoeing saw Jim crowned Show Champion. (Jim Blurton receiving his prizes at the Royal Bath & West) The success was infectious and by the time the Three Counties Show, 13th - 15th June, arrived the Forden team were in full swing. Another masterful display of shoemaking and shoeing saw Jim again crowned overall Show Champion. Not to be outdone the international members of our team took first and third place in the Restricted Hunter Shoeing competition. Simen Krog our Norwegian International gained the honours with our adopted Kiwi Gary Morley finishing third. Katie Grose also joined the roll of honour with a superb victory in the 2nd year apprentice class.   (Simen Krog competing at the Three Counties) The Royal Show, 3rd - 6th July was was the next target and Ricky again showed his talents being crowned Reserve Apprentice Champion behind Ben Casserly with Julia finishing third. Jim was not to be out done and won the  Best Shod Foot for the second year running. (Jim\'s Best Shod Foot) Newport Show, 19th July, saw Elgan demonstrate some superb shoemaking and shoeing skills to take the title of overall Champion. This success was quickly followed at  Royal Welsh Show, 21st - 24th July. Competing in the only 4 days of hot weather Wales has seen this year Elgan won the Open Shoemaking and was second in the Open Hunter competition. Julia also had a superb show and put in an excellent performance to be crowned Apprentice Champion. (Elgan Harries at the Royal Welsh Show) The Handmade Shoes (UK) Ltd Shoemaking Competition, 26th July, one of the most keenly contested shoemaking competitions of the year, with a prize fund of over £10,000 and over 100 compeitors saw Forden Farriers take a strong team. Fresh from the Royal Show and keen to avenge his defeat at the hands of Ben Casserly, Ricky put in some excellent performances throughout the day and was dully rewarded with third and fourth year apprentice Champion with Ben third and Julia a close fourth. Katie was not to be out done after finished a creditable 9th in the first and second year apprentice championships. Simen Krog lead the way in the restricted championship for most of the day but narrowly missed out on the championship by just 1 point. His Reserve Champion was creidt to him in his debut in this competition. Dai Calko also performed well in the third and fourth year apprentice classes narrowly missing out on the prizes. (Davey Calko at the Handmadeshoes Competition) The Lowther Horse Shoeing and Shoemaking Competition, Saturday 9th August saw the return of the "dream team" in the form of Ricky and Jim. Successful in last years Master and Apprentice at Hereford they once again paired up to contest this keenly fought competition. It was again a successful partnership winning the Two Man Roadster Shoeing and gaining the prize for the Best Dressed Feet. Peover Shoemaking Competition 17th August, saw Ricky continue his good form winning the Apprentice Championship with Simen finishing an excellent fourth in the Open competition. The World Team Championships saw Wales wrestle the title away from Enlgand. As a stalwart of the team for over 20 years Jim was honoured to be manger this year and collect the trophy. The championships saw teams from all over the world compete for this sought after title. Three days of  fierce competiton saw Wales clinch the title with a fantastic final days performance. (The successful Welsh Team, L - R: Grant Moon, Billy Crothers, Jim Blurton and Andy Martin) The competition season has not ended yet but so far it has been a very successful year for all involved at Forden Farriers. It was made even better with the annoucement of Jim winning the Best Shod Eventer at the recent Buliegh Horsetrails, which complements the success he had at Gatcombe Park where he also won the Best Shod Eventer.  http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/test-3-2008-07-18.php Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:00:00 UTC Jim Blurton Tools is proud to launch a new set of tongs. The tongs have been redesigned to incorporate a cross hair cut in the jaws significantly improving the grip of the teeth. The tongs are made from polished stainless steel and forged from one piece of steel for strength and durability. The round reigns provide a strong comfortable grip and give the tongs a look and feel that is unsurpassed. They are available in sizes 1/4”(6mm) , 5/16”(8mm) , 3/8”(10mm) , 7/16”(11mm), 1/2”(12mm) and 5/8”(16mm) and come with the guarantee that quality and functionality have been rigorously tested in everyday use.   http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/new-tongs-from-jim-blurton-2008-10-28.php Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UTC Jim Blurton, is the winner of the 2008 Horse Trust Open Farriery Competition. Jim won the award, which included a perpetual rose bowl trophy and a cheque for £250, in a farriery contest at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Competitors were required to participate in two classes – Hunter shoeing and Therapeutic shoeing. Points were awarded for each class and Jim was the overall winner – 23 years since he first won a competition title. “It was a hard-fought competition and the tasks required are some of the most challenging of the competitions held each year, utilising some centuries-old skills of farriery,” Jim said. “I’m delighted to have won and look forward to defending my title next year.” The Championship was initiated 2 years ago by The Horse Trust to mark its investment in the art, craft and science of farriery as a vital contribution to the welfare of the horse. http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/jim-blurton-wins-the-horse-trust-open-farriery-competition-2009-01-07.php Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC Ben Casserly (21) from Uckfield and Ricky Hilton (22) from Welshpool, Powys have won gold and silver at EuroSkills 2008, the biggest European skills competition for young people. Ricky is apprentice to the 2005 World Champion Jim Blurton whilst Ben is apprentice to the England International Andrew Casserly. Both of these exceptional talents are sponsored by Jim Blurton Farrier Tools.  