The Werkman Spring Games will be in mid-April at HJC Manege in Tolbert, The Netherlands.

The 3-day event includes competition, lecture program, trade show and a social and entertainment program.

International Farrier Competition

The 2027 program includes Open, Intermediate, Novice, Student and the new Legend 55-Plus Class, creating a stage for established competitors as well as the next generation of farriers.

Confirmed judges include Daniel Bennett, AWCF, and Andrea Ridolfo for the Open Class, with Christoph Schweppe and Tobias Villsen judging Intermediate and Student classes. Further competition updates will follow as the event approaches.

Lectures: Knowledge that Travels Back to the Forge

The lecture program is designed around practical knowledge, research and ideas that can be applied in everyday farriery and hoof care. The first confirmed speakers are Jenny Hagen, Simon Moore and Hans Castelijns, with additional names and timetable details to be announced. The program will connect farriery, veterinary science, biomechanics and equine performance, with the goal of creating discussion rather than 1-way presentations.

A Trade Show for the Hoof-Care Industry

Throughout the event, suppliers and manufacturers from the international farrier and equine industry will meet visitors in the Spring Games Trade Show. It is a place to see tools, products and innovations in real life, speak directly with the people behind them and build new professional connections.

Serious Craft, Relaxed Atmosphere

The professional program continues into a social program with food, drinks and music. Daytime entertainment will include The Great Borrelnootjes, Thursday evening features a relaxed DJ night, and on Friday and Saturday Bakeytown & Groove Department take over the evening programme.

The intention is simple: create a place where the global farrier community can compete, learn, meet — and enjoy being together.

“Farriery is a profession built on craftsmanship, knowledge and people. With the Werkman Spring Games we bring those elements together: outstanding farriers at work, specialists sharing knowledge, new developments from the industry and, above all, the opportunity to meet each other. That combination is what makes the Spring Games special,” says Peter Werkman, Director of Werkman Hoofcare.

Tickets & Event Information

Werkman Spring Games 2027 takes place April 15–17 2027, at HJC Manege, Hoofdstraat 53, 9356 AV Tolbert, The Netherlands. Competition, lecture and visitor ticket information is available at werkmanspringgames.com.