Since it’s inception in 2007, Ashmount Forge has grown into a multi-farrier practice. Located in Newmarket, England it specialise in the podiatry care of the Thoroughbred. We cater for horses in training, at stud as well as those in a veterinary and rehab setting. Additionally we offer a National and International consultation services and Stephen can regularly found working in Dubai World Cup week and America on Breeders Cup week.
Ashmount Forge has a global client base and its patrons include some of the most respected names in the Thoroughbred industry.
The ethos of our business is simple and is based around a love and respect for the horse. We believe in striving to provide the highest levels of workmanship, service and communication. As farriers we understand that we play a small but vital component in the care, wellbeing and performance of each and every horse we work with.
Stephen Kielt, Dip(WCF) BSc(Hons)
Stephen is a practicing farrier with over 25 years experience. Based in Newmarket since 2003 he focuses solely on the Thoroughbred industry.
At age 16 Stephen left home to attend a year long pre-farriery course in Scotland. Afterwards he began a 4-year apprenticeship with renowned Irish Farrier Jim Rankin and in 2003, he graduated with a Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Later the same year Stephen accepted an offer to work for O.A Curtis and Sons in Newmarket, England. He remained in this position for three years gaining valuable experience under the tutelage of Dr Simon Curtis and his brother Mark.
Newmarket and in particular the Thoroughbred industry had grabbed his imagination and the planned mover back to Ireland never materialised. In 2007 Stephen set up his own practice based in Newmarket, and that is were he has remained ever since.
In 2022 he achieved a First Class Honours degree in Farriery and in 2025 he was made a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
Stephen takes a holistic approach to farriery and believes in choosing the method that is most suited the each individual horse, be that barefoot or shod. He is a passionate advocate of safe farriery practices and believes that good balance and structural integrity of the hoof goes hand-in-hand with performance and commercial value.
Stephen has travelled extensively over the years, both for his own self-development as well as for clients. In addition to hands-on work Stephen offers a wide range of consultation services. He has visited over a dozen countries at the bequest of clients, including delivering a series of lectures and practical workshops in Japan for the JRA, JBBA and the Japanese Farriery School.
As an individual Stephen is unrelenting in his quest for knowledge and self improvement. His passion for the horse and commitment to his clients never dims.
The Ashmount Team
Ashmount Forge has a small but select team of four fully qualified farriers. Additionally two experienced horse handlers are employed along with a secretary.
In 2010 Stephen met his future wife Alison with whom he credits for the much of the success and professionalism of the business. Ashmount Forge is first and foremost team, and its success is reliant on the hard work and dedication of each and every individual.
