Most people find their career later in life — mine started before I could reach a stable door.

I’m Luke White, this is my story of how I became a farrier and how horses have been part of my life from the very beginning. I grew up on a smallholding where my mum, a single parent, bought and sold horses while running a small livery yard. From the moment I could walk, I was riding, helping on the yard, and learning lessons that shaped who I am today.

At 16, I knew horses were my future, but not how. After studying Equine Management, our family farrier suggested I follow the trade — and everything clicked. I trained at Myerscough College before apprenticing under several highly respected farriers, including Andrew Smith (Cheshire), Paul Smith (North Wales), Danny Elliott (Whitby) , and later Simon & Sam Wolfenden of SW Farriers. (West Yorkshire)

My time under Danny Elliott completely changed my philosophy, teaching me to look at the whole horse, not just the hoof — a mindset that still defines my work today. I later passed my final exams first time, becoming the only first-time candidate in the country to pass during that exam sitting, a moment that confirmed I’d found my path.

Today, The Manc Farrier LTD (TMF Farrier services) works with a wide range of horses covering West Yorkshire 3 to 4 days a week and Warrington/Manchester 1 to 2 days a week. Some horses further a field under special circumstances — We look after Shetlands to Shires, leisure horses to competition horses. Around 60–65% of my round is barefoot, as I strongly believe in natural hoof function. Where shoes are needed, my focus is always on maintaining balance and supporting each horse as an individual.

Over the past year I’ve also worked closely alongside Equine hospitals and vets in all area coverage; developing a real passion for remedial farriery and Foal work. This sector has grown massively. Watching horses recover, improve, and become comfortable again is something I’ll never take for granted.

Farriery isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle.
And this is only the beginning.