The Equestrian Business Awards recognizes 20 categories of equine businesses per year, including a farrier, vet practice, equine service, retailer, saddle fitter, equine therapist, behavior trainer, horse transporter, equine dental technician, equestrian tech, bit/bridle fitter, equestrian media, riding school, photographer, instructor, diversity award, charity, event venue, livery yard and groom of the year. The Farrier of the Year category is in association with the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association and the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
In a November 29, 2025, ceremony, the Equestrian Business Awards announced U.K. farrier Wayne Preece as the 2025 Farrier of the Year. Other finalists included U.K. farriers Leon Bentham, Toby Jones and Yogi Sharp (The Equine Documentalist on Facebook).
Previous Farriers of the Year include U.K. farriers Kelvin Lymer (2024), John Mcinally (2023), Andy Payne (2022) and Rob Abbiss (2021). Only U.K.-based farriers are eligible for the Farrier of the Year award. To learn more about the nomination and selection process, visit the Equestrian Business Awards website here.
Preece earned his diploma from the Worshipful Company of Farriers in 1988, his AWCF in 2001 and his FWCF in 2008. From 2013 to 2017, he worked as a senior tutor at Hereford School of Farriery before leaving to continue his horseshoeing business. Since then, he has hosted clinics around the world.
Preece has authored several articles in American Farriers Journal as well as appeared on the Mullins Farrier Podcast and the Farrier Focus Podcast.
