Our background

Our background to working with horses is that my father, John, has driven horses since he was a young boy, helping the local baker deliver in the streets of London. He has shown horses numerous times at the harness horse parade and various driving shows, we have always been raised with horses around us. Below is a photo from the Mercury Newspaper on June 17th 1977 where my father provided the mini stagecoach at the fayre in Enfield, London:

I personally have competed for England at The Royal Windsor Horse Show and been World Champion for Individual Mounted Games (an equestrian sphere) on 3 occasions and World pairs Champion with my eldest brother. I have ridden at the Royal Tournament at Earls Court and at the horse of the year show 3 times at Wembley. Although as a child we always competed in riding, we always had a little driving pony around home and during the summer holidays, my 2 brothers and I would pick the fruit from the orchards at home and drive little misty into the local village, delivering the fruit to the locals!

My eldest brother, Darren, is a previous World Champion Farrier (shoes the horses!) and represents England at this. He has come in particularly handy when providing our services at the Tower of London on the cobbled streets, he fitted the horses with the old traditional “cork & wedge” shoe, which provides the horses with additional grip on the cobbles! He usually fits special road nails into the shoes in winter, to avoid the horses slipping.

Grant, my other brother, rides for Monty Roberts (the American Horse Whisperer) and runs a business handling and re-educating horses that have either been poorly treated, have behavioural problems or are youngsters that simply require breaking in using only kind methods. This is a completely kind way of handling horses and re-educating using their natural behaviour without the need of whips, spurs or any frightening techniques. He travels all over the world providing demonstrations and educating not only the horses, but also more importantly their owners!

Then of course, behind the scenes is my mum Pat, who works hard not only, answering your calls whilst we are at the stables with the horses, but also takes care of the clothing. Ensuring that the livery coats, breeches, shirts, gloves and hats are clean. As well as all the other jobs that people just don’t see!
This really is a family run business, with input from everyone!!

With regards to Elegant Carriages, we have been established for over 7 years now and during that time have provided our services for over 300 weddings, including at the Tower of London, in the height of summer, whilst members of the public were present. We have also provided our services for proms, anniversaries, engagements - whilst taking in the sights of London, transported passengers to music awards, worked for BMW at a corporate event at Somerely House, worked for Wyevale Garden Centres each year at their Nurseries for the arrival of Father Xmas, promoted the film Narnia on behalf of Momentum …...

Both my dad and I thoroughly enjoy our job and we endeavour to provide a top class service to all our clients, aiming to exceed your expectations.