EMS award enables veterinary students to work with top farriers

The Worshipful Company of Farriers has launched a new Equine Veterinary Studies Award, which aims to highlight the importance of close cooperation between farriers and veterinary surgeons.

The award enables a nominated veterinary student from each of the country’s seven veterinary schools to receive a placement with a highly qualified farrier (who is also a Liveryman of the Farriers Company) for a week during a vacation period in their final year at college, giving them an insight into the routine work of the farrier.

The Farriers Company has received enthusiastic responses to this initiative from both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and all of the veterinary schools.

“We look forward to a successful outcome,” said Mrs Valerie Ellis of the Farriers Company, “and we would like to continue the scheme in the future. The Company is funding the students’ accommodation, subsistence and travelling expenses and we hope that the word will spread within the veterinary profession about the value of this award”.

Commenting on the award, Reg Howe, Master of the Farriers Company, said: “We take our responsibilities for farriery excellence very seriously. There is no doubt that British farriery is the ‘Gold Standard’ and the envy of the world.

"It is the Farriers Company’s Examination Board which sets the examination for entry into the regulated farriery profession and examines the candidates; and, as the country’s leading equine veterinary surgeons and farriers are members of that Board, high standards will be maintained.

“I am most grateful to Liverymen Valerie Ellis and Keith Wood of the Farriers Company and to Freda Andrews, Head of Education at the Royal College, for all their work in connection with this excellent project. I am sure that the nominated students will make the most of this opportunity and that they will take up the offer of the Freedom of the Company without initial entry charge and annual membership subscription until they are 25.”

RCVS President Professor Sandy Trees added: “I am delighted that the Farriers Company is making this generous award and would encourage students to grasp the opportunity. I am sure that such a link will help improve understanding of the interaction between veterinary surgeons and farriers, and the key roles both play in horse health and welfare.”