0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- 'No hoof, no horse', - as the old Welsh saying goes.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- The horseshoe protects the hoof - and stops it from wearing.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- In this programme, we'll see forges, - steel and hammers...
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- ..and we'll hear the stories - of three farriers, or blacksmiths.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- Our journey begins - with David and a Lampeter woman.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- There are - almost 2,900 farriers in the UK...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..only around 50 of whom are women, - including Cathryn Gardner.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- Originally from - Ffald-y-Brenin farm, Llanwrda...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- ..she's worked as a farrier - for around five years.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- Are there links to horses - in your family?
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- Yes. Horses are in my blood.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22- Mam and my brother ride.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- It goes back to my grandfather - and great grandfather.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- My whole family ride horses.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- Your grandfather kept sheep, - cattle and horses on the farm
0:01:34 > 0:01:39- Did you help your grandfather - on the farm in those days?
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- Yes, when I was young we'd drive - sheep from the mountain on ponies.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- How many of you did that?
0:01:46 > 0:01:47- How many of you did that?- - Four or five.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- I'm sure you enjoyed it.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- Growing up, Cathryn spent a lot of - time with her grandfather...
0:01:55 > 0:01:56- ..on his farm near Hirwaun.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- William Gwyn Davies - was a champion ploughman.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- Horses were in his blood and ponies - were a vital part of farm work.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- Cathryn always took a great interest - in whatever we did on the farm...
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- ..in every season.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- She was always here for lambing, - earmarking and shearing.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- She was interested and passionate.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- She had the eye to take in - whatever we did with the stock.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- Some people see one animal - and that's all they see.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- Others, like Cathryn, see one animal - but they see beyond that.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42- Something special.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45- It takes someone...
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- ..with a natural affinity - with animals...
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- ..to be able to see - all these things.
0:02:54 > 0:02:55- That's what I believe.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Cathryn spends a lot of time - on the road.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- Today's first job - is at Brenig Stud...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- ..with the horses of sisters, - Emma and Sian Williams.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- These hooves need a trim. - They don't need shoes.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- This is a quiet one, Cathryn.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- Yes. He's used to being shod - when he goes to shows.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- It makes a big difference.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- Young ones who haven't been - shod before can be a challenge.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- Yes. A bit be wild.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- How do you - deal with the tricky customers?
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- I remain quiet and calm around them - and take my time to do the job.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- You need patience to do this job.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- Cathryn's been your farrier - for a while now.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- Yes, for five years and she's great.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00- We think highly of her.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- We found her after Cemaes - stopped working in this area.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- We've held onto her services.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- It's hard to find a good farrier.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- Horses played a key part - in Cathryn's childhood in Llanwrda.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- When she was a teenager...
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- ..she got a part-time job - at Caeiago Horse Riding Centre.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- She returns there today - as their farrier.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- What's your first job today?
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- What's your first job today?- - To remove the old horseshoe.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Talk me through the process.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- Talk me through the process.- - First, I remove the old horseshoe.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- Next, I clean the frog.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- The frog is this area here.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00- Yes.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02- Then I clean the hoof.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- I use a rasp to smooth the edges.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08- Why do you do that?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- Why do you do that?- - To make sure the foot is level.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- It's physical work, isn't it?
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- Do you need muscles - and strength to do this job?
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- A lot of people - assume a farrier has to be strong...
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- ..but it's about skill - and technique.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- Cathryn was inspired - to be a farrier...
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- ..after a period of work experience - with the blacksmith, Hilary Kaye.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- She did an apprenticeship with - Kelvin Lymer from Sandpitt Forge...
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- ..who was a Team GB farrier - at the Beijing Olympic Games.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- Cathryn spends part of her time - working for him in Worcester.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- How did you go about - getting an apprenticeship?
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- I wrote to over 100 farriers - across the country...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- ..and only three replied.
0:06:02 > 0:06:03- Only three out of 100?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Yes, and Kelvin was one of them.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- I had a week-long trial - with Kelvin...
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- ..and I started my apprenticeship - the following week.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- How long was the apprenticeship?
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- How long was the apprenticeship?- - Four years and two months.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- These are new horseshoes.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- Did you make these?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Did you make these?- - No. I had to buy these.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- There are so many horses here, - there's no time to make the shoes.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- Rather than the horse - coming to the farrier...
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- ..the farrier must often - go to the horse these days.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- Cathryn has customized a vehicle - to suit her needs.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- It even has a forge, which looks - like a red-hot microwave.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- That's hot!
0:06:57 > 0:06:58- That's hot!- - Yes. Extremely hot.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- Have you ever - suffered an injury at work?
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Yes, I've injured myself - lots of times!
