Stephen grew up in a professional horse environment. The son of a race horse trainer and dealer, he has ridden to a high standard from an early age. He has been successful in many competitive disciplines including point to pointing and Horse Trials.
After serving his apprenticeship with S P Gowing AWCF, Stephen passed his diploma of the worshipful company of farriers with distinction, qualifying in March 1998.
Stephen is well known for his ability with heavy horses and his empathy with donkeys. He has had numerous successes with competition horses which include winning best shod at Burghley Horse Trials three times, best shod at Gatcombe Festival of Eventing, best shod at Woodbridge and at the Suffolk show.
Stephen himself has had numerous wins in farrier competitions which include seven times show champion at the East of England Show, show champion at Edenbridge and Oxted, show champion at Kings Lynn. He has won several awards for donkey trimming and was the Shire horse show champion 2013. He is currently a competition judge.
He has a genuine passion for farriery, he passed his higher exams in 2001 and is an associate of the worshipful company of farriers. He is an examiner himself and is currently studying towards his fellowship exams.
Stephen is a recognised training farrier and has to date successfully trained five apprentices, two of which have gone on to pass their higher exams. He currently has two apprentices training with him and gives regular lectures to farriers and other equine based groups.