But Nick Forryan clearly loves his job. He's pretty good at it, too, and has just been named the country's top apprentice trainer.

The 46-year-old, who lives at Langham, was presented with a striking trophy of a horse's lower leg on a plinth at a special presentation night in London.

After more than 20 years in the business, Nick has built up an impressive client list which draws him across Rutland, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire to shoe horses.

"I love getting out and about and working with the horses," he said. "It can be tough some days when you are in the middle of a field, ankle deep in mud and it starts snowing. But other days when you are standing around with a mug of tea in your hand chatting to clients about their horses, it's fantastic."

Nick is currently training Tom Bolton in the art of farriery. Learning how to deal with the temperament of horses and making them feel relaxed is crucial.

"You get the odd kick or bite but people get worse injuries sitting at a computer all day, when they get a bad back," said Nick.

"Unruly horses can be difficult. You get some wild ones. But you have to learn to handle horses and to react when they are upset."

Tom is Nick's second trainee. His first was Lauren Carey, who is now setting up her own business in Peterborough. Her comments would have contributed to Nick winning the award for top apprentice trainer organised by The Farriery Training Agency. Judges also take note of what colleges and field offices say about the farriers.

Nick was chosen from hundreds of candidates nationwide and was presented with the trophy at a ceremony where apprentices received their certificates after qualifying.

"It was a big shock to get the award and very embarrassing to hear such nice things being said about you," he said.

Farriers take five years to qualify for the trade and plenty of dedication is needed to make it through.

"It's pretty tough to get into," Nick said. "You do a pre-farrier course and then you have to hope a farrier will take you on. "There could be a class of 40 on the course and then only 10 get apprenticeships and not all of those go to become farriers. I took it up late when I was in my mid-20s. Lads normally start training at 17 or 18. Lauren did particularly well when she was with me. For a girl to do it, it's tough because not many girls train as farriers."

Nick originally appeared to be heading for a career in the family butcher's business. He worked with his father, Warwick, at his shop in Whissendine, which was famed for the quality of its award-winning pork pies.

The switch to farriery came about following advice given by a vet friend. "My family always had horses and I thought it was something I would enjoy," said Nick.

His work takes him to stables throughout the area, in Stamford, Bourne, the Deepings, Grantham, Peterborough, as well as his native Rutland. Horses are checked roughly every five weeks, when he might re-shoe them or repair damage to the hoof. Working hours are long, typically 8am until 6pm on weekdays and some Saturday mornings. Nick's base is his forge at Wymondham.

"We work with all kinds of horses. Hunters, polo ponies, eventers and even these big shire horses, which weigh around three-quarters of a tonne," he said. "We always make sure there are three of us there to treat them. Clients come from a wide cross section of society. From titled people to council estates where someone owns a little pony. People seem to think horses are associated with posh people but it's a country thing and all kinds of people have them.

"We treat all the horses the same, whether they are a million pound stud stallion or a little girl's pony. You don't consider whether the horse is valuable. You just do the job the same as you would for any horse."

Nick, who is separated from his wife, has a six-year-old son called Ned, who loves hunting. "If he wants to be a farrier I would support him but I would prefer him to be a vet," Nick said.

So for anyone interested in a career as a farrier, what makes a good apprentice? Someone who is willing to give it a go and train hard and give 100 per cent," Nick insisted. "As long as they are dedicated they have a good chance. Farriery is really character building – it's a tough five years to get through. It's a trade for life unless your back goes, which does happen a lot with farriers."