73. Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture, Worshipful Company of Horners, Royal Society of Medicine, London, 16 November 2023

Eileen and I were invited with other Masters and Consorts to this highlight black tie event organised by the Horners’ Company.  Iron or Plastic – is that really the Question?

We were slightly sceptical about attending, as were other Masters and Consorts, as it appeared to be a very specialist area.  However, the talk turned out to be most interesting, educational and a real eye-opener in how two distinctly different industries - farriery and plastics = have worked together for the betterment of a horse’s wellbeing.

The Lecture was given by David Nicholls, Master Farrier, and included a history of the profession.  Farriery, or the shoeing of horses, is an ancient craft, believed to have been practised first in the Roman Empire.  He explained that a farrier is a skilled craftsperson with a sound knowledge of both theory and practice of the craft, 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.  He also admitted that these day farriers very rarely make horseshoes as it is easier and cheaper to buy them.  However, they will make them for special occasions such as 

weddings.

 

It was fascinating learning about the development of hoof boots and plastic shoes, and especially the issue of how to glue them to the hoof so that they stay there.  The centre of the hoof can be very soft especially for a young foal and a plastic shoe provides valuable protection.  As the hoof continues to grow the shoe may need replacing every five or six weeks.

They also provide shoes for other animals!

It was a very interesting evening and I learnt very clearly never to underestimate the different fascinating crafts of the Livery.