You are here: Home / Articles / News

The term 'master farrier' is now a trusted trademark

Charlotte White, deputy news editor

28 April, 2010

Subscribe to Horse & Hound and save up to 35% today

The term master farrier became a trademark this week and can now only be used by associates and fellows of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF).

Master of the WCF Reg Howe said the company applied for the trademark after realising the term was being used by farriers without any restriction.

“There is always the temptation for craftmen to use the term ‘master’ when they do not have any justification to do so,” said Mr Howe.

“This announcement regularises the situation so the horse riding and owning public will know for sure that master farrier means something.”

Farriers wishing to term themselves as master farriers, and use the WCF coat of arms, must apply to the company.

Holders of the associateship (AWCF) and fellowship (FWCF) do not automatically become master farriers.

But the three military master farriers — from the Army School of Farriery, the Household Cavalry and the King’s Troop — will continue to be known as master farriers.

There are 26 registered WCF fellows and 179 associates in the UK. They have under gone further training than registered farriers who are diplomates of the WCF.

For more information, go to www.wcf.org.uk

Related articles:

• Centenary of the Masters of Basset Hounds Association
• Roland's nags and nails: Boy, it's been cold!
• Roland's nags and nails: off to Cairo on a mercy mission
• Farrier suspended for allowing his untrained brother to shoe a horse
• Roland's nags and nails: early spring and missing shoes
• Roland's nags and nails: the fear factor of nailing on a shoe
• Master Minded currently "comfortable in a cast"
• Master Minded suffers career-threatening injury
• Roland's nags and nails: reflecting on the year gone by
• Roland's nags and nails: enjoying the Christmas cheer

Printer friendly version