The Lockdown Farriery Podcast

Daniel

Hosted by Daniel Bennett AWCF CertEd, an ex British Army Farrier instructor, Farriery Educator and college lecturer , this podcast is aimed primarily at Farriers across the globe as an educational resource.Some episodes include valuable information and knowledge for horse owners and other equine professionals to.

  1. LFP 57 Wayne Preece FWCF and Danny Bennett AWCF Health, Legislation, Veterinary Reforms and of course MONEY!

    13H AGO

    LFP 57 Wayne Preece FWCF and Danny Bennett AWCF Health, Legislation, Veterinary Reforms and of course MONEY!

    Send a text Podcast - Episode 57: Wayne Preece FWCF on Health, Veterinary Reform, and UK Farrier RegulationEpisode Description Wayne Preece FWCF returns to the Lockdown Farriery Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his recent health challenges, the state of farrier regulation in the UK, and the upcoming European Championships. Wayne, a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, experienced educator, and international clinician, has been instrumental in shaping farrier standards across Europe through his work with the European Farriers Association (EFA). He's helped develop certification programs in multiple countries and continues to push the profession forward despite facing significant health setbacks. In this extended conversation, Wayne and the host discuss: Wayne's recovery from total knee replacement and upcoming hip surgeryHis ongoing work with the Polish and Italian farrier associations on EFA certification programsThe complexities of organizing the European Championships and improvements to competition standardsThe controversial UK veterinary reform consultation and what it could mean for farrier regulationThe confusion between the FRC, WCF, and BFBA - and why understanding these bodies mattersProfessional pricing challenges in the UK compared to other countriesThe future of farrier education and the apprenticeship systemThis is a frank, unfiltered discussion about the realities of being a farrier professional in 2025, covering everything from health challenges to regulatory debates to the business side of the trade. Key Topics & Timestamps Health Update & Recovery (0:00 - 12:00) Wayne's total knee replacement in OctoberUpcoming hip replacement surgeryThe physical toll of farriery and recovery challengesMaintaining work through injury via computer-based projectsInternational Work & EFA Programs (12:00 - 30:00) Work with VFT Denmark and Polish Farriers FederationDevelopment of Certified Euro Farrier and Master Euro Farrier programsEducational support for European associationsUpcoming presentation at North American Equine Practitioners conferenceEuropean Championships Organization (30:00 - 50:00) Formation of EFA subcommittee to improve competition standardsChallenges from the 2023 Spanish championshipsNew rule book development and standardization effortsDanny's consultancy role for the upcoming Dutch championshipsThe importance of learning from mistakes in competition organizationUK Farrier Bodies: FRC, WCF & BFBA (50:00 - 1:10:00) Clarifying the roles: FRC (regulation), WCF (heritage/recognition), BFBA (professional support)Social media confusion and misinformationWhy the FRC exists to protect the public, not farriersThe value of BFBA membership and professional networkingFarrier Regulation & Professionalism (1:10:00 - 1:30:00) The UK as the only country with statutory regulationDisciplinary processes and the FRC BulletinComparing regulatory standards with other professionsThe evolution of the FRC since 2017 reformsWhy farriers wanted teeth in regulation - and now have itThe Horse Industry & Pricing Challenges (1:30:00 - 1:50:00) Why UK farriers are among the cheapest globallyThe cultural expectation of affordable horse ownership in the UKThe rise of "people with horses" vs traditional "horse people"Working-class roots of the profession affecting pricing mindse

    1h 20m
  2. LFP 56  Business Studies, Taxation & MTD with Freya Ceen

    FEB 9

    LFP 56 Business Studies, Taxation & MTD with Freya Ceen

    Send a text Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Lockdown Farriery Podcast. This is Episode 56, and today we’re diving into a topic that every farrier — student, qualified, or aspiring — needs to understand.”  “I’m joined by a brilliant guest for this episode: Freya Ceen. Freya runs Vital Accounts, working and advising big and small business, including some farriery businesses. Her connection with farriery does not just end there. Many years ago before retraining to be an accountant she was in fact a Farrier apprentice. That combination of real world farriery experience and financial expertise makes her the perfect person to help us unpick today’s topics.” “We’ll be talking about the Level 3 Farriery Business and IT module — what knowledge apprentices really need, how to prepare effectively, and what assessors are looking for when it comes to passing the End Point Assessment (EPA).”  “Then we’re moving on to something affecting every UK farrier who operates as a sole trader: the upcoming rollout of Making Tax Digital (MTD). From 6 April 2026, HMRC will require sole traders with income over £50,000 to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates using recognised software — these aren’t extra tax returns, but short summaries designed to keep you organised throughout the year. This rollout is being phased in, with thresholds dropping to £30,000 in 2027 and £20,000 in 2028.” “Freya and I break down what that means for farriers, how to get ready, what software options are available, and why preparing early can save a lot of stress — and potentially money.”  “So, whether you’re revising for your Business and IT module, navigating your first year of self employment, or trying to make sense of the new digital tax rules, this episode has you covered.” This Episode will also link in to an upcoming episode with a new solution for farriers facing the transition to digital Tax, so keep your eyes open over the couple of weeks for that one. As always thank you to the sponsors The Shoeing Lab Silverback Chaps – silverbackchaps.com

    39 min
  3. LFP 50 The state of the Industry & the Solution! ForgeSmart.co.uk Tom Smith FWCF GradDIP ELR

    05/26/2025

    LFP 50 The state of the Industry & the Solution! ForgeSmart.co.uk Tom Smith FWCF GradDIP ELR

    Send a text Recently there has been a lot of discussions and social media debate about the apparent crisis within the farriery profession. This has centred around the economy of farriery as a profession and the lack of training providers and people coming into the profession. Like all farriery rants on social media, we all shared it on our feed so no doubt your customers can see it and feel sorry for you! Id like to add at this point “they don’t care”. I have personally thought for some time in the UK that we are most of the time subsidising their hobby and their want to own a horse compared to the prices with the rest of the developed world. To fix this it will take more than farriers sharing a well written post by another farrier on their social media. We need to get in a room together discover how we got in this situation in the first place, work on strategies to improve our value and to raise the price of farriery and go up together. Up until this point apart from moaning no one has proactively done anything to resolve this situation until now. Tom Smith FWCF, an experienced farrier who has been in the business since 2006, discusses his career journey, the challenges faced by the farrier industry, and the need for change.  He highlights the potential lack of farriers in the future, the struggle with proper pricing, and the undervaluation of their work.  Tom introduces 'Forge Smart,' a 10-month program designed to help farriers improve their business acumen, raise their prices collectively, and enhance the professionalism of the industry.    The discussion covers the importance of community, professional development, and re-evaluating traditional practices to ensure the sustainability and growth of the farrier profession. www.forgesmart.co.uk Thank you to the Podcast Sponsors www.silverbackchaps.com www.theshoeinglab.com

    1h 24m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Hosted by Daniel Bennett AWCF CertEd, an ex British Army Farrier instructor, Farriery Educator and college lecturer , this podcast is aimed primarily at Farriers across the globe as an educational resource.Some episodes include valuable information and knowledge for horse owners and other equine professionals to.

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