Master farrier visits Royal Turf Club

The Royal Turf Club in Nuwara Eliya played host to master farrier Bernard Duvernay on 3 November. 

Just as shoes play such a vital role in the performance of athletes all over the world, so too do horseshoes for racehorses and a farrier’s job is an art which can make or break a thoroughbred’s chances at success on the racetrack. 

Duvernay heads the Flying Anvil Foundation, formed with the objective of promoting professional competence in farriery across the globe. At his workshop at the Royal Turf Club he shared his expertise and knowledge with local farriers based there. 

It was an incredible learning experience for all horsemen as Duvernay explained the finer points of shoeing and farriery. He is a man who has travelled the world from his native Geneva, visiting a number of countries such as Russia, Honduras, India, Tehran, Muscat and Lahore. 

In India his Flying Anvil Foundation has established a School of Farriery in Rajasthan. Work began in 2013 and today it offers testimony to the dedication of Duvernay by being one of only two farriery schools that function in Asia.

Bernard Duvernay with the RTC staff in Nuwara Eliya