The result was announced following an intense three days of competition in Rotterdam in which they competed in the Farrier event as the UK team. The boys won the overall event Gold but in addition, as every competitor is also marked individually not only did the Farrier team win gold but Ricky was awarded an additional gold medal for achieving the highest score in the Farrier competition and Ben was awarded the silver medal for achieving the second highest score.   EuroSkills is a new, pan-European, skills competition which was this year held from 18th-20th September in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Watched by around 40,000 spectators, the 400 competitors from 29 countries competed in 25 different competitions covering 49 different vocational skills. Speaking from Rotterdam, Ben said on behalf of the boys: “Words really can’t describe how pleased we are with the results. The competition was tough and being up against the best Farriers in Europe adds a tremendous amount of pressure, but we’ve been training hard for this and managed to concentrate on the job at hand and doing the best we could. Competing at EuroSkills has been such a great experience and we’re just really happy we’ve managed to show the whole of Europe how talented the UK really is.” Simon Bartley, Chief Executive, UK Skills said: “EuroSkills is creating a new platform enabling us to promote the incredible skills there are across Europe and to encourage skills development and vocational education. What Ben, Ricky and Team UK have done is proved that those skilled people live and work in our own country and should be celebrated for their ability.” Celebrity chef and Team UK supporter, Brian Turner, said: “It is easy to forget about, or think less of, vocational education but without these skilled people so much of the things we enjoy or take for granted every day – driving to work in your car, enjoying a clean office, eating in a great restaurant for example - wouldn’t be possible. Skills will always matter to UK businesses and the economy, so it is incredibly important that we encourage other people to choose this route and praise those that work hard to achieve their very best in their chosen fields. I send Ben and Ricky my heartfelt congratulations on their success.”   Skills Minister David Lammy said: “Each of the young people in the team have worked hard to earn to the right to represent their country - and it was inspiring to see them competing against the brightest and best from countries all across Europe. The results reflect the unprecedented investment we have made in skills training in the UK, and I hope the success of Team UK will inspire others to pursue excellence in their vocational skill.”     Ben Casserly (21) from Uckfield and Ricky Hilton (22) from Welshpool, Powys have won gold and silver at EuroSkills 2008, the biggest European skills competition for young people. Ricky is apprentice to the 2005 World Champion Jim Blurton whilst Ben is apprentice to the England International Andrew Casserly. Both of these exceptional talents are sponsored by Jim Blurton Farrier Tools.  The result was announced following an intense three days of competition in Rotterdam in which they competed in the Farrier event as the UK team. The boys won the overall event Gold but in addition, as every competitor is also marked individually not only did the Farrier team win gold but Ricky was awarded an additional gold medal for achieving the highest score in the Farrier competition and Ben was awarded the silver medal for achieving the second highest score. The boys were part of Team UK - a team of 16 youngpeople representing the UK at EuroSkills and who achieved a fantastic eight gold medals and one silver medal in total. http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/the-golden-boys--2009-01-07.php Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC Honours Shared for Jim Blurton’s Trio! 2009 has started with all three of Jim Blurton’s apprentices successfully passing their final exams. Ricky Hilton, William Grattan and Simen Krog all qualified as fully fledged Farriers at Myerscough College last week. For all three it was a superb culmination of dedication, hard work, long hours in the forge and constant scrutiny from their ATF, the world renowned Jim Blurton. The results were even more pleasing with Ricky and Simen both graduating with honours. Jim is understandably delighted with the results. “ Ricky and Will have been with me for over 4 years and I have seen them not only develop into superb farriers, but also men of pride and honour in their professional and personal approach to life. Simen came to me as a good farrier and a thoroughly decent man. He now leaves us an excellent farrier and I am glad to say still a decent man! I am sure all three will go on and become some of the best farriers to qualify through the Farrier Training Agency, and I am sure it won’t be long before they are winning national honours. I would not bet against one of them following in my footsteps and being crowned World champion before too long!” William came to Jim Blurton’s farrier practice in 2004 and instantly became an invaluable member of the team. With a background in engineering there seemed little Will could not turn his hand too, including some landscape gardening! He not only developed his skills as a farrier with Jim, but also taught many of the team the best ways to weld, tool maintenance and solve any mechanical or technical problems within the forge. Will has represented Ireland as an apprentice and has been successful in many competitions whilst at Forden Farriers. Mild mannered and softly spoken Will is without doubt one of the best farriers to qualify under Jim’s tutelage.   