One of the oldest and respected names in the farriery industry is preparing for a big change.

After nearly a century of manufacturing and selling a broad range of farrier products, Arthur Cottam Horseshoe Co. — the United Kingdom’s largest independent family-owned horseshoe and farrier tool manufacturer — will be ending operations this spring.

“We have made the hard choice to retire from the business altogether,” says Jane Fox and Paul Cottam, company directors and great grandchildren of Arthur Cottam. “However, with our children having other commitments and interests, we have decided to sell the company’s name, brands [and] manufacturing facility, and we will cease trading on the 31st March 2020.”

Arthur Cottam founded the company in 1926, manufacturing the first specialist lightweight aluminum horseshoes for the horse racing industry. In the early 1950s, the company began producing a range of general purpose steel concave riding horseshoes. The manufacture of farrier tools and importing horseshoes followed.

“We would like to thank every single customer and supplier who has supported our family since 1926,” says Fox and Cottam. “Our staff have also worked hard, with some working for our family for over 40 years, and become good friends. We cannot thank them enough and wish them all good luck in the future.”

Business will continue as normal over the next few weeks; however, a stock clearance week for remaining items will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10-14.