How has the current lockdown situation affected your volume of work?

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My workload has gone right down, but then, so has everyone else's. A lot of equestrian yards have shut down completely and aren't even allowing livery clients on to the premises, let alone others like me.

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So you're not able to fulfil your normal, regular appointments?

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Definitely not. The British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association has given out guidelines with a "traffic light" system. Green stands for non-crucial hoofcare which includes equines whose cycles can be easily extended without any long-term detrimental effects; in this case a farrier should not attend.

Amber means that a farrier should consider delaying an appointment if at all possible and perhaps offer advice instead in cases where the timing of regular appointments is important in maintaining a horse's soundness. The farrier needs to consider whether the timescale between appointments can be extended without the situation becoming "red".

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A horse that is shod regularly every six weeks could maybe stretch to being done every ten weeks. I have to weigh up each case individually. I'm allowed to shoe a horse if there is a problem, but this must be kept to a minimum.

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Red stands for crucial hoofcare when a farrier should definitely attend. This covers situations where there would be serious detrimental effects otherwise, causing discomfort and even pain to a horse, including foals.

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What precautions do you take when visiting a yard during lockdown?

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Farriers are taking the same precautions that we would during an outbreak of strangles. When you come to a gate, wear gloves to open it, hold it where no one else may have touched it, or even use your foot instead.

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The owner/rider isn't allowed to hold the horse. They have to tie up the horse and step back. If the horse is likely to be stroppy then it won't get shod!

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After any yard visit everything has to be disinfected and I change my clothes. You just have to be sensible.

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Have there been any benefits or drawbacks for you during the lockdown period?

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When I visit a yard I don't hang around for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat...!

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Unfortunately, because my business is a limited company, I'm unable to claim for loss of earnings. And my hands are all split and cracked because of the continual washing and anti-baccing!

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What advice would you give to clients/riders/owners regarding hoof health during the current situation?

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As the weather is so dry at the moment, I suggest keeping the feet well-oiled, using a good quality oil such as Effol.

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What are you doing at the moment to keep busy/amuse yourself?

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In my spare time I'm doing all the jobs I never get around to. I've made raised flower beds, planted vegetables and made two gates for the garden so far. Perhaps I'll renew the bathroom if I can get the materials.

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To get away from this situation, where in the world would you rather be?

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Somewhere in the sun! And somewhere that's architecturally interesting. Cuba, I think. It's absolutely beautiful and the people are really nice.