Stud-Farm Farriery and Foal Trimming and Management - Fred Cox

Mark Trussler and co-host Jay Tovey welcome Fred Cox to The Farrier Project to discuss his background, training, and specialist stud-farm farriery. Raised around horses in Oxfordshire and a former youth polo player, Fred began a farrier apprenticeship in Lambourn under Gary Pickford, initially disliking race-yard work before finding his niche on stud farms. After qualifying in 2009, he worked a year as a qualified farrier for Pickford, then left to build his own business combining hot-shoeing with expanding Thoroughbred stud work, including weekly work and a regular France trip; he now works with two qualified assistants. Fred pursued further exams to become an ATF, took an AWCF prep course, failed then passed the practical, and has passed the fellowship WCF practical while planning his study, though accreditation changes currently prevent him taking apprentices. The episode focuses on Thoroughbred foal management: high-volume trimming on a four-week rota, fortnightly early assessments, handling protocols, record-keeping, trimming to the short axis early, and approaches to angular and flexural deformities using trims, acrylic extensions, cuffs, wedges, and veterinary collaboration. Fred’s tip is to know strengths and weaknesses, keep learning, and work with others.