The Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) was organized in 1356 as the governing body over the practice of farriery in London. Evolving over centuries, the Company is regarded by many as stewards of the highest standards in horseshoeing, as manifested through its rigorous examination process.

In its illustrious history, the WCF has never held any examination outside of the United Kingdom. That changed this fall as the Company held an examination at the Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo.

Bringing The Company Over

Chris Gregory, who owns and operates the school and became a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF) in 1998, led the charge to host a WCF examination in the U.S. At the 2009 American Farrier’s Association Convention in Chattanooga, Tenn., Gregory told WCF registrar Capt. David Goodall, RN, that he wanted to host an examination at his school. The WCF found the idea agreeable and the preparations began. Gregory worked with Danvers Child and Steve Sermersheim to develop a list of ideal candidates to invite to an examination.

The WCF limited participation to 12 candidates for the Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF) and one for the FWCF. The WCF usually examines in groups of six, making two rounds with a combined 12. Had the number exceeded 12, the examiners would have to add an additional day to the visit to properly administer the examination.

The WCF required all candidates for the AWCF hold a Diploma in the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF)…