She is one of only three female apprentice farriers to qualify this year and only succeeded in fulfilling her ambition after her dad went back to school to be able to train her.

With her four year apprenticeship at an end, Claire (23), Wester Coxton, Lhanbryde, headed to London yesterday (Thursday) for the Worshipful Company of Farriers' awards ceremony and has joined the family farriery business.

Claire undertook her NVQ Level 3 Advanced Modern Apprenticeship course, which is approved by the Farrier Registration Council, with her father, Andrew, a highly-skilled farrier of more than 20 years.

She was drawn to the unusual career through her own love of horses.

Claire said: "I wanted to take my Advanced Highers but for some reason the subjects I wanted to take clashed. I'd also thought about studying graphic design but that didn't work out either so I left school and started work experience with my dad. I love horses, I've got three of my own, so working with them and dad just sort of happened."

When Claire decided she wanted to move on from work experience and take up an apprenticeship, she was required to make a test piece of ironwork and present it to the Farriery Training Agency which is based in Peterbourgh.

Once she had demonstrated her practical ability, the would-be student then had to find an approved training farrier to take her on as an apprentice.

Forging a new career as a farrier is newly-qualified Claire Simpson.

She explained: "Although my dad carried out his apprenticeship with his master and has worked in farriery since he was 16, he wasn't able to train me until he went back to college himself to gain his farriery training qualification."

Once Mr Simpson was qualified, Claire embarked on her studies at Oatridge College near Edinburgh, learning about production and modification of tools and shoes by forging; foot care; maintenance and shoeing; health, safety and security; small business management skills and information technology.

"I was the only woman on the course and was lucky to find a master who was willing to go back to college himself so he could then take me on as an apprentice," she said.

"With this job the only way to learn it is through an apprenticeship. Not only have I got good qualifications I've also got four years' experience under my belt already in a great job where there will always be work.

"My advice to anyone thinking about apprenticeships is to go for it. You learn a skilled job from people who really know the business, and you get sound qualifications to back it all up."

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