Simen came over from Norway in 2008 as an established Farrier in his home country. He had spent some time on an exchange visit in America before seeking an apprenticeship with Jim to improve his skills. Whilst with Jim, Simen has improved significantly in all aspects of farriery. This was recognised by his fellow countrymen when he was included in the Norway National team for the World Team Shoeing Championships last year. He is set to return to home to establish his own practice and cement his reputation as the best Farrier in Norway.     Ricky came to Jim in 2004 with only one thing on his mind, to learn from and be the best! He has toiled relentlessly for the last 4 years and under Jim’s careful watch has established himself as the best apprentice in the country. He has won every  competition on the circuit which culminated with him taking Gold in the European Championships last year. Ricky\'s unique talent has been nurtured by Jim and his confidence in his own ability is such that he will showcase his skills on the world stage at Calgary later this year. With his singled minded attitude towards farriery and success who would bet against him following in his mentors footsteps and will one day return with the World Championship Crown!     http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/honours-shared-for-jim-blurton-s-trio--2009-02-05.php Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 UTC The year has started well for Jim Blurton and his team at Forden Farriers. Following on from their success at the Hereford College Master and Apprentice competition Jim and Elgan took a strong team from Forden to Myerscough College for the shoeing competition. The trip was well worth while with Jim filling all top three positions with Elgan a right behind in 5th. Master & Apprentice Shoeing 1st - Jim Blurton & Julia Cheney (Myerscough College Shield) 2nd - Jim Blurton & Ricky Hilton 3rd - Jim Blurton & Katy Grose 4th - Tom Pears & William Jones 5th = Elgan Harries & Davey Calko and Andy Shuttleworth & Josh Eddleston     The competition was hard fought with Ricky Hilton and Jim competing in their last master and apprentice competition were being narrowly beaten to the title by Jim and Julia Cheney. Katie Gross pushed both of them hard finishing a close 3rd. Dai Calko was unlucky to have a tricky horse and foot to fit but was a creditable fifth with Elgan as his master Jim is understandably delighted with the entire team. "everybody has worked very hard to get to the position they are and it has been a pleasure to contribute to this successful day" http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/top-of-the-class--2009-04-09.php Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:00:00 UTC The three degree wedge bar shoes have been designed to assist in the realignment of the HPA. This shoe has a set down bar which makes it easy to fit on a foot with a prominent frog. Used in conjunction with Vettec soft pad material or an equivalent it is an ideal shoe for cordal lameness. This shoe offers a more stable platform for the horse than a wedge pad increasing the stability and reducing the flex in the foot. All shoes are quarter clipped, have stud holes, seated out boxed off with a rolled toe. They have a bolder rounder shape ideal for flat footed horses.   Graduated Frog Support Bar Shoe Code Width Length 000 4 ¾” / 121mm 4 ¾” / 121mm 00 5”/ 127mm 5” / 127mm 0 5 ¼”/ 133mm 5 ¼”/ 133mm 1 5 ½” / 140mm 5 ½” / 140mm 2 5 ¾” / 146mm 5 ¾” / 146mm 3 6” / 153mm 6” / 153mm 4 6 ¼” / 159mm 6 ¼” / 159mm 5 6 ½” / 165mm 6 ½” / 165mm  [PLUGIN:DOWNLOAD]20090529121147_8[END:PLUGIN:DOWNLOAD]   http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/new-graduated-bar-shoe-launched-2009-06-01.php Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 UTC Jim Blurton has recently completed the coveted double of winning both the Devon County show and the Royal Bath and West competitions. The Devon County show was the first port of call. Jim won the Pony Shoeing, the Open Shoemaking and Hunter shoeing to be crowned Champion after 3 days of hard competition. Rob Turnbul was also competing and was consistently in the top ten for all classes. He was also 3rd in the two man class with his mentor Jim. The next week saw Jim competing at the Royal Bath and West show. This is one of the biggest competitions of the early season and Jim was now going head to head with his recently qualified apprentice Ricky Hilton, sponsored by Jim Blurton Farrier Tools. Jim finished 4th in the Open Pony shoeing claiming the prize for the Best Shoe Specimen. The Open Cob Shoeing saw Jim finish 3rd with Ricky a close 5th. The personal competition between the two intensified in the Open Shoemaking with Ricky turning the tables on his mentor finishing 3rd with Jim a close 4th. The Open Hunter shoeing was the class that clinch Jim the title of overall Champion and warm congratulations from Ricky who finished in the top ten. With Jim competing at Bath it was up to Elgan to show his skills at the Stafford County Show Open Competition. In the searing heat Elgan started well with a promising 8th in the Open Roadster. The Open Shoemaking saw Elgan finish a close fourth to the eventual Champion Grant Moon.         http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/competiton-success-for-jim-blurton-and-his-team-2009-06-04.php Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC Following on from her success in the Master and Apprentice at both Hereford and Myerscough colleges and her top five finish at the prestigious NAFBAE Ayrshire Branch competition Julia headed to the Stafford County Show full of confidence. Her confidence was rewarded with a victory in the apprentice class. With her Diploma exam looming it was a good test of her shoemaking skills. It was a tough competition fought out between some of the best apprentices in the country and it is testament to Julia\'s commitment that she came away with a win whilst study hard for her final exams.     