David (left of picture) at work

Regular West Kype farrier, David Varini of Scotland is World Champion Blacksmith 2013!

After a gruelling 4 days at the Calgary Stampede, David Varini was named World Champion Farrier 2013, on the very same day as Andy Murray won Wimbledon! He now joins an elite group of farriers from around the world who have held the title since the competition began over 30 years ago

David, a partner at Robinson & Varini Farriers, based in Ayrshire, has fulfilled a lifetime ambition by becoming World Champion. A lot of time and effort went into preparing for the classes that make up the competition, all of which has now paid off. David is only the second Scottish farrier to ever win the title, the last Scot to win being David Wilson of Fife in 1985.

The first 3 days consist of a variety of different shoeing and shoe making classes, which culminate in the top 10 point scorers over those days coming together on the last day for the semi final. During this class, the competitors must make the shoes from scratch and shoe the front feet of a horse. Then the top 5 from this class go forward into a nail-biting final where the hind feet must be shod. Times are tight and the farriers must work at speed while maintaining the highest standard of work in order to be competitive.

Paul Robinson, also of Robinson & Varini Farriers was World Champion in 2008 – it really is quite a feat for both business partners to hold such a prestigious title.

David being awarded the World Championship award