by Fran Jurga | 4 December 2008 | www.hoofcare.blogspot.com
When New Zealand apprentice farrier Brian Cameron puts down the last horse's hoof at the end of a day of shoeing, he puts his own foot in the stirrup and starts schooling his show jumpers.
Brian was recently awarded the title of National Senior Apprentice for his achievements with his mentor, senior farrier Jock Good.
This article is not just a good view of a hardworking young farrier who wants to excel; it offers insight into the New Zealand system of farrier training, which I have always thought was very good. THey not only have a system for apprentices with college training, but also offer continuing education courses with credits for working farriers--or at least they did when I was there.
You might see Brian Cameron in the farrier competition tents soon--or in the show jumping ring. He seems set to succeed in both arenas!
Click here to read about Brian and the farrier training system in New Zealand, as published today in the Taranaki Daily News in New Zealand..
Brian seems to be following in the hoofprints of show jumper Bernard Denton, who didn't make the Kiwi show jumping team for Hong Kong on his high-flying jumper Suzuki, but as a consolation prize was chosen as the team's farrier!
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