Wesley Stewart is a farrier, educator, and hoofcare mentor with more than 40 years of practical experience. Horses have been part of his life since early childhood, and he began riding and trimming hooves before he was old enough to attend school. By the age of sixteen, Wes had assumed full responsibility for his own horse’s feet, an experience that cemented his lifelong passion for hoofcare.
Wes trained as a traditional farrier and later attended a horseshoeing school in the United States. His professional career in Australia has been defined by a determination to go beyond established practices. Instead of following rules for their own sake, Wes has always sought to understand the “why” behind hoofcare decisions, continually