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BEST SHOD AWARD AT THE RANDOX HEALTH GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL
Sarah Mary Brown is the first woman farrier to judge the Best Shod Award. Alongside shoeing horses, she is a successful competitor, a competition judge and an examiner who helps the UK farriery profession maintain its gold-standard reputation. The award will be judged in the Parade Ring before the Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase on Thursday, The Randox Health Topham Chase on Friday and Saturday's Randox Health Grand National.
Q. What is a farrier?
A. A farrier is a skilled person who trims and shoes horses' feet.
Q. What will you be looking for in judging this award?
A. Well shod feet with shoes that are fitted for purpose to carry the horse at speed. Well-balanced feet with good nailing and a crisp finish.
Q. Do the best shod horses win their races?
A. Not always, but good shoeing promotes and assists athletic potential; however, the horse must be capable and have individual potential, too.
Q. Can a horse run faster because of the skills in shoeing?
A. Shoeing skills add to the welfare of the horse and, while shoes don't increase speed, farriers do add to the many reasons why horses win races. 'No foot, no horse.'
Q. How often is a racehorse shod?
A. Around every 3 to 4 weeks.
Q. Can a horse run without shoes?
A. National hunt horses can run without shoes, but the rules of flat racing say that horses still have to be fully shod.
Q. What are racing shoes made from?
A. Steel or aluminium.
Q. Can racehorses wear plastic shoes?
A. Yes they can, although they are not so popular
Q. Can anyone shoe a horse?
A. No, in the UK you must hold the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers as a minimum qualification.
Q. How long does it take to become a farrier?
A. Three years and nine months.
Q. Is it a popular career for women?
A. Yes, and the number of women qualifying as farriers is increasing.
Q. Is it a dangerous job?
A. Yes, there are risks, as there are with many careers that involve working with animals.
Q. Who maintains the standards within the UK farriery profession?
A. The Worshipful Company of Farriers (www.wcf.org.uk)
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