Farriery apprentices dominate national awards ceremony

The Worshipful Company of Farriers and the Farriers Registration Council recently presented diplomas to newly qualified apprentices from across the country at a ceremony held at The Honourable Artillery Company, in London.

As part of the ‘passing out’ ceremony, a handful of specially selected students were given extra prizes for outstanding performance during their course, with apprentices from Myerscough College dominating the awards, winning four of the prizes on offer.

27-year-old Alex Ridgeway came from Norfolk to study at Myerscough College, was named as having the Best Exam Practical and Best Theory Paper. 21-year-old Tom Holliday, who hails from Lincolnshire, won the prize for Best Shoes on Block and Jon Tyldesley, 30, from Northants, won an award for Best Portfolio.

All the students had to go through a vigorous advanced training programme, taking more than four years to complete, with their final exams, which determined if they qualified or not, taking place at the end of last year.

Representatives from the Court of the Worship  ul Company of Farriers, the Farriers Registration Council, the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association, the Colleges, and the Company’s Examinations Board were also present at the prestigious ceremony.

Ann Turner, Principal of Myerscough College, said:‘’This is great news as we establish ourselves as the go to college for farriery and the awards reflects the hard work & commitment of staff to our  students, with high standards and quality of the teaching.

‘’Well done to all involved.’’

Tutor, Craig D’Arcy, said: ‘’It was great being at the awards in London as a team with the great and good of the farriery world getting a taste what Myerscough can do.

‘’It was great to see our young farriers graduate and also celebrate with their proud partners and parents too. They should all be incredibly proud of themselves. We hope to see them in the future and wish them every success - they deserve it!’’