QEST is funding Arthur Nias to complete his apprenticeship in farriery alongside renowned farrier and farriery competition judge Ian Allison. Farriery is a highly skilled equestrian craft centred on the care, preparation, and shoeing of the equine foot. It’s a profession that blends traditional blacksmithing with advanced anatomical knowledge, requiring precision, physical strength, and sound clinical reasoning. Only Registered Farriers or approved apprentices may carry out the work legally in the UK. On the apprenticeship Arthur will learn the full range of technical, practical, and clinical skills required to enter the industry, helping to strengthen the profession.
He’ll use the apprenticeship to refine his forging ability and deepen understanding of equine anatomy and biomechanics. This will help him become confident and welfare-focused farrier with strong decision-making ability on assessing gait, conformation, and lameness related issues. He’ll learn advanced techniques such as remedial and therapeutic shoeing, bar shoe construction, and the application of modern materials, all of which are essential for supporting complex cases.
In the future, he aims to build his own business and client base and share his skills through teaching. He sees the apprenticeship as the foundation for a long, skilled career dedicated to equine welfare and the preservation of traditional farriery.
