The Worshipful Company of Farriers joins Brooke for Senegal workshop
Brooke’s Global Farriery Advisor Angus Wiseman was recently joined by Robin May of the Worshipful Company of Farriers on a trip to Senegal, where Brooke West Africa has been training and mentoring farriers as part of the Global Farriery Project.
Angus Wiseman of Brooke (left) and Robin May of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (right).
Brooke West Africa has seen a great number of successes as part of the project, from working with the Senegalese government to introduce an accredited farriery certification in 2019 – the first of its kind outside of Europe – to opening a dedicated farriery school in Thies, in partnership with the Government of Senegal and the Vocational Education Centre last year.
Throughout this time, Brooke has received the support of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF), which gave its stamp of approval to the project in 2020, validating training resources and joining Brooke’s call for global regulation.
After Covid-19 related delays, Brooke was pleased to finally share this ground-breaking work with the WCF and see the positive impact on working animals and livelihoods alike.
Angus said: “The interest taken by the equine owners, wider community and particularly the children was fantastic to see. If the work we’re doing inspires the next generation that has to be a positive result.”
Angus Wiseman gives a demonstration to farriery students.
A farrier works on a horse's hoof.
Farriery students work together.
Angus Wiseman gives a demonstration to farriery students.
During the visit, Angus and Robin worked with the Brooke West Africa team to provide further professional development and observe the Global Farriery Project in action. This included practical workshops covering tool making and maintenance, hoof trimming, shoemaking and fitting. Theory teaching developed learners understanding of how to deal with common hoof conditions such as bruising, corns, infections and cracks.
Angus said: “It was great to see the Brooke West Africa farriers putting into practice techniques that we have taught them. It’s such an enthusiastic team, from the farriers, to the vets, to the drivers.”
Farriery students work together.
Robin May (left) and Angus Wiseman (right).
Angus Wiseman gives a demonstration to students.
During the trip, Angus and Robin met a number of farriers who have benefitted from the training they have received thanks to the Project. One such farrier, Moussa Thiam, said: “After the training, I knew the right way to behave towards a horse that needs to be looked after. I have acquired a lot of knowledge and I practice in the field now. The most important thing I learnt doing my training was how to forge the shoe and adjust it to the horse’s foot. The story that stuck with me most after the training was about a horse whose owner thought he was a bit naughty. He told me that it is difficult to trim him. One day he was given my contact so that he could come and see me. I managed to trim and shoe the horse. He was so happy and he paid me double what we had agreed.”
Farrier and former student Moussa Thiam.
Robin May gives a demonstration to students.
A farriery kit.
Whilst Brooke West Africa’s work in Senegal has been at the forefront of the Global Farriery Project, it is Brooke’s aim to transform perceptions and standards of farriery around the world. In doing this, Brooke hopes to improve hoof health for millions of animals and support sustainable livelihoods for millions of families.
For more information on the Global Farriery Project, click here.