Based in the United Kingdom, the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) has been an institution since 1356. In the first time in its illustrious history, the Company held its first examination outside the U.K.

WCF examiners James Sutton, Sandy Beveridge and Simon Curtis.

Chris Gregory hosted the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 event at his Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. Gregory became a fellow in the WCF in 1998.

During the event, Dr. Mike Miller of Hunstville, Ala., earned his fellow, joining a handful of Americans who have achieved this honor.

Competing for associateships were Brian Barrett of Winchester, Kansas; Jacob Butler of Crawford, Neb.; Sam Durham of Petaluma, Calif.; Cody Gregory of Lamar, Mo.; Alexi Gutierrez of West Palm Beach, Fla.; Chip Kendzerski of Sunbury, Ohio; Rodney King of Lexington, Ky.; Jason Maki of Bryan, Texas; Steve Sermersheim of Danville, Ill.;  and Mark Thorkildson of Anoka, Minn. They will learn of their test results via mail in early November.

Serving as examiners for the WCF were Simon Curtis, Sandy Beveridge and James Sutton. David Goodall served as registrar.

You can read more about this historic event in the December 2009 issue of American Farriers Journal.