Thirty-year-old Bill Poor of Conroe, TX, was declared the World Champion Blacksmith on Stampede Park in Calgary, AB, at the conclusion of the top five final. The final event on July 8 wrapped up five-days of competition sponsored by long-time event partner Mustad.
“It’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever had,” said an emotional Poor. “I’ve been coming (to the World Championships) since I was 17.”
“It’s everything. This is the World Championship. It’s a dream come true.”
Poor has a phenomenal record at this competition; making it to the top ten on five occasions as well as a top five appearance a few years ago. He takes his craft seriously, reviewing what improvements he needs to make in himself and his abilities.
Poor competes or practices one or two weekends out of every month – and this season has been particularly positive. “Everything I’ve been to in the States I’ve won. I’ve had a good run. It’s just my time, my year.”
Following the acceptance of the $10,000 cheque that goes with the accolades, Poor dialed his father, Jim. “I’m the third generation (blacksmith) – my Dad’s been here several times… never won it. He’s been reserve twice,” Poor said proudly. “My dad’s very proud.” Poor cites his Dad’s large influence in his career and competitive aspirations. ”I can call him anytime… I call him all the time.”
Poor was in tough company. The final five was awash with talent including defending World Champion, Billy Crothers of Wales, two-time Reserve World Champion Steven Beane of England, Billy Reed of the US who competed in the top ten last year and Andrew Casserly of the UK on his first time to the championships, simply an unheard of feat in this calibre of competition.
These competitors had earned their spot in the top five after competing in the top ten where contestants are required to shoe the front feet of a horse. The top five competitors go on to shoe the back feet.
“The competition was very tough – the standard of work is unbelievable,” cited Poor in his evaluation of what needed to happen to top the strength of the field.
So Poor brought it on for the final. “That final moment – when I kissed my horse… I just knew that I did everything I had to do. I knew that they would have to be really good to beat me.”
Poor managed the win over the rookie, Andrew Casserly, by a single point putting Casserly in the Reserve World Champion spotlight.
“He was the dark horse,” explains Marshall Iles of the World Champion Blacksmiths’ committee, “He came from out of
nowhere.”
Casserly may be a rookie at this particular competition but he brought his 33 years of shoeing experience and competition with him from East Sussex, England. “I thought I could get in the top ten. Anything else was extra really. I just try to do my best.”
“It’s the World Championship, I’ve always wanted to come,” explained the modest Casserly.
In addition to the Reserve Champion win, Casserly also topped the large field of 14 rookies this year to claim the Rookie of the Year award.
“It was awesome, shared Blaine Virostek, World Champion Blacksmiths’ committee chair, “Throughout the competition, there was very little difference. Within the top ten, it was anybody’s game.”
The 2007 edition saw 57 competitors from 12 countries including, for the first time, representation from South Korea.
