The delayed farrier apprenticeship exams have been given the green light as a new assessment organisation is approved.
VetSkill has been approved by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) and Ofqual to deliver the end-point assessments, after the FRC withdrew its approval of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF). In October H&H reported that the FRC had “lost confidence in WCF’s ability to deliver the end-point assessment (EPA) with the appropriate level of assurance”. At the time, a WCF spokesman said the company was “disappointed” but “working hard to rectify the situation”.
This meant that the exams originally scheduled for 17 November and 20-24 November could not go ahead, while Ofqual, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical (IfATE), and the FRC found a new EPA provider.
In a statement yesterday (13 December) a VetSkill spokesman said the organisation was “proud to announce” it had approval.
“The first round of EPAs will take place at Myerscough College and Warwickshire College in mid-January with Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College following shortly after,” read the statement.
VetSkill director of operations Sam Double said assessors and venues have been confirmed and bookings are being taken for the EPA.
“The VetSkill team have worked tirelessly to be approved for the level three farrier apprenticeship standard, in record time. This could not have been achieved without the support of the FRC and the WCF for which we are very grateful. We would also like to thank the three training providers and the assessor team for working closely with us to achieve this,” he said.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Ben Benson AWCF, president of the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association, told H&H the association was “really saddened” that the WCF lost its end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) status.
“We’re really grateful for VetSkill coming in with the support of the WCF, so that we can see this cohort of apprentices finish their apprenticeships and gain their qualification and access to the farriery register,” he said.
“We’re confident that the EPA will be the same high standard that we all expect from farrier qualifications in the UK. The farriery industry worldwide wants to see the WCF back as the EPAO for the apprenticeship and we would all like to support the WCF in their reapplication to be that.”
IfATE deputy director Joanna Moonan told H&H the organisation is “delighted” VetSkill has been approved.
“It’s really good news as apprentices will now be able to complete their assessments and progress to the next stage of their careers in farriery,” she said.
The WCF spokesman told H&H the company had no comment.
Update 19 December 2023:
In a statement issued on 18 December 2023 a WCF spokesman said the company “wish all the candidates well” in the January exams.
“The WCF intend to grant the post-nominal DipWCF to successful candidates who
will undertake their EPA exams being delivered by VetSkill in January 2024,” it read.
“Once the WCF has addressed all the FRC concerns, the WCF will be reapplying for approval in the first part of 2024. We wish to thank all registered farriers in the UK for their overwhelming support in our quest to continue running farriery examinations in the UK.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