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- I buy half the shoes I fit - and I make the rest myself.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- You're shaping the shoe now.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- You're shaping the shoe now.- - Yes - to the shape of the hoof.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- You're checking to see if it's - the right shape for the hoof.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Yes, then I'll cut out - a gap for the clip.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- The clip needs to sit here.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- Does this process hurt the horse?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- No, the horse feels nothing.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- It's important - to get the right angle, isn't it?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Yes. I follow the angle of the hoof.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- What happens - if the angle isn't right?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- You'll see a lot of blood!
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- We'll know in no uncertain terms!
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- What are you doing with these nails?
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- I'm bending them over.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- This is what we call a clench.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- The clench makes sure - the shoe stays firmly in place.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- You've finished - working on Serafina...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..and there are - three more horses to go.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- On to the next one.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- What does the equine world - mean to you?
0:08:59 > 0:09:00- It means a lot.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06- I enjoy working with horses and with - different people across the country.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10- It's not a job.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- It's my passion.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14- It's a way of life.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- Elgan Harris - is an extremely hardworking farrier.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- He travels the country - looking after hooves.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- He puts on demonstrations at shows - and he competes too.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- He's also a member - of the Wales Farrier Team.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Elgan was trained by Jim Blurton, - from Forden Farriers...
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- ..near Welshpool, Montgomeryshire.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- Our journey in his company begins - at Min Y Llyn Uchaf farm, Forden.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- This is a whopper of a hoof, Elgan.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54- Yes, it's pretty big.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- This is a shire horse called Daisy.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Your wife is holding her head, - so what's Daisy's story?
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Last week, she pulled up - and she was stuck in a wire fence.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- As you can see, - the wire is still stuck in the shoe.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- I need to reposition the front.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- I couldn't do it last week - because it was too sore.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25- You can see where the wire cut in.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- You can see where the wire cut in.- - Yes - I can see the indentation.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- It could have been nasty.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- This horse has had a narrow escape.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34- It's a good hoof.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- It's a good hoof.- - Yes. I had to cut it here.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- The wire went straight through.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- It's a good, strong, solid hoof.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Tell me about the rhythm you hit.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I often see farriers go - tap-tap-bang, tap-tap-bang!
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- It's just something you pick up on.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- There's no reason for it?
0:11:05 > 0:11:06- No. It's just for show.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- Nailing the shoe in place - is a very important job.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- It's a vital part - of the farrier's bread and butter.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- If the nails aren't right, - that shoe will soon come loose...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..and the farrier - will have to come back out.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- How long a guarantee - does a good farrier give?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- A couple of weeks.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- You can see - where the wire entered the hoof.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Yes, and that's why - there are three nails there.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- There's a weakness there - but she has a strong, thick hoof.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- It's only slightly damaged.
0:11:49 > 0:11:50- It'll be fine.
0:11:54 > 0:11:55- Daisy's been done.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- She's outside, grazing in the field - and enjoying the sunshine.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- It isn't a bad life for a farrier.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- It isn't a bad life for a farrier.- - Not when the sun's out.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- It's been a tough winter, - what with all the rain we've had.
0:12:09 > 0:12:09- Subtitles
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- Welcome back to Ceffylau Cymru.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- As we saw before the break...
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- ..I'm spending the day - with the busy farrier, Elgan Harris.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29- Where are we now?
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- Skelwith Stud, - just outside Llanfair Caereinion.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- I'm here to take a look at a cob.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- I need to assess him and, luckily, - there's room to do that here.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Let's take a look at him.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- You removed an ordinary shoe - from its hind hoof...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- ..but you're replacing it - with something different.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Yes. Take a look at the hoof.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- You need the two sides of the hoof - to be a mirror image of each other.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- It's straight on this side - and curved on the other.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- I want to create that shape - on the other side.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- I'll fit him with a bar shoe...
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- ..to will help him across the heel - and with added depth there.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- It will help him straighten up.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Symmetry is important in a cob.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- Symmetry is important in a cob.- - Yes. Symmetry is everything.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Symmetry - that's it, to be honest.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- I'll work on that.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- After a couple of sessions - and about three months...
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- ..he'll go back to normal shoes, - all being well.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- There's more to a farrier's life - than a hammer and steel.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- Elgan often works with vets - for the horses' benefit.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Competitions and exhibitions...
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- ..are also - an important part of his life.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- It's good for the art of farriery - for people to see what you do.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- There's so much more to it - than taking a shoe out of a box.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- This is a normal horseshoe - and this is a bar shoe.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- The difference between them - is obvious.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- The idea is to give added support - by having a wider shoe.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- The aim of this is to help the foot - adjust to be as it should be.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- A bar shoe offers additional support - for the foot than a U-shaped shoe.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- The objective is to change - the shape of the foot a little.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Yes - I want to help the foot - be as it should be.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- If I used a U-shaped shoe, - the foot would improve, over time...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..but this will speed it up.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- Did you make them?
