Myerscough College produces top new farriers

Scholars from the Bilsborrow facility were officially recognised for the quality of their work on a national level during the industry’s recent registration ceremony.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers and the Farriers Registration Council recently presented diplomas to newly qualified apprentices from across the country at a ceremony held at The Honourable Artillery Company, in London.

As part of the ‘passing out’ ceremony, a handful of specially selected students were given extra prizes for outstanding performance during their course, with apprentices from Myerscough College dominating the awards, winning four of the prizes on offer.

Alex Ridgeway, 27, moved from Norfolk to study at Myerscough College and was named as having the best exam practical and best theory paper.

Myerscough’s Tom Holliday, 21, won the prize for Best Shoes on Block and Jon Tyldesley, 30, won an award for Best Portfolio.

They all had to go through a rigorous advanced training programme, which took more than four years to complete, with their final exams, which determined if they qualified or not, taking place at the end of last year.

College principal Ann Turner said: “This is great news as we establish ourselves as the go to college for farriery and the awards reflects the hard work and commitment of staff to our students, with high standards and quality of the teaching.”

Myerscough stundet Tom Holliday receives his farriery award

Tutor, Craig D’Arcy, added: “It was great being at the awards in London as a team with the great and good of the farriery world getting a taste what Myerscough can do.

“It was great to see our young farriers graduate and also celebrate with their proud partners and parents too. They should all be incredibly proud of themselves.

“We hope to see them in the future and wish them every success - they deserve it.”

Representatives from the Court of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, the Farriers Registration Council, the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association, the colleges, and the Company’s Examinations Board were also present at the prestigious ceremony.