A FARRIER who learnt the tools of his trade in a tiny village near Llanon is currently working with the British equestrian team’s horses at the Rio Olympics.

Ben Benson, 38, grew up in Cross Inn and was raised around horses and shoeing as his father, Ty Benson, was a farrier.

Ben, now of Swalcliffe, is one of two head farriers in charge of shoeing for dressage, eventing and showjumping. He will also be lead farrier for the paralympics.

Having left school and started his farriery apprenticeship in 1999, Ben went on to enjoy competition success as an apprentice.

He was part of the Welsh apprentice team each year and, as an individual, won the national championships twice.

In his third year of his apprenticeship he represented the senior Welsh qualified team in Verona, Italy, and in his final year was part of the winning Warwickshire College team at the European College Championships in Saumur.

Following qualification in 2003, Ben set up on his own, as well as working freelance for well-known qualified farriers.

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