World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition, Calgary Stampede 1st – 5th July 2009

17 July 2009

The World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition took place on the 1st – 5th July 2009 with 73 competitors from 13 different countries making a bid for the prestigious title of World Champion. Four gruelling days of competition demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of work produced. Six competitors from the UK, one Canadian and three Americans successfully secured places in the semi-final on the last day of the competition. Following two further shoeing classes and a very tense wait England’s Steven Beane was crowned World Champion Blacksmith for 2009, with fellow Englishman, Darren Bazin Reserve Champion. ‘Rookie’ of the year was 22 year old Ben Casserly, also from the UK. Honoured to be have been invited to judge the competition, with Jim Quick, Billy Crothers found the experience to be “educational” and stating that it is the “the most fantastic competition in horseshoeing” thanked the competitors and the extremely hard working committee and stewards for all of the work put in over the past months.

To view full competition details please visit the Stampede Agriculture website.