http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/julia-keeps-winning-2009-06-04.php Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:00:00 UTC The Senior Welsh Team trials will be held on Saturday 8th August at Jim Blurton’s Forge in Forden Nr Welshpool. All those who want to attend for selection please let me know by the 25th July. There will be a fee of £25 for each person to cover the judges fee and steel and forge costs. The Welsh apprentice team will be selected from the top six apprentices who compete at The Royal Welsh Show. The top six finishers will be invited to the forge on Monday the 3rd August for a trial where the final team will be determined. If any Welsh apprentice is not competing at The Royal Welsh, but still wants to be considered for a trial, they will need to contact me in by the 25th July. Contact: Martin Gould; martin@jimblurton.co.uk Tel: 01938 580 222 http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/2009-international-team-horseshoeing-championship-welsh-team-selection--2009-07-14.php Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 UTC NAFBAE International Team Shoeing Competition, 27th - 30th August 2009 The NAFBAE International Team Shoeing Competition took place at The Forge, Stoneleigh on 27th – 30th August 2009. 14 teams from across the world battled it out over three days of competition to lift the coveted trophy. The Welsh team consisting of  Jim Blurton, Grant Moon, Andy Martin, Billy Crothers and Nigel Brown produced some excellent work but on the final day were narrowly beaten into second place by their old rivals, England (Steven Beane, Andrew Casserly, Matt Randles, Gavin Golby and David Smith) with Ireland (Paul Robinson, Paul Duddy, William O’Shaughnessy, Edward O’Shaughnessy and David Lynch) a very close third.   Once again Jim was team manager as well as competitor and although disappointed to lose he praised the ever increasing standard of the competition. This was Jim\'s 29th consecutive year as a member of the Welsh Team and his appetite for success is still as strong as ever. http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/nafbae-international-team-shoeing-competition-2009-09-17.php Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC   Julia Cheney successfully completed her four year apprenticeship after passing her final exams in July. Julia has been widely regarded as one of the best apprentices in the country over the last four years and has regularly finishing in the top 3 in competitions she entered. Julia\'s success was recognised by Myerscough College where she was presented an outstanding achievement award for being the best apprentice in her intake over the 4 years of training. She also received an award for having the best portfolio. Under the carful eye of Jim Blurton she has built a reputation for not only her shoeing and shoemaking skills but also for her analytical ability in solving foot problems. Julia will continue to work for Forden Farriers and who would bet against her becoming a National Champion! Julia is the forth apprentice to qualify this year from Jim Blurton\'s practice Forden Farriers. He has run his multi farrier practice in the mid Wales area for over 25 years. Jim is responsible for training many of the top farriers in the country and was rewarded by Myerscough College this year with the prestigious ATF of the year.     Jim was recognised by Myerscough for his outstanding success in producing not only top class farriers but also well rounded professionals. The facilities available at his forge in Forden were regarded as some of the best in the country. His dedication to continual development and teaching of the apprentices not only in terms of shoeing but also in all aspects of running a successful practice has made him one of the most sought after ATF’s in the country with many foreign applicants joining a long waiting list to train with him. http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/julia-and-jim-take-top-awards-at-myerscough--2009-09-17.php Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 UTC  Handmade Shoes (UK) Ltd Spring Clinic Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2009  Continuing with the exceptionally high standard of clinicians presenting, the second Handmade Shoes (UK) Ltd Clinic of 2009 welcomed Jim Blurton AWCF and Grant Moon AWCF. Prominent and highly respected figures within the farriery industry both gentleman hardly need any introduction. Grant Moon is no less than six times holder of the prestigious title of World Champion Blacksmith and, as a representative of Mustad the world’s largest farrier supply manufacturer, delivers clinics across the world. Jim Blurton, also a winner of the World Championships, is head of multi-farrier practise Forden Farriers in addition to successfully manufacturing his own range of tools and specialist shoes. Alongside clinic host, Billy Crothers, Grant and Jim are members of the highly successful Welsh International Farrier Team.  