Family Run Farriers in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Qualified Farrier, DipWCF

James Martin

James Martin is Andy’s eldest son and qualified in 2016.

He continues to work for Andy on a freelance basis part time. He is a great help on the yard and around the forge, he enjoys shoemaking and he is always willing to help the apprentices with their forge work.

Being a talented jockey, James enjoys racing as an amateur jockey for his dad under rules and riding in point to points. He has ridden over the Grand National fences for Celia Plunkett and for Andy.

He has ridden from an early age and he is used to handling all types of horses. He has a lot of experience with day to day dealings with racehorses and youngsters, and he is very good around nervous or skittish types. He enjoys shoeing and feels he is continually learning.

07807 139 763

Event rider

Thomas Martin

Thomas Martin is Andy’s youngest son.

Although Tom is not a qualified farrier yet, he is looking to start an apprenticeship with his dad. He is very much part of the family business and helps out in any way he can.

Tom is a very talented horseman and enjoys eventing at all levels. All of Tom’s horses are shod by Andy and his team, and there is often an in depth conversation between Andy and Tom about how the feet look, how the horse is performing and if any changes need to be made when next shod.

Tom makes sure his horses are shod every 4 to 5 weeks; any longer and he feels they do not perform as they should. This is crucial feedback. Noticing changes to your horse’s feet or performance after and during shoeing is vital, and any new information may be useful to your farrier when your horse is next shod.

Tom also works as a personal insurance advisor, mainly covering accident, critical illness and income protection policies.

07816 366 951

Office & livery

Julia Martin

Julia Martin is married to Andy and helps with the day to day running of the business.

Often on hand to help out with the racehorses, or found buried under a mountain of paperwork.

She also runs a small livery yard which includes looking after any clinic horses Andy needs stabled for remedial shoeing. When she is not on the yard or doing paperwork she likes to help her son Thomas with his event horses, and drives him up and down the country competing.

Equine & human chiropractor

Fiona Hemmings

Ono has worked for us riding out, mucking out, grooming, PA work and leading up our racehorses at race meetings.

Since becoming a qualified chiropractor she treats our horses and staff as well. We have known Ono a very long time and she is now a part of our family. She is extremely hard working and completely dedicated to everything she does.

With a wicked sense of humour, which is a must with the Martins, she is always upbeat and positive, which keeps everyone on their toes. Any spare time she has, she will ride and compete her mum’s event horses or help anyone that needs a hand. We highly recommend Ono (Fiona) for horse and human chiropractic treatment. Follow Fiona McQueen Equine Chiropractor on Facebook.

07590 037 565

Apprentice farrier

Brandon Moxon

Brandon Moxon is a 4th year apprentice.

Brandon enjoys his horseracing and has been part of our team when we race our own horses. His parents successfully show New Forest ponies, and Brandon has been involved with handling and helping out with the ponies when he was at home.

He enjoys motorsport and is very knowledgeable with the mechanics of a car, which has come in handy on quite a few occasions at our yard. When he gets 5 minutes he enjoys being in the forge practising his shoemaking. His latest college attendance was very good and shows his commitment to achieving good results.