Farrier Jim Blurton from Forden, near Welshpool, Powys, 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.
The 2005 World Champion, Jim has been a farrier for more than 25 years, following in his father’s footsteps in Knockin, Shropshire.
It was wasn't long before he was winning competitions and representing Wales in international competitions. After moving to Forden, near Welshpool, Jim started to expand the farriery business, taking on qualified staff and, in the past 20 years, training more than 15 apprentices.
Alongside his successful business, Jim is regularly asked to lecture in the UK, Europe, Middle and Far East. He also runs consultancy clinics on shoe making and foot rehabilitation and has introduced a range of revolutionary new tools and therapeutic shoes.
“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.
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