Following a welcome from Billy and Lucy the morning kicked off with a ‘Parkinson’ style interview – with Grant and Jim so well known for their farriery careers it was time to ask the more personal questions; an insight into their lives ‘behind the scenes’. Jim Blurton Jim is a private man and has always kept his personal life separate from his profession. A farriery business is generally a fairly small team and Jim believes it is extremely important to create a formal boundary between work and home - no members of staff have ever entered his house. Whilst he admits over the years he has become close to and fond of many employees and recognises that it would be enjoyable to socialise with them he prefers to keep a distance between employer and employee. At the age of 52 Jim would like to make more room for social engagements and enjoying pastimes such as shooting fishing and walking. With both the shoeing and manufacturing businesses established financially there is now an opportunity for Jim to enjoy time away from work but that is not to say he will be taking his finger off the pulse! Similar to many successful business men Jim finds it hard to delegate. He recognises that, as a figurehead of Forden Farriers, it is imperative to be in touch with it – the horseshoeing business is a service product customers associate a face with. Jim believes you cannot have a horseshoeing business without being involved and he certainly doesn’t want to retire at the moment!  Jim cites his Father as being a great influence in addition to Richard Downs Evans (a former member of the Welsh International Team) and Billy and Grant. He acknowledges that there have been many good influences in his career so far but has also learnt from others how not to do things! His proudest achievement personally was winning the World Championships however the results achieved with the recent graduation of apprentices has also been a welcome and particularly special result – last year Jim had two apprentices quality with honours and one with distinction. Grant Moon  Grant Moon is perhaps the most famous farrier in the world – he has shod horses in no less than 36 different countries. Grant’s career began alongside Billy at college and Billy cites Grant as being responsible for enticing and inspiring him to compete.  Following his apprenticeship Grant embarked on travelling, a journey that was to lead him to become settled in Texas for some time – Grant found that the trend for big hats and big belts suited him! Texas was Grant’s first experience of the effect climate has on hooves and soon learnt to shoe horses quite differently from the wetter environment found at home in Wales. Grant quickly established a shoeing round in Texas and experience in these early years has proven invaluable since. Grant is a formidable competitor in farriery competitions but, at the age of 47, still considers himself a “work in progress”. His drive and commitment to achieving success is quite remarkable especially when coupled with the level of humility displayed; Grant does not need to shoe horses for a living as he is actively involved in the hotel industry. His passion for the farriery industry is personal and believes that the farrier is one of the most important parts of the equestrian industry but is so undervalued.  Whilst horse shoeing and the hotel business are so different in many ways, Grant recognises the two are also very similar – what he learns in one industry can easily be transferred to the other; they are both service industries. The quality of the product coupled with value for money underpins his belief in both. Following a family interest in hotels Grant remains actively involved in the hotel industry helping also to create an ‘exit strategy’ and his desire to not be an ‘old farrier’. Grant regards himself as fortunate to have had so many great mentors naming Tom Williams and Edward Martin as just two examples. Similar to Jim, Grant appreciates the camaraderie gained from being a member of the Welsh farriery team. The World Championships are an obvious ‘proud moment’ but cites his ability to continue to compete at this level during this later stage of his career also particularly important to him.  Jim Blurton - Running a Multi-Farrier Practise  School was “not for” Jim and leaving with just three O’levels had little direction with his career and so began helping his father shoeing horses. Jim has been actively involved in Pony Club and had hunted and quickly began to enjoy helping his father on his shoeing round. To encourage Jim to have “another string to his bow” he began the apprenticeship at Hereford College which historically included increased blacksmithing and agricultural engineering components in addition to farriery skills – his father was mindful that you should be able to have other skills should an accident or such mean that you could no longer shoe horses on a daily basis. Jim acknowledges he was probably the worst apprentice anyone could have had and clashed with his father regularly - Jim had ambitions for the business and could see potential within horseshoeing to make a better living for himself, his father had experienced particularly hard times (during the war) and was happy to “get by”.  The village of Forden had a blacksmith shop and Richard Downs Evans was employed as a farrier up until he was injured and unable to shoe horses. John Mead, current owner of the shop, approached Jim and asked if he would be willing to work for him; Jim was the nearest farrier to the forge. After a little haggling from Jim, the forge was purchased and what was seen by Jim as a “lucky break in his career” became the start of a much larger operation. Jim felt that shoemaking was perhaps a weaker side of his abilities and asked Richard Downs Evans for his assistance as he was still able to forge shoes to an unbelievably high standard with an “exceptionally good eye for balance and symmetry”. From 5.30am to 8.30am every morning Richard worked with Jim in the forge making shoes every morning – over time Jim was able to make 2 ½ sets per hour however Richard could still make 3! It was Richard who was responsible for introducing Jim to farriery competitions. After