A FARRIER from Wychbold is counting his lucky horseshoes after scooping a top scholarship from an equestrian charity.

Craig Hopkins has won a bursary from the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) and in return for the charity's support he will be trotting across the globe to help mounts in developing countries.

Craig, of Worcester Road, has been a farrier for four years and has a forge in Fockbury Road, Dodford.

His clients in Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove are set to benefit from the extra training - which will include the coveted Associateship exam of the Worshipful Company of Farriers in corrective and therapeutic farriery.

Craig was chosen out of 15 candidates and is now gearing up for the oral, practical and written exams he faces in October.

The ILPH cash has also paid for courses in foot balance and advanced shoe making.

"The exam is very hard to pass but this is a great opportunity," said the 40-year-old.

"Initially I expect to spend two to three weeks in a Third World country, training young farriers and supporting the ILPH equine rehabilitation programmes.

"Some of the horses feet will probably be in terrible condition but usually that's not because of cruelty but ignorance.

"If I can educate people in countries, such as India for example, then they can share the knowledge and improve standards."

"I will definitely be making one trip but I imagine there could be more," he added.

ILPH director of operations David Mountford is extremely happy the bursary has been awarded and hopes more farriers can help the charity run its farrier training courses in the developing world.