THE deadline is fast approaching for entries into the Suffolk Agricultural Association Farriery Eastern Counties Spring Championship.

Entries into the prestigious event, which takes place as part of a weekend of activities at Trinity Park, Ipswich, must be in by Friday (February 10).

The event, which takes place on Saturday, March 3, is preceded on Friday, March 2, by a special training event, giving farriers the chance to hone their skills and learn from one of the country’s leading experts. Dorset-based and award winning farrier Andrew Reader-Smith is travelling up to showcase his award winning tool making and maintenance skills.

The weekend is then brought to a glamorous close by the inaugural Farriers Ball at Trinity Park. This is open to anyone who would like to attend, and tickets are now on sale.

The Eastern Counties Spring Championship sees entrants competing against each other in the hope of being awarded a silver or bronze medal from the Worshipful Company of Farriers, as well as a prize purse totalling more than �1800 with a first prize of �500 for the open Hunter Shoeing class.

These events are part of the Suffolk Agricultural Association’s continued commitment to the farriery industry by investing in facilities and training, giving farriers from the area and further afield a first class venue to train and continue to develop their skills and thereby support the equine industry which is important to the region.

David Nunn from Suffolk Agricultural Association said: “The first Championships and Training Day held last year was a huge success, where we had over 60 apprentice and qualified farriers complete a very impressive 133 rounds of shoe-making.

“This year we are delighted that participants will benefit from working in our newly extended farriery building. Currently still under construction, the extended facility is on schedule to be completed for our big weekend in March and will double the size and capacity of the original structure.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to AJN Steelstock of Bury St Edmunds for very generously donating the steel required for the farriery extension. We are also delighted that the event will be extended to include the Ball to bring the two days to a fun and celebratory close.’

Full details of the Farriery Training Day, Eastern Counties Spring Championship and Farriers’ Ball are available by calling Elizabeth Payne at the Suffolk Agricultural Association on 01473 707115 or visiting www.suffolkshow.co.uk