AN ambitious farrier is hoping to expand his business to bring his expertise into South Lakeland.

Mark Wood, who works around the Skipton and Settle area, has been a specialist in equine hoof care for 14 years.

Originally a chef, he decided he wanted to work with horses after watching a farrier at work and has ‘never looked back’.

The 41-year-old said: “I was working 60 to 70 hour weeks as a chef and my girlfriend was spending her summer days out riding her horses. I saw a farrier at work and that was it.”

He began a four-year apprenticeship in 2000 and, after gaining a diploma, set up his own business called Forge Ahead Farriery.

And with show season just around the corner, he hopes to expand his business throughout the area. Find out more from 07967-329872.