Farriery education in action at CAFRE in Enniskillen

County Down may not quite be a County Meath or Tipperary when it comes to horse racing but there are quite a few serious horse trainers around and equestrian sports such as showjumping at different levels in a busy scene for most of the year.

CAFRE, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, at Enniskillen Campus, trains students in the skills required to work in the equestrian sector.

The visit followed a landmark achievement for Cody Gregory, who was awarded the prestigious FWCF with Honours at the Worshipful Company of Farriers Awards Ceremony in London.

The Thinking Farrier – Early Career Development Day, hosted by CAFRE Enniskillen Campus in partnership with the Northern Ireland Farrier Association (NIFA) was designed to support farriers in training and those within their first five years of practice. 

The event aimed to build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills and encourage critical thinking, helping early-career farriers to develop the knowledge and practical reasoning required for real-world practice.

The day began with an engaging classroom session led by Cody Gregory, who challenged attendees to think beyond routine approaches and develop a deeper understanding of the horse before making farriery decisions.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a farrier, educator and competitor, Cody explored the anatomical structures involved in equine movement and explained how these influence assessment, trimming and shoeing choices.

A significant focus of the morning was equine limb biomechanics. Through clear explanations and practical examples, Cody examined the role of the stay apparatus, reciprocal apparatus and associated muscle groups, demonstrating how a sound understanding of anatomy can enhance problem-solving and improve outcomes for horses.

His ability to translate complex concepts into practical applications resonated strongly with participants and generated lively discussion throughout the session.

Learning then moved into the forge, where Cody delivered a detailed demonstration of forging techniques and shoe construction.

Rather than focusing solely on producing a finished shoe, he emphasised the importance of process, consistency and repeatable systems. Participants were encouraged to consider every aspect of their work, from body position and hammer control to tong placement and efficient use of the anvil.

Throughout the demonstrations, Cody repeatedly reinforced that successful farriery is built on mastering fundamentals.

By reducing unnecessary variables and developing structured working methods, he explained how farriers can maximise the effectiveness of their practice and can continue to improve throughout their careers.

Following lunch, attendees gathered for a live shoeing demonstration, where Cody assessed a horse before work commenced and discussed his observations with the group. Each stage of the shoeing process was carefully explained, providing valuable insight into the reasoning behind his decisions.

One of the most engaging aspects of the afternoon was the use of video footage to compare the horse’s movement before and after shoeing.

This allowed participants to critically evaluate the effects of the farriery intervention and highlighted the importance of observation, assessment and evidence-based decision-making.

The day concluded with an informal panel discussion focused on professional development within the farriery industry. Joining Cody and Chris Gregory on the panel were CAFRE farriery lecturers Paul Duddy Associate  of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF) and Caolan Kelly DipWCF, alongside NIFA Chairperson Lee Johnston DipWCF.

Discussion centred on the realities of the early years of practice, the value of mentorship and opportunities for continued professional development. Participants benefited from hearing a range of perspectives, while Cody and Chris Gregory offered valuable reflections on their own careers and the importance of lifelong learning.

The high level of engagement throughout the event reflected the enthusiasm of Northern Ireland’s next generation of farriers. Participants embraced the opportunity to learn from internationally respected practitioners and left with practical skills, fresh perspectives and greater confidence in their decision-making.

A clear message emerged from the day: individuals entering the profession are not expected to navigate their development alone.

The collaboration between CAFRE and NIFA demonstrated a shared commitment to supporting early-career farriers and creating opportunities for them to learn, progress and thrive within the industry.

This commitment is further reflected in CAFRE’s ongoing investment in farriery education. Recent developments include the reintroduction of the City & Guilds Level 2 Forgework Certificate, available through both full-time and part-time study routes, alongside CAFRE’s Farriery Upskilling Programme, which supports those already working within the industry to further develop their skills and prepare for professional examinations.

The Gregorys’ visit provided an outstanding learning opportunity for the Northern Ireland farriery community, with CAFRE’s Thinking Farrier – Early Career Development Day serving as a key platform for supporting the next generation of farriers.

The programme was further complemented by a separate NIFA clinic at Crossan’s Forge, extending the learning opportunities available to the wider farriery community.

For those who attended, the events offered far more than technical training. They provided inspiration, encouragement and a renewed appreciation for the critical thinking that underpins excellent farriery, ensuring participants returned to their workplaces better equipped to support both their own professional development and the welfare of the horses in their care.

Panelists at the Farriery Education event: Caolan Kelly DipWCF, Cody Gregory FWCF (Hons), Chris Gregory FWCF, Paul Duddy AWCF and Lee Johnston DipWCF.