a few years Jim took on his first apprentice and once he qualified he took on another. The business continued to grow for about 10 years until it seemed to “plateau”. Jim could see that the demand in the industry was changing – customers didn’t want apprentices – and therefore began to develop a system of employing qualified farriers so that an apprentice was always with a qualified farrier. Currently the team at Forden Farriers consists of five qualified farriers with five apprentices and they have five vans on the road. The hands-on tuition from the constant presence of a qualified farrier is beneficial for an apprentice, resulting in better apprentices – the level of training received provides them with invaluable experience. All of the team are encouraged to compete and gain a competitive spirit at competitions and within the team, the result being that standards are continually being raised. Jim cites it as a personal crusade to elevate and increase the standard of farriery – training better farriers in that hope that one day should they become trainers themselves they too will train better farriers. Apprentices are employed by Jim once they qualify – whilst there is always a desire to set up their own shoeing round they are encouraged to stay with a fair salary that acknowledges their skills and abilities. The longest serving qualified farrier within the business is Elgan Harries who has been with Jim for 14 years and has recently been made a partner and now takes responsibility for client bookings. Employees are selected carefully; if a qualified farrier leaves and established his or her own business within the same area there is always the risk that they will take some clients.  Martin Gould is employed as a General Manager who carries out the administration for not only the shoeing business but the tool and bar shoe manufacturing businesses too. The office runs a comprehensive system to cater for the needs of all customers – clients to the farrier business may call throughout the working day from 7am to 7pm and details (when, where, who and what) are recorded on a job card. These customers calls are returned within 24 hours. 60% of customers are now on repeat bookings – this allows for better utilisation of staff, planning more direct routes, decreased administration and customer piece of mind. Efficiency is highlighted as an extremely important consideration in business and there is no doubt that the operation of Forden Farriers has been considered carefully. Forden Farriers covers four counties however a client with a lame horse or a lost shoe rarely needs to wait more than 24 hours before they are visited.  200 to 250 horses a week are visited with a total of 547 clients – there is no doubt that the needs of these customers have not been underestimated. Jim pays a great deal of attention to the service delivered; politeness, punctuality, quality of work and general professionalism executed by all staff. Listening to customers is highlighted as being important; customers can be lost by not giving them what they want. Timing is incredibly important, with mobile phones there is no excuse to not call or contact a customer if you are running late or have been held up. The business is largely self-marketed, the concept of “selling an image” was discussed - vehicles and employees are all presentable and tidy, there is no hierarchy within the business in terms of age and quality of vehicle - for example for an employer to have a better vehicle than an employee would indicate to the customer that they were getting a “second rate service”. After taking on a new yard Jim will find time to speak to the yard’s owner or manager to ensure that they are happy with the service they are receiving and, if possible, makes changes or amendments to ensure that their requirements are being met.  A flat rate is charged throughout the business which he believes probably undervalues the best farriers within the business and over values the less capable. In a sole trader business Jim feels that every single job needs to pay whilst as a multi-farrier practise he would not want to alienate customers through price. If he were to increase the charges of Forden Farriers Jim believes it would fragment the business and would results in customers being further apart and therefore increasing travelling time and decreasing efficiency. £65 to £75 was quoted as a “sensible” price whilst acknowledging geographical variations will exist.  Jim’s talk was completed with a few thoughts for the future – according to the FTA there are currently 2656 qualified farriers in the country with 449 apprentices. 100 – 120 qualify each year, with the average age of the farrier becoming younger, and yet we are told that this figure has remained fairly static for the last six years. Many farriers are reporting that it is harder to get work with some areas perhaps becoming “saturated”. Jim believes that perhaps the distribution of farriers throughout the UK is wrong. His underlying feeling was that you should “ keep doing what you are doing; reasonably priced and well-serviced”, whilst sounding very simple in concept throughout the talk it was obvious that Forden Farriers is managed in a particularly efficient and professional manner and certainly provided plenty of food for thought!  Jim does not currently shoe on a Friday but instead this day is dedicated to checking the manufacturing processes and quality control on the tools. Whilst acknowledging the shoeing business is a more personal one, the manufacturing businesses are more of a ‘managed’ business – a business that now established can be overseen and requires a smaller input from Jim. Jim acknowledges the tool and specialist shoes manufacturing will provide him with a better ‘exit strategy’ in the future as these businesses have a more saleable quality.  