Recognising the farrier who, through his or her knowledge and effort, has made a difference to a horse or horses’ performance, wellbeing or both this year.
As the saying goes, “No foot, no horse” – here is the pick of the professionals keeping our horses sound, happy and performing at their peak, but who takes your vote in the annual Horse & Hound Awards?
NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year 2025 shortlist
Ashley Allsopp
A horsey aunt transformed his life, aged 14
As a child, Ashley Allsopp had no idea what he wanted to do for a living.
“My aunt worked as a stud manager and asked if I wanted a weekend job. She thought I might last a week. When the farrier came, I’d help him and he gave me an insight into the job. I wouldn’t do anything else.”
His apprenticeship included working at World Horse Welfare: “I saw a lot of horses with problems. I love problem-solving and getting horses on the mend, giving the horse the best possible chance to work and be happy day-to-day.”
Communication is his forte: “Owners know their horses best, how they are feeling and going, so talking to them helps me adjust the shoeing so the horse is able to work more efficiently through its body.”
A satisfied client says: “His knowledge is endless and he has so many techniques to help horses with their hoof conformation. He genuinely cares for each and every horse.”
Billy Eden
Living out his father’s dream job
Billy grew up with his father taking him to school with horse and cart, and started driving aged five.
“Dad wanted to be a farrier, but didn’t get the chance, so he spurred me on. I really wanted to do it. He found a blacksmith for me to work with every Saturday when I was 11.
“Working with horses brings out the best in me. When you shoe horses for a few years, you build such a bond. It doesn’t feel like a job; they chill you out. What makes it rewarding is coming away having helped a horse.”
Dealing with nervous horses is Billy’s speciality: “Their emotions are so visible, if you know how to read them.”
A satisfied client says: “Billy goes above and beyond to give the best level of care. His encouragement, confidence and patience works miracles. Just brilliant.”
Greig Elliott
Farrier to top international event horses
Greig, younger brother of five-star event rider Selina Milnes, grew up “being taken to competitions”.
“When I was big enough, I became pretty good at picking feet out and putting studs in!” he recalls.
Starting his farriery apprenticeship as a teenager, Greig’s early exposure to the eventing circuit shaped his career focus. In 2017, he became British Equestrian’s eventing team farrier, supporting at four European Championships, two World Games and two Olympic Games, while also serving as home farrier to numerous medallists.
On working with the crème de la crème: “Watching a horse like Toledo De Kerser arrive as a four-year-old and go on to win Olympic medals is the pinnacle for me,” he says. “Working with riders at the top of their sport on horses you care for every month is incredible.”
A satisfied client says: “He’s supported British horses to achieve many medals, is utterly dedicated and a fantastic support for riders and grooms – the most incredible human being. He’s never one to blow his trumpet so we must blow it for him!”
Grant Watt
A competitive spirit has brought this farrier worldwide recognition
“I grew up working on my dad’s farm. The old blacksmith in Inverness helped me get into college when I was 17 and I’ve been qualified for 10 years. I’m old school. Farriery has been the same for thousands of years; I like the tradition, the craft and skill of it, how you can take a piece of metal and make a shoe for a horse to go and do a job.”
Grant does a lot of competitions: “I’m not long back from Spruce Meadows and have been on the Scottish team for the past 12 years, starting when I was an apprentice. In 2023, I finished fourth in the World Championships in Canada in the live shoeing. I also enjoy teaching qualified farriers who want to advance their shoe-making skills.”
A satisfied client says: “A leader in his field. What makes Grant truly outstanding is the positive impact he leaves – horses move better, owners feel supported and the wider equestrian community benefits from his commitment. His work isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.”
Voting closes at 5pm on Thursday 30 October and the winners will be revealed at a star-studded ceremony on 26 November, and featured online, on social media and in the following week’s magazine (4 December). Read the H&H Awards 2025 terms and conditions
Previous winners
Previous winners of this prestigious award include:
- Tom Farmer
- Matt Strawson
- the late Brendan Murray
- Chris Bailey
- Jim Balfour
- Paul Woodall
- Daniel Bennett
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2025
The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 10th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.
As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We will recognise both the big names who have made 2025 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.
The ceremony will take place at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire, where some 300 people, including stars of this summer’s European Championships, will enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, Oscar-style speeches and dancing on Wednesday 26 November.
