Alberta Equine ...On-Line News: Farmfair International Presents the Best of the Best Farriers

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Farmfair International Presents the Best of the Best Farriers

November 11, 2005

Farrier Dean Sinclair, of Kelowna, BC, shaping a shoe at the first ever International Horseshoeing Competition held at Farmfair International 2005.

Edmonton, AB --- Exclusive to Alberta Equine ...On-Line --- Today saw the start of three days of competition amongst some of the best farriers going at the International Horseshoeing Competition at Farmfair International. The North Plaza at the Agricom was crowded with spectators as the first three skilled farriers, Dean Sinclair, from Kelowna BC, Colain Duret from Priddis, AB, and Nathan Powell, from Water Valley, AB, began competing at this premiere event.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever held a competition like this at the Agricom” Jason Wrubleski said with a proud smile, nodding towards the competitors as they worked on their horses, “we wanted the very best farriers from all over, and this challenge was open to any competitor internationally as well as here in Canada. It’s a very, very difficult challenge, seventy minutes to safely balance and trim two feet, create custom shoes and finish to exacting standards.” Wrubleski, along with fellow farriers Kevin Downey, Larry St. Martin and Derek Inverarity, are all members of the committee that created this new International Horseshoeing competition. While Jason had the initial idea for the competition, the committee worked hard for more than six months to put the event together. Now the event is happening, committee members can relax a little and take in the action. “It’s an amazingly difficult skill”, says Downey as he watches a custom shoe being hammered out from a red hot steel bar, “these guys make it look so easy, and they are all so fantastic. As you watch them, you learn so much, there’s technique and skill, and yet it’s really an art!”

Derek Gardener is judging the event. This Scot has come all the way from Britain to take part in the three-day event, and he’s well qualified for the job. “I’ve been judging for three to four years now in Britain, and I’ll go to two or three events every week – farrier work is very big over there.” Gardener started shoeing more than 17 years ago, and has won the UK national championship twice, and been the runner-up six times. As a top farrier, he’s impressed by what he’s seen so far on his visit here; “whenever I go to a horseshoeing event, I pick up a lot from seeing the farriers work. The British influence has definitely come to Canada, but there’s some incredible craftsmen here, and Canadians definitely hold their own”.

As the competition continues, veterinarian Dr. Gareth Fitch looks on. He’s on standby just in case one of the horses needs attention, although the three horses being shoed are very quiet and content. “A good farrier is able to assess the correct balance and trim and balance the hooves to the horses’ conformation. It’s essential to balance a foot before putting shoes on. These custom made shoes are a better fit for the horses – the majority of lameness I see is because of the foot. A good farrier keeps the horse sound.” Fitch is very pleased that the trade is slowly becoming more appreciated. “A good farrier is essential to the well-being of the horse. There’s a saying, ‘no foot, no horse’, and that’s so true.”

Once time is up, judging begins and the farriers step back and contemplate their work. Dean Sinclair, who teaches at the Olds College Farrier Program in Olds, AB, comments on the competition. “It’s a tough competition, and an excellent way to educate the public. I’m glad to say that the trade has improved enormously because of clinics and events such as this. Years ago, really a long time ago now,” he adds with a grin, “ we even took a vow not to share secrets, but that’s all changed, we all share now!” Sinclair has even trained three of the Canadian Farrier Team members in the event, and laughs as he realizes what he’s up against; “They’re going to be swinging around and kicking my butt, but that’s ok, we’re all working well, good, solid work!”

The competition ran until Sunday, November 13, when the $3,000 prize was awarded to the winner. There was $11,000 in prizes to be won, including $2,000 worth of tools and custom-made belt buckles for first and reserve winners. It was a chance to take in an event that’s been an essential part of the equine experience for centuries. The tools may be modern, with propane forges, but the skill and knowledge it takes to create a perfectly fitted shoe reaches back countless generations – farriers working at an old and honorable profession.

The results of the contest added up over the three days were as follows:
Daniel Lybbert, 1st overall
Nathan Powell, 2nd overall
Jeri Sparshu, 3rd overall

The best shod foot award went to Matt Kuechler, and the best forged 
shoe award went to Colain Duret.

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