The Royal Welsh show, a major event on the United Kingdom agricultural calendar, took place July 23-26, 2017. The annual show features activities, shows and exhibits in addition to the farrier championship.

Among this year’s competition were a past winner and other world champions, but Thomas placed first in the classes for open shoemaking, hunter shoeing and cob shoeing. He also placed second in the open therapeutic shoe making class.

“To win it so convincingly — having three firsts and a second place with many of my friends and family there to support me was great,” Thomas told the Wales Farmer.

The event drew competitors from across the country as well as abroad, including Germany.

“It is an unbelievable achievement especially considering the caliber of competition I was up against,” Thomas says.

Thomas described his second win to the Wales Farmer as a special feeling.

“I’ve been very fortunate to compete all over the world, but nothing compares to competing at home in the Royal Welsh,” he says.