LFP 57 Wayne Preece FWCF and Danny Bennett AWCF Health, Legislation, Veterinary Reforms and of course MONEY!

Send a text Podcast - Episode 57: Wayne Preece FWCF on Health, Veterinary Reform, and UK Farrier Regulation Episode Description

Wayne Preece FWCF returns to the Lockdown Farriery Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his recent health challenges, the state of farrier regulation in the UK, and the upcoming European Championships.

Wayne, a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, experienced educator, and international clinician, has been instrumental in shaping farrier standards across Europe through his work with the European Farriers Association (EFA). He's helped develop certification programs in multiple countries and continues to push the profession forward despite facing significant health setbacks.

In this extended conversation, Wayne and the host discuss:

• Wayne's recovery from total knee replacement and upcoming hip surgery • His ongoing work with the Polish and Italian farrier associations on EFA certification programs • The complexities of organizing the European Championships and improvements to competition standards • The controversial UK veterinary reform consultation and what it could mean for farrier regulation • The confusion between the FRC, WCF, and BFBA - and why understanding these bodies matters • Professional pricing challenges in the UK compared to other countries • The future of farrier education and the apprenticeship system

This is a frank, unfiltered discussion about the realities of being a farrier professional in 2025, covering everything from health challenges to regulatory debates to the business side of the trade.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Health Update & Recovery (0:00 - 12:00)

• Wayne's total knee replacement in October • Upcoming hip replacement surgery • The physical toll of farriery and recovery challenges • Maintaining work through injury via computer-based projects

International Work & EFA Programs (12:00 - 30:00)

• Work with VFT Denmark and Polish Farriers Federation • Development of Certified Euro Farrier and Master Euro Farrier programs • Educational support for European associations • Upcoming presentation at North American Equine Practitioners conference

European Championships Organization (30:00 - 50:00)

• Formation of EFA subcommittee to improve competition standards • Challenges from the 2023 Spanish championships • New rule book development and standardization efforts • Danny's consultancy role for the upcoming Dutch championships • The importance of learning from mistakes in competition organization

UK Farrier Bodies: FRC, WCF & BFBA (50:00 - 1:10:00)

• Clarifying the roles: FRC (regulation), WCF (heritage/recognition), BFBA (professional support) • Social media confusion and misinformation • Why the FRC exists to protect the public, not farriers • The value of BFBA membership and professional networking

Farrier Regulation & Professionalism (1:10:00 - 1:30:00)

• The UK as the only country with statutory regulation • Disciplinary processes and the FRC Bulletin • Comparing regulatory standards with other professions • The evolution of the FRC since 2017 reforms • Why farriers wanted teeth in regulation - and now have it

The Horse Industry & Pricing Challenges (1:30:00 - 1:50:00)

• Why UK farriers are among the cheapest globally • The cultural expectation of affordable horse ownership in the UK • The rise of "people with horses" vs trad

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