After 17 years in the trade, Eastern Bay of Plenty farrier Ryan Harris-Hayes has added another judging role to his experience, this time at the 2026 Royal Melbourne Show.

Harris-Hayes was invited to judge the Victorian Master Farriers Association’s competition at the 2026 Royal Melbourne Show earlier this month, assessing competitors on their horseshoeing, blacksmithing and technical skills.

The appointment comes after years of competing in New Zealand and Australia, where Harris-Hayes has earned several major wins and built his reputation in the industry.

Four years ago, Harris-Hayes won the open shoeing class at the Royal Brisbane Show, which he describes as one of the biggest farriery competitions in Australasia.

He has also competed in New Zealand and was previously part of the winning team at the Gatton World Heavy Horse competition in Australia, where he was later invited to judge.

Harris-Hayes, who grew up around Te Teko, completed his four-year apprenticeship in Taranaki before building his career as a farrier.

His role at the Melbourne competition involved setting tasks and judging competitors across junior, novice and higher-level divisions, with about 48 competitors taking part.

Competitors were required to demonstrate their skills in trimming horses’ feet, forging horseshoes by hand and fitting the finished shoes within time limits.

Harris-Hayes assessed each stage of the process, from the quality of the trim and handmade shoe through to the fit, nail placement and overall finish.

He said the work needed to be judged on more than appearance, with farriers required to understand each horse’s individual needs and conformation.

“It’s about reading the animal and giving it what it needs on that day,” he said.

The standard of competition was strong, with Harris-Hayes pleased to see new faces entering the farriery scene.

He said competitors who regularly practised hand-forging and making their own shoes often stood out, with their preparation reflected in the quality and presentation of their work.

For Harris-Hayes, judging also reinforced the importance of continually evaluating his own work.

Every time he finished shoeing a horse, he said he looked back at what he had done and considered how he could improve his technique, efficiency and the result for the animal.

“Even when I’ve put a little bit of extra time in, I still find flaws in what I’ve done,” he said.

The trip also offered an opportunity to connect with other farriers, share knowledge and learn different approaches to the craft.

Harris-Hayes said farriers could approach the same task in many ways, making competitions valuable opportunities to observe other techniques and develop their own skills.

“Education through competition is the best way to see and experience so many different levels of knowledge and skill,” he said.

“The gathering of like mind tradesmen that are true to the history and skill set qualities of the craft are who up lift and maintain the high standard we strive for.”

Away from the competition floor, Harris-Hayes used the opportunity to raise money for a local cause.

He auctioned off his specimen horseshoes and tools made for display at the event, raising $2385 for the Alzheimer’s Society Eastern Bay of Plenty.

He is grateful to the Victorian Master Farriers Association for allowing him to hold the auction, as well as those who placed bids.

“It is going to a great cause,” he said.

Harris-Hayes said he had loved horses since childhood and enjoyed the technical and physical challenges of a job that involved working with live animals and helping maintain their hoof health.

He encourages aspiring farriers to seek out experienced, qualified practitioners and take opportunities to learn on the job.

Looking ahead, Harris-Hayes is preparing to compete at the New Zealand Farriers Association national finals in Christchurch next month, while continuing his daily farrier work and making tools in his blacksmith shop.

He is also a national examiner for the association and is due to assess senior apprentices sitting their examinations.

For farrier services or more information about his work, contact Harris-Hayes through the Harris-Hayes Farrier Services Facebook page.