Royal Windsor farrier
Horse & Hound|July 01, 2021
Chris Carrel on shoeing horses for The Queen, the army and competitive stars, and his sideline of upcycling old horseshoes into touching mementoes
Helen Triggs
Royal Windsor farrier

If not cancelled, last year would have been the 18th year I’ve been the main show farrier at Royal Windsor.

Essentially, we are there to provide cover over the five days, dealing with urgent “running repairs” such as loose or lost shoes.

Occasionally, some international competitors arrive with horses needing to be shod. They often rely on the show farriers as they are generally on the road throughout the season. It keeps us three farriers busy covering different areas of the show. We often rotate posts to vary the day and allow us to have breaks.

I come from a farming family and practically grew up in the saddle.

My parents had a trekking centre in mid-Wales. When I went to the army recruitment office, they suggested the Household Cavalry because of my background. First you have to do basic trooper training in fitness and foot drill, and then riding and horse care. You have to learn to ride in full state kit – and you’d be up until 2am cleaning and polishing it.

This story is from the July 01, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 01, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView All
A fitting finale
Horse & Hound

A fitting finale

Tessa Waugh relates the second part of her husband's final day hunting hounds, which looked to be a hip flask tasting session until the proverbial three o'clock offered one last hurrah

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
'What a day to be Irish'
Horse & Hound

'What a day to be Irish'

One nation is looking stronger than ever, but there is disappointment for the Brits in a thrilling second leg of the new-look League of Nations

time-read
5 mins  |
March 28, 2024
The ultimate all-rounder
Horse & Hound

The ultimate all-rounder

Romeo gave Robert Walker his love of showing - and hunting, with a five-mile point and an eight-mile hunt in the afternoon one memorable Boxing Day

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Bouncing, bonny - and sound
Horse & Hound

Bouncing, bonny - and sound

H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen is delighted to report that her horse has finished the season in fine form, and takes a look at the future

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
'Will there be any riding schools left?'
Horse & Hound

'Will there be any riding schools left?'

Pammy Hutton on the current challenges faced by the equestrian industry

time-read
3 mins  |
March 28, 2024
New competition to replace Aachen's FEI Nations Cup
Horse & Hound

New competition to replace Aachen's FEI Nations Cup

The venue will host its own elite team dressage competition instead

time-read
1 min  |
March 28, 2024
Seven Badminton champions on this year's event entries list
Horse & Hound

Seven Badminton champions on this year's event entries list

Seven former winning riders are due to start, but no previous equine victors are on the list

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Blair lost as concerns grow for eventing in Scotland
Horse & Hound

Blair lost as concerns grow for eventing in Scotland

Blair Castle Horse Trials will run for the 35th and last time this summer, sparking concerns for eventing in the region

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
A risk to horse health: warning against importing unauthorised medication
Horse & Hound

A risk to horse health: warning against importing unauthorised medication

Illegally imported equine drugs have been seized by the relevant authorities in four recent cases

time-read
2 mins  |
March 28, 2024
Protect your pocket
Horse & Hound

Protect your pocket

Insurance is a big monthly hit, but small tweaks can lower your premium. Sarah Isaacs finds out how to save costs appropriately

time-read
6 mins  |
March 28, 2024