0:14:59 > 0:15:00- Yes, I made them.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- I'd measured up - and, luckily, they fit.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- The edge of the shoe - sticks out further than the hoof.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- That's where the foot should be.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- That's where the foot should be.- - The other foot is fine.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- Are you pleased with that?
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- Are you pleased with that?- - Yes.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- I'll give it six weeks...
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- ..see how the rear shoe helps - and take it from there.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Cemaes Evans - comes from Ceredigion...
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- ..and he did his apprenticeship - in Talsarn.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- He now lives on Cathedine Fawr farm, - near Llangorse Lake.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- He has a smithy on the farmyard.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- You often see him on stewarding duty - at the Royal Welsh...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- ..and he judges shoeing competitions - at local shows.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- Can I have a look - at your horse's foot?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- He has a nice, round foot.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- It's not too long.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20- It looks nice.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- With the shire, - I was looking for the bevel shoe.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- They say a mouse should be able to - run around on a bevel shoe...
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- ..because it sticks out so much.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- South Wales Shire Horse Society Show - Abergavenny
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- I joined Cemaes in his smithy - to learn how to make a horseshoe.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- Hold it and hit it in the middle.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Hit it like you mean it!
0:17:05 > 0:17:06- Lift this arm.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- Whoa! Steady.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- It's like Mr Bean - trying to make a horseshoe!
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- We need three holes on each side.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20- Where should it go?
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- About an inch and a quarter - from there.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Hit through it?
0:17:28 > 0:17:29- Hit through it?- - Yes.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31- Whoa! Not there.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34- There.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- Should I keep going?
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- We must heat it back up.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- It's gone cold, so I need more...
0:17:48 > 0:17:49- More speed.
0:17:49 > 0:17:50- More speed.- - More speed? Alright.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- This is a coal forge.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- You don't see many of these today.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- The age of coal is nearly over...
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- ..and so is the time - where farriers make their own shoes.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- They buy them from factories.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- In more modern smithies, - you see gas forges.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14- Yes, that's right.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- I have to take the fumes - and everything here.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- How long does it take to heat metal?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Not long. Coal is faster than gas.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- If you don't keep an eye on it, - the metal will burn.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- With gas, you can leave it - in the forge all day.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- You can't do that with coal.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40- Like this?
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Like this?- - No - the other way around.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- Have I gone through?
0:18:44 > 0:18:45- Probably.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47- It's stuck.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48- It's stuck.- - Tap it.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- BLEEP
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- What was that naughty word you said?
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Did it go through? No.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- I'm like Benny Hill!
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- How long does it take you - to make a set of shoes?
0:19:07 > 0:19:08- About 45 minutes.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- Thinner shoes, which are ideal for - a Section C pony, take 30 minutes.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- There are four irons - in the fire at a time.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22- Put it down, heel first.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Do I hit it here?
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Hold it at an angle.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27- Hit the end.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Like this?
0:19:30 > 0:19:31- Yes. Down you go.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Hit it like you mean it.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- Not there - on the end.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41- Is that enough?
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- No. Carry on.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- That's it.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- You use all sorts of tools - and this box is really interesting.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Did you make it?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- No, it was made - by John Thomas, Llwyn Bustach.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- It's an offcut - of the coffin of an old lady.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- This box has a bit of history.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- No wonder - he's known as John The Box.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17- At an angle?
0:20:18 > 0:20:19- Yes - hit it!
0:20:20 > 0:20:21- Tap it out.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- What sort of apprenticeship - did you have?
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- It must take time to train.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- I was very lucky.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- I had an apprenticeship - with Price of Talsarn.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- I learned to shoe, - which was great.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- I also learned to weld, fabricate - and do some ironwork.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- I learned all the blacksmith skills.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- What aspect of your work has given - you most pleasure over the years?
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- I've been fortunate enough to meet - people from all over the country.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- My shoes have travelled - as far away as South Africa.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- I supply a lot of shoes for the boys - in London and Yorkshire.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- I've met a lot of people - through my work.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- How long have you been a farrier?
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- I started in 1972.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- You've got more brains than me - to do the maths, David!
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- You don't look old enough!
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- You're meant to hit the shoe!
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- That's what I'm trying to do.
0:21:26 > 0:21:27- I promise!
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- I'm getting the hang of this!
0:21:38 > 0:21:39- Now then, David.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42- Hit it!
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Whoa! You're all over the shop.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Hit it there?
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- Hit it there?- - Yes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Stroke it out.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Should've gone to Specsavers!
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- I'll heat it up for you again.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- David Oliver, the blacksmith!
0:22:10 > 0:22:11- Not a chance!
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- OK, David?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Lovely, David.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- I'd like to say that I did - all the work on this horseshoe...
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- ..but, unfortunately, a monkey - could do a better job than me!
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- This is the finished article.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- David Oliver's horseshoe!
0:22:35 > 0:22:36- Thank you, Cemaes.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- Thank you, Cemaes.- - You're welcome.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:23:02 > 0:23:02- .