Saturday, January 25, 2014

World Champions at Work: Farriers Varini and Robinson Win Equestrian Business of the Year Award in Scotland

World Champion farriers David Varini (left) and Paul Robinson (right) are partners in a farrier service company in Scotland. They recently won the "Equestrian Business of the Year" Award from HorseScotland. (Muriel Colquhoun photo)

What if two World Champions teamed up to offer farrier services and train apprentices? That's exactly what happened in Scotland a few years back. At that time, neither knew he'd ever win that prestigious title. Or, for that matter, their latest title, either.
When Robinson & Varini Farriers service began, lots of the dreams that have materialized in the past five years were just that: dreams.

David Varini, 2013 World Champion, and Paul Robinson, 2008 World Champion, have blazed a new trail for farriers, with this foray into having their business skills evaluated against other equestrian-based companies in their country.
David and Paul were attending the Science in Farriery conference the night of the awards, so apprentice Andrew Tennant accepted on their behalf. Presenting the awards were with Stephen MacGregor (left) and Ronnie Young (right). (HorseScotland photo)
Varini & Robinson operates a forge in Hurlford in Ayrshire, Scotland. They aren't just skilled at winning competitions; they also obviously are able to nurture young farriers along as apprentices. They recently completed the training of Paul Taylor, who took his Worshipful Company of Farriers examination, and moving up now is third-year apprentice Andrew Tennant.

Remember those names. Both Taylor and Tennant were Scottish apprentice team members while serving under Varini and Robinson. Their accomplishments only add to the young company's growing list of awards and titles. "Andrew was apprentice national (Great Britain) champion in his second year and reserve this year amongst other things!" David said.

Since it is Burns Night around the world, it seems like the perfect time to have a good-news story from Scotland.

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