Grant Moon – Horseshoeing Philosophy  The second half of the morning gave way to Grant presenting his opinion on “horseshoeing philosophy” – he reiterated that it was “his opinion and just one opinion”. A highly motivated individual, he has a passion for learning and new information, making a decision to suit you and building upon it. Throughout his career he has had shod many different types of horses in different climates, he took what he had learnt in the UK and built upon those foundations. Accuracy became apparent very quickly through experience of trimming and shoeing long-footed Arabians – the shoe weight and length of the toe was of such importance that a competitor would be disqualified should the measurements be inaccurate. To cover himself Grant’s customer, the trainer, would be asked to witness the weighing of shoes prior to nailing on. Citing just “two types of feet, front and hinds” Grant reaffirmed his belief in simple shoeing methods. He doesn’t believe in fads and fashions.  Grant suggested a typical farriery business as having the largest proportion of its horses as sound, a smaller proportion as exhibiting a shortening of stride, a smaller proportion with intermittent lameness and the smallest proportion being chronically lame. Grant reiterated the importance of talking to the client; if a horse has begun refusing jumps, not flexing to the left and so on these points should be taken on board. Degenerative diseases such as sidebone and ringbone are all stresses on bone. Beginning as an irritation and developing to inflammation and later bony changes the earlier that these problems are detected the better the chance that you will have of working with it; communication is key. Action at the ‘irritation’ stage may mean that there is still a chance to fix it, being proactive and yet still maximising performance.  Evaluation is key – you can buy the best tools but it doesn’t mean you are going to use them well, “the best tool is the skill to evaluate”. Walk all horses on soft and hard ground before starting. An unsupportive soft surface may show a very different picture from movement on a hard surface. Horses are dynamic animals and therefore you should also watch them being ridden – Grant believes too much assessment is done whilst the horse is static. Posture is also incredibly important to note – is the handler allowing the horse to hold its head to one side whilst you are assessing foot balance or is the horses head central? Posture relates to performance, whilst a horses conformation cannot be changes its posture can be. Grant believes greater emphasis should be placed on hoof ground reaction forces. A horse assessed to have base narrow conformation may indeed have “base narrow compensation”. Changes can be made positively and negatively. A farrier will have a good idea of how the horse is going to ride by assessing its posture – posture of a horse is of particular interest to Grant.  There are a number of ways in which hoof distortion is seen – flares, under run heels, prolapsed frog, prolapsed sole, distortion of coronary band, distortion of the white line, quarter cracks and broken bars to name a few and it is usual to see distortions in combinations. The foot is connected; pressure in one area will lead to alteration in another and therefore changes in the foot should be examined for and may occur due to neglect, conformation or farrier error. Feet must carry weight evenly or they will distort; symmetrical structures lead to equal weight bearing. Shoulder and pastern angle should be equal, the leg vertical. Phases of stride include: impact – high concussion, over in seconds, the heels should be trimmed properly; weight-bearing – phase of support and weight central; and break over – a mechanical process, the foot should not have too much in front or behind point of articulation. The centre of articulation should ideally have 50% of the foot in front and 50% behind. The end of the heel should be central to the centre of the digital cushion – the area where maximum concussion may be absorbed and lessen the interference with bony structures. Distortion does not have to be corrected in one shoeing, it may be a gradual process that occurs over a few appointments. Careful consideration should be given to the sport the horse is active in (controlled or fast) and of course the surface the horse is worked on (supportive or non-supportive), rider experience should also be carefully considered.  The Don Birdsall Coronary Band Graphing technique was explained in some detail – hoof distortions may be more easily recognised using this technique and it provides a very useful tool when utilised during an explanation to a veterinary surgeon and/or owner. Working with your client at each stage will undoubtedly result in a better outcome in the end. Shoemaking Demonstrations  Following lunch, a chance to catch up with old friends and view the new and existing products within the Handmade Shoes range, attendees were treated to a practical second half of the day incorporating a shoeing and shoemaking demonstration by Grant and Jim.  The shoemaking demonstrations included a pair of concave shoes made by Jim and an egg bar, heart bar and straight bar made by Grant. Both clinicians displayed a remarkable system for making shoes, knowing at each stage, within each heat, what needs to be achieved. Both depicted the same systematic approach; toe bend, outside branch, inside branch.  