In every stage of a thoroughbred’s life, farriers are a crucial and consistent presence to ensure the welfare of the horse, and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing were thrilled to give back to these individuals through sponsorship at the recent New Zealand Farrier Association National Finals.

Held at the Waikato A&P Show, the National Finals drew an overwhelming response from the public, with more than 10,000 spectators on site across the three days. Many of the horses used in competition were thoroughbred polo ponies, while many competitors, as well as members of the Farrier’s Association, are frequently operating in racing stables, and on trial and racedays.

Fittingly, the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing – Open Class was won by Adam Tighe, a former jockey based in Queensland, who now runs his own Sunshine Coast Farrier Services.

Among the key figures in organising the successful event was John Atkinson, a CPF Qualified Farrier and Waikato Branch President, who was thrilled to see such a positive turnout, particularly for those not regularly exposed to their line of work.

“There is quite a disjoint nowadays between people that live in town and don’t have a lot to do with animals versus people that do. It wasn’t very long ago that a lot of people had horses, knew what a farrier was and what they did,” Atkinson said.

“It’s very much the case now that a lot of people don’t really know what we do, so it was something they were learning about and perhaps found quite interesting to watch, and otherwise wouldn’t get to see.

“We had four different skill classes ranging from junior apprentices (1-2 years’ experience), senior apprentices (2-4 years’ experience), intermediate (new to competition and still upskilling), and open class (qualified with a lot of experience in competition).”

Operating his own business, Atkinson works closely with thoroughbred studs across the Waikato region, specialising in the youngstock needing regular, careful attention as they rapidly grow.

“I got started as a farrier through my father, who was a farrier for about 30 years. I did my apprenticeship with him and I’ve now been shoeing horses for eight years,” he said.

“My father built the business and I took over from him three years ago, and we predominantly service thoroughbred studs in the Waikato. We are often at Rich Hill, Wentwood Grange, Kilgravin Lodge, Curraghmore and Trelawney, among others.

“I have two apprentices with me, their main focus is trimming mares and spellers. I specialise in doing foals, weanlings and yearlings, I’m out at these places at least two times a week, we start trimming foals anywhere from ten days old through to a month old and do so every four-to-six weeks up until they are ready to go to the sales.”

This week’s Ready To Run Sales feature some of the horses Atkinson has worked with over a long period of time, a process he enjoys playing a role in.

“I enjoy working really closely with my clients and working with horses to help them get to the sales in the best possible condition,” he said.

“Likewise with the broodmares, we want to enable them to get their foals out safely and be able to produce the next line of horses.”

Becoming a farrier is greatly assisted by prior horse experience, but experienced individuals such as Atkinson are able to guide apprentices through every stage of the learning process, which can be in the thoroughbred, sport horse or leisure space.

“It definitely pays to have horse experience, having a feel for horses is really important as you are working so closely with them, that’s very important,” Atkinson said.

“Reach out to local farriers to see if anyone is looking to take on an apprentice, and New Zealand has a farrier’s association that you can turn too as well, who have contacts with those looking for apprentices and would be able to find someone to get you started.”