World Champion Blacksmith gives farriery masterclass to Myerscough students

Steve is known internationally as one of the best in the industry and came to Myerscough for his now annual visit, to give the College’s farriery apprentices his expert advice and a diploma demonstration. Steve won the world blacksmith title for four consecutive years between 2009 & 2012, before claiming the crown for a fifth time in 2014.

This year, Steve was assisted by Jim Blurton, a sector-renowned equine farriery specialist, who has been a farrier for more than 40 years.

Farriery lecturer, Paul Conroy, said: ‘’The experience gained by our students cannot be overstated. It’s a real honour to have such world class farriers helping our students better themselves and prepare for their final exams.’’

Steven Beane said: ‘’It’s a fantastic learning experience for the students, they examine me and then get to do a mock practical and oral exam.

‘’Thank you to all the staff especially for their very valued opinion and feedback! It was great having Jim there too. Thank you to my personal sponsor Heller rasps for their continued support. Lastly good luck to all the candidates for the upcoming exam, build on today!’’

‘’It’s tough after four years for their futures to hang on one exam but they’ll be more ready now for the task they face.’’

Steve Beane’s visit shows the great contacts within the industry that Myerscough College has and it’s a great experience for the group to meet somebody so well regarded within it. Industry visits by such professionals add to the high quality of course provision offered by Myerscough and inspires the learners even further.

Farriery apprentices undertake more than four years of training, before preparing for their final assessment to pass the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) qualification, to allow them to practice as a professional working farrier.

Farriery, or the shoeing of horses, is an ancient craft. A farrier is a skilled craftsperson, capable of making shoes to suit all types of horse and their working conditions. Modern farriers must have knowledge of the anatomy of horses’ feet and legs, be able to work alongside vets, manage and handle horses, understand and meet the needs of clients and successfully run their own business.

Our farriery students have access to some of the best facilities available. The College has three farriery workshops, with 32 coke forges, anvils and associated tools. There’s a tiered seating demonstration area, mobile forge unit, and more than fifty horses on campus - of various sizes, breeds and standards. The College also has a small pony stud and organises regular visits to the Lancashire Constabulary Mounted Division to shoe police horses.

Find out more HERE