Pope is the new UAE Champion Farrier

Dubai: Ian Pope, representing Grandstand Stables, Dubai, walked away with the trophy and the title of UAE Champion Farrier, at the third UAE Farrier's Championship.

Pope, competing in his first UAE competition, applied his years of experience to good effect to win all three classes in the Premier Division. He won by a massive 10 points.

Jaber Singh, representing Al Nasa Stables, was every bit as impressive with a similar clean sweep to emerge winner in the Division One class.

Singh is now promoted to compete in the Premier Division in next year's competition.

The competitors were judged on finishing, precise work and speed as they forged and fitted various horse shoes to demonstrate their skill.

All the 13 competing farriers work in the UAE and were brought together by an event being staged for the first time at the Dubai International Horse Fair.

Pope has the chance to represent the UAE at the forthcoming World Championships, being held at the Calgary Stampede in July.

Able judge

With the sanction of the Emirates Racing Association and support of Mustad Hoofcare, Horse and Carriage organised the competition for the third time and invited Grant Moon, six-time world champion farrier, to judge the competition again.

Moon commented: "Over the three years of the competition, the standard of work being produced has been of a consistently high level.

"This year the guys have risen a few more notches, which bodes very well for the future of the art in the UAE."