Jim advises allowing time to make the toe-bend and forging the heel to the shape of the foot you are shoeing, always ensuring that you are keeping symmetry in the shoe. Working quickly and efficiently Jim noted that when making pairs you need to put the shoe across the anvil at the same point to achieve perfect matches. Concave should not be overworked. Jim cited stamps as displacing material and pritchels removing it, avoiding “bullet holes” – shoes should be a ‘dull red’ during stamping as stamps are generally more efficient in a cooler piece of steel. Slight back pritchelling of nail holes was carried out to tidy them up, it was also noted that this may help prevent ‘shearing’ of the nail during the shoeing cycle and avoiding unnecessary ‘lost’ shoes. Grant allowed just one additional heat in the making of his shoes to compensate for the weld of the bar, he classified this as a good “working weld” however in competitions a further heat is likely. Using 7/8” by 3/8” steel he calculated the length required by measuring a hind foot to a “working fit” at 5 ½” by 5 ¾” to give 11 ¼”, allowing 1 ½” for a normal hind to give 12 ¾” plus the width of the heels plus an inch for the weld to give an overall length of steel of 16 ¼”. Grant said that you should not be afraid of forging a front bar shoe into a hind bar shoe and vice versa as and when necessary.   A final shoemaking demonstration by Jim depicting the fitting of his own range of barshoes – this particular example included the raised heel bar shoe with a 5 degree graduated wedge and was carried out on a pony with tendon problems. This shoe design includes a set down bar and frog pressure needs to be alleviated so the packing of the foot is recommend with a softer product, in this case Vettec Equi-Pak. The frog is a weight bearing surface and therefore it needs to be encouraged to act as it was intended to, as a pump. During fitting the symmetry was maintained in the heel of the shoe, re-confirming that during forging you need to carry out on one side exactly what was carried out on the other. The Jim Blurton range of Barshoes are designed for the ‘MX’ range of nails however ‘Slims’ also fit well. The graduation of this particular design transfers weight off the heels through the frog to encourage the heels to get stronger and higher. Grant personally believes you can load the frog with a lot of pressure.    Shoeing Demonstrations The shoeing demonstration began with Grant making an accurate analysis of the foot and limb and watching the horse move. Lines on the foot were made to note the centre of articulation and the ‘corners’ of the foot; where toe became the branch of the shoe and so on. The horse to be shod was a polo pony and therefore it was noted that excessive shoe length would be inappropriate (similar to the specifications at Calgary where the shoe is not permitted to finish more than 10mm beyond the point of the heel). Following Grant’s verbal analysis Jim trimmed the foot. Grant forged a pair of ¾ fullered front shoes for the pony, following the same systematic shoemaking method –allowing just three heats per shoe. Grant doesn’t tend to use dividers if only to check himself. During fitting it was noted by Jim that he advises apprentices (and often practises this himself!) to go to the horse when the first branch and first three nails holes have been forged, particularly during their examinations. This allows the farrier to check that the shoe is forming into the correct shape, if it isn’t there is more time at this point of a class/examination to re-start and ensure that the fit and shape is correct. The shoes were nailed on with the nails driven one third of the way up the foot with a slight inclination toward the toe. The day was complete with a rapturous applause from all who had attended and positive comments regarding the quality and quantity of information supplied by the two clinicians have already been received. Jim and Grant, whilst different in many ways, are both highly motivated professionals working in an industry they obviously feel very passionate about. An inspiring clinic delivering a wealth of ‘take home’ information from two industry figures you cannot fail to admire and respect.   Article Written by Claire Brown, Forge and Farrier, www.forgeandfarrier.co.uk   http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/jim-delivers-a-great-clinic-for-handmade-shoes-2009-12-16.php Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC Trevor Fishlock of ITV Wales asks Jim about the Traditional Farriers Craft. Jim Blurton has been recognised by his peers as one of the very best in the farrier business for many years. However he has now been recognised by the award winning journalist Trevor Fishlock. Trevor has been a prominent journalist in Wales for many years exploring its traditions and crafts. He came to see Jim in August to see him continue the traditional craft of shoe making and shoeing. Jim and one of his apprentices, Kate Groes showed Trevor how to make shoe forging them from scratch and then fitting them. Jim commented that although modern technology advances at an ever increasing rate the craft of shoeing a horse has not really changed for centuries.   Trevor was keen to find out how Kate, “a women in a man’s world” coped with the physical demands of farriery. Kate recognises that strength is a factor in farriery but technique and the ability to relax a horse is more important.  Trevor was also keen to learn about Jim’s achievements in the farriery world especially becoming World Champion in 2005. Jim sees this as the proudest individual moment of long and illustrious career but also cited his membership of the Welsh Farrier Team for over 30 years as a great motivation to keep competing. Jim also manufactures tools for the farrier industry selling them worldwide and has brought many traditional tools up to date introducing innovative tools to make the farriers life easier. To watch the full episode: http://www.itv.com/wales/fishlockswales15049/   http://62.149.36.221/~jimblurt/en/news/jim-shows-fishlock-his-farriery-skills-2009-12-16.php Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 UTC