New book documents the art of farriery around the world

The Farrier by Dr Simon Curtis is a pictorial journey across the equine world, recording farriers at work on six continents.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Sep 2020, 10:00 BST
Dr Simon Curtis captures the essence of the farrier’s world using his unequalled opportunities to photograph over 60 farriers around the worldDr Simon Curtis captures the essence of the farrier’s world using his unequalled opportunities to photograph over 60 farriers around the world
Dr Simon Curtis captures the essence of the farrier’s world using his unequalled opportunities to photograph over 60 farriers around the world

Here the variety of horse types, their diverse environs, and the farrier’s range of activities, are seen through the craftsman’s eye.

Dr Simon Curtis captures the essence of the farrier’s world using his unequalled opportunities to photograph over 60 farriers around the world.

The photo-book is a departure from Dr Curtis’s previous textbooks, some of which are staples for learning in the farriery world.

The Farrier by Dr Simon Curtis is a pictorial journey across the equine world, recording farriers at work on six continentsThe Farrier by Dr Simon Curtis is a pictorial journey across the equine world, recording farriers at work on six continents
The Farrier by Dr Simon Curtis is a pictorial journey across the equine world, recording farriers at work on six continents

With ‘The Farrier’, Simon has a new aim: to shine a light on the hard work of farriers everywhere.

Dr Curtis says: “Wherever there are horses there are farriers. My photo-book celebrates the farrier’s role, the environment they work in, and the variety of horses they care for.

The book is a culmination of a 10 year project with one purpose: to share joy and pride for the craft of farriery.”

Simon is well-known in the farriery world for his achievements and advancement of knowledge in the hoof-care field, and he has lectured and taught all over the world.

He recently completed a PhD in Equine Biomechanics and is a Fellow and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

Other awards include the Sir Colin Spedding Award, presented to exceptional heroes of the equestrian world by HRH Princess Anne; an Honorary Associateship to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the first time that any farrier has received such an honour; and has been inducted into the International Farriers Hall of Fame.

His new art book follows the 2018 release of Simon’s hoof-care book ‘The Hoof of the Horse’, and his popular podcast of the same name.

The podcast features many of the farriers documented in ‘The Farrier’, sharing insights to their experiences and the culture of farriery in their corner of the world.

‘The Farrier’ was released August 2020. More information and ordering available at curtisfarrierbooks.com.

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