Second crown for champion farrier

Gareth Thomas took home the first place trophy after an incredible performance at the Royal Welsh Show.

Gareth was up against some tough competition of farriers from up and down the country, with some competitors travelling from as far afield as Germany to compete in the event.

Gareth’s competition included a past national winner and world champions, but his winning streak in no less than three classes meant him soaring to first place.

As part of the 2017 Royal Welsh Farriery Championship, the competitors has to accumulate aggregate points over four classes to be crowned the winner.

Gareth placed first in the open shoemaking class, first in the hunter shoeing class, first in the cob shoeing class and second in the open therapeutic shoe making class.

His winning streak in three of the classes placed Gareth comfortably at the top of the leader board to be crowned the 2017 Royal Welsh Championship.

After his second win in two years, Gareth said: “It is an unbelievable achievement especially considering the calibre of competition I was up against.

“To win it so convincingly – having three firsts and a second place with many of my friends and family there to support me was great.

“I’ve been very fortunate to compete all aver the world but nothing compares to competing at home in the Royal Welsh.

“It’s always a special feeling wining there.”

The Royal Welsh show is the the pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar.

This year the Royal Welsh was held at the showground in the Llanelwedd, Powys from Sunday July, 23 to Wednesday July 26.

Along with an exciting four-days of livestock competitions, with entries travelling from far and wide to compete, the show also has a wide range of activities.

The farrier championships are run alongside a whole host of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays.