David Varini, a partner of Robinson and Varini Farriers, based in Ayrshire, has fulfilled a lifetime ambition by becoming world champion at the Calgary Stampede.

Run over four days the first three days consist of a variety of different shoeing and shoe making classes, which culminate in the top 10 point scorers over those days coming together on the last day for the semi final. During this class, the competitors must make the shoes from scratch and shoe the front feet of a horse.

Then the top five from this class go forward into a final where the hind feet must be shod. Times are tight and the farriers must work at speed while maintaining the highest standard of work in order to be competitive.

Another Scot to have success at the competition was Devin Crerar, also Ayrshire. On his first trip to the Stampede, he managed to secure a place in the top 10, and also won rookie of the year 2013. This is a prize for the highest placed first time competitor.

Paul Robinson, also of Robinson and Varini Farriers, was also world champion in 2008 - quite a feat for both business partners to hold such a prestigious title!