If the Shoe Fits: New Affiliation Announced
2 September 2010
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is pleased to announce a formal affiliation with the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF), enabling greater possibilities for training vets and farriers in the future.
During a graduation ceremony, on 2 September 2010, when 45 newly qualified farriers received their diploma Professor David Church, Vice-Principal of the Royal Veterinary College was presented with a document of affiliation to by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
Professor David Church, of the Royal Veterinary College commented: “The College is delighted with this important new link between farriers and vets and we look forward to seeing this relationship blossom – all for the benefit of the horse.”
Mr Reginald. G. Howe, Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers added: “We are certain that this will lead to even greater co-operation between the two professions and we are keen to develop contining professional development (CPD) courses of interest to veterinary surgeons and farriers.”
The history of farriery, the shoeing of horses and similar animals is an ancient craft, believed to have been practiced in Roman times. A farrier is an expert on the foot and lower limb of an equine (horse, pony, mule, donkey, zebra). who is capable of shoeing all types of equine feet, whether normal or defective, of making shoes to suit all types of work and working conditions and of devising corrective measures to compensate for faulty limb action. Farriers are professionals, regulated by law who contribute to the welfare of the horse.
Notes to Editors
- The Farriers Company (now known as the Worshipful Company of Farriers) was established as a Fellowship in 1356. Their Charter was awarded by King Charles ll in 1674 and their responsibility for ensuring that the highest levels of excellence in farriery are maintained is enshrined in the Farriers Registration Act of 1975.
The 1975 Farriers Registration Act requires all farriers in England, Wales and Scotland (including the highlands and islands) to be registered with the Farriers Registration Council. The Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) sets the examination and members of the company's examination board (eminent farriers and veterinary surgeons) conduct the exam. Successful candidates are awarded the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and are entitled to put the letters DipWCF after their names. - Photos and details of the ceremony on 2 September 2010 are available on the WCF site - Diploma Presentation Ceremony
Further Information
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The Royal Veterinary College
Established in 1791, the RVC is the UK’s longest-standing veterinary college—with a proud heritage of innovation in veterinary science, clinical practice and education.