Jim Balfour

NAF FIVE STAR PROFEET FARRIER OF THE YEAR

THE winner of this year’s NAF Five Star Profeet Farrier of the Year award, Jim Balfour — who was presented with his award by Olympic eventer Gemma Tattersall — can’t imagine doing anything else.

“I was born and bred for this job,” he said, having travelled down from his home north of Dundee, clad in kilt, for the ceremony.

Jim has worked as a farrier for more than 30 years, having served his apprenticeship with his father. His brothers are also in the business and all three of his sons are qualified farriers, too.

While his clients close to home value James’ reliable management of their horses’ feet — working with youngstock and veterans to competition horses and hunters — he has also travelled the world with his job, in his role as manager of the Scottish farrier team.

“It’s a hobby for me as well,” he said — albeit a hobby that has come with considerable success. In September, the Scottish farrier team were crowned the world farrier champions for the third year at Stoneleigh.

During his career, Jim has also found time to give demonstrations at agricultural shows as well as working as a farrier consultant for Horse & Hound’s charity of the year for 2017, World Horse Welfare.

“I enjoy my work — what you put in, you get out,” he said. “Ultimately I want to keep my clients happy.”

‘I was born and bred for this job’ JIM BALFOUR