TRIBUTES have been paid to a “real legend” who worked as a freelance farrier at Caramel Stud Carriages in St Asaph.

Glyn Edwards, who died last week, was described as a character. He was self employed and Caramel Stud Carriages - a family business with experience with horses including breeding, producing and carriage driving - had known the equine hoof care specialist for seven years.

Joanne Robinson, proprietor of Caramel Stud Carriages, said: “He was such a lovely man and a real character and known by so many people. We can only hope that his family can take some comfort from the fact he was so well loved, enjoyed his work and will never be forgotten.

“Since we moved to North Wales we have used him. He has shod and trimmed our horses and ponies - we have 21 from a 17+hh Shire Drum horse stallion to a tiny Falabella, including ones we have bred and rescues too - and we have never had any lose a shoe or go lame in all that time.

“He was kind and gentle with the timid ones and took no messing from the awkward ones - the mark of a fantastic blacksmith.”

Glyn had been a farrier for many years and was known throughout North Wales.

Joanne added: “He was utterly reliable and would turn out, rain or shine.

Rhyl Journal:

Glyn was described as a real character with a wonderful sense of humour. Picture: Caramel Stud Carriages

“North Wales has lost one of its brightest gems. He was an absolutely fantastic Welshman.

“He was a hardworking, old-school type of man and as honest as anyone I have ever known.

“We chatted every time he came about his life. Some of the stories he told were so out there, if you didn’t know Glyn was such a salt of the earth guy, you wouldn’t believe them.

"With a glint in his eyes he told me how as a young boy he was made to work hard and would ride ponies on the mountains and then the next story would be about him trimming elephants toe nails.

"He took his tea with three sugars and enjoyed lots of cake and I always gave him something to take with him on his way to his next job.

"I used to joke that I could tell the weather by what he was dressed in. Hard winter attire was jeans and a polo shirt and a hat. Winter attire was jeans a T-shirt and a hat and summer attire was jeans and a vest and a hat."

Joanne said she saw Glyn only a few weeks ago when he reshod horse Gem for the wedding season.

He was showing us his upgraded furnace," Joanne added.

"It was small things like that which made him happy. When I asked what he had planned for the weekend, he said he was going to potter about with his tractor.

"I cannot believe he is gone and I am sure the equestrian fraternity of North Wales will join me in expressing our sincere thanks for all he did for us and our equines."