AL SHAQAB STAFF
Chief Farrier

Andrew Carruthers

As a second-generation farrier, Andrew Carruthers joined Al Shaqab in April 2009 to serve as the organization's Chief Farrier. A native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Carruthers is a graduate of John Abbott College and Seneca College farrier program. His professional background includes certifications from the American Farriers Association and Certified Journeyman Farrier.

Starting at age 12, Carruthers began studying the trade under his father, William Carruthers, who is also a certified journeyman farrier. At 21, Carruthers ventured out to run his own successful farrier business for seven years. At age 28, he became a partner in a multi-farrier business in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

For years, Carruthers demonstrated his exceptional farrier skills in international competitions across Canada, U.S., England, Scotland and Australia. These competitions consist of being judged on making horseshoes and shoeing horses with homemade shoes in a timed format. In 2003, Carruthers was a member of the Canadian Farriers Team, along with his father, and represented his country against the best farriers in the world in England. He was in the top three finishers at the Canadian Farreir Championships from 2002-06 and competed at the World Championship Blacksmithing Competition at the Calgary Stampede in 2003, 2004 and 2006.

As a member of the Equestrian Department of Al Shaqab, Carruthers will develop and and head a world-class farrier department. His focus will be to further develop the skills of the existing farriers for Al Shaqab's equine departments and recruit a larger team to ensure the highest care possible for the horses.

In his role, Carruthers works closely with the Al Shaqab veterinarians to apply therapeutic shoeing practices and treat any possible lameness issues that may occur.

An avid sportsmen, Carruthers is a professional level American Motorcycle Association racer and enjoys skiing and sailing. In his free time, Carruthers and his wife, Natalie, enjoy hiking with their dog, Wilson.

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