Nigel Brown AWCF

Farrier Nigel Brown boasts a wealth of experience and is skilled at providing practical, empathetic hoofcare solutions.

Farrier qualifications

In 2004 Nigel gained the Associateship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF). This examination concentrates on therapeutic and remedial farriery as required by the equine veterinary surgeon in everyday practice and involves the use of alternative materials such as plastics and glues, in addition to an exceptionally high standard of shoemaking skills which is reflected in a detailed syllabus. Farriers gaining this qualification have passed a written test, made and fit a therapeutic shoe and carried out advanced farriery procedures.

In March 2011 Nigel become the 17th farrier in the country to receive the ‘Master Farrier’ award from the Worshipful Company of Farriers. This award is granted to farriers that hold the Associateship or Fellowship of the Company and have been proposed by a Fellow and a Veterinary Surgeon, one of whom must be a Liveryman.

Farriery competitions

Nigel has regularly taken part in shoeing and shoemaking competitions both within the UK and abroad, and utilises this opportunity to constantly evaluate and improve his forging and shoeing skills which is reflected in his every day work.

Nigel has won and been placed in many competitions, notably winning the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association National Farrier Championships in 2013 and being placed 3rd in the European Championships in 2012. He has also won the WCF Best Shod Horse Award at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe and the UK Endurance Horse Festival at Euston Park amongst other venues. Nigel has been a regular member of the Welsh International Shoeing Team for many years.

For two years Nigel served as the appointed farrier to the Senior and Young Rider teams as part of the International Squad Management Team for Endurance GB.

Commitment to ongoing education

An active participant in ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) activities, Nigel regularly attends clinics, demonstrations, conferences and training days to ensure his knowledge is broad and current.

A regular author of farriery articles for equine and veterinary publications Nigel also gives lectures to horse owners and the local Pony Club and Riding Clubs in addition to assisting other farriers in progressing their shoeing and shoemaking skills and in preparation for their WCF Diploma and Associate examinations.