A Statement from the Worshipful Company of Farriers
A STATEMENT FROM THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF FARRIERS
Promoting the welfare of the horse since 1356
Throughout its long history, the Worshipful Company of Farriers has worked to uphold the highest standards in farriery, both in the UK and internationally. The education, training and examination of farriers, as well as the welfare of equines, is at the very core of the Company’s ethos.
However, following the court conviction of a Mr McNamara of Saltash, Cornwall (click here for the case link) and recent outcome of the Disciplinary Committee of the Farriers Registration Council, the Company wishes to reiterate its stance on welfare and the appropriate conduct of all those involved in the farriery profession.
As the head of the profession, The Worshipful Company of Farriers absolutely condemns the action of any person who displays abusive behaviour within the farriery profession. The Company finds any such conduct completely unacceptable, be it towards other persons or the equine.
The Company wishes to emphasise its faith in the vast majority of farriers who do not conduct themselves in such a way and recognises that most farriers behave in a professional and compassionate manner. It is important that the damaging actions of a small few do not detract from the excellent work carried out by the majority of farriers in the UK or bring the profession into disrepute.
We wish to thank the animal welfare organisations for their actions in bringing such misconduct cases to the attention of the courts and to our colleagues at the Farriers Registration Council, the profession’s regulatory body, whose remit it is to deal with disciplinary matters.
Issued on behalf of the Master, Wardens, Court & Company on 13th October 2020