Global talent ready to raise the temperature

World class farriers from across the globe will soon be in Harrogate to compete for a top international prize.
Jason Gajczak prepares a shoe for Clydesdale horse, Beattie, held by Jen Spink.Jason Gajczak prepares a shoe for Clydesdale horse, Beattie, held by Jen Spink.
Jason Gajczak prepares a shoe for Clydesdale horse, Beattie, held by Jen Spink.

The traditional equine skill dates back centuries; its methods passed down from generation to generation, and visitors to this month’s Countryside Live will see those currently at the pinnacle of the profession compete in a state of the art, purpose-built forge.

In what will be a first, farriers from across Europe and America will compete in the inaugural World Team Championships event over two days at the Great Yorkshire Showground on October 18-19.

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Teams of farriers from across the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and the USA are preparing to take part at the rural showcase which is billed as the sister event to the Great Yorkshire Show.

It is the first time Countryside Live has hosted the World Team Championships, a new event staged by the Yorkshire Farriers Association (YFA) and it will be hosted in a 10-bay forge, opened on the showground by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society two years ago.

The winning team will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to the World Shoeing Classic taking place in Kentucky, USA, in February.

Jason Gajczak, the YFA’s vice-chairman and chief farriery steward, said: “The World Team Championships will be an exciting event with former world champions and the current European champion taking part. It will be a great spectator sport throughout the Countryside Live weekend.”

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Around 12,000 visitors are expected to pass through the showground gates for the rural event.

As well as the farriery contest, there will be competitions for cattle and sheep, an equine ring, pony rides and demonstrations by members of the Savage Skills mountain bike display team.

Tickets will be available on the gate or to purchase in advance, visit www.countrysidelive.co.uk

See this Saturday’s Country Week for a full preview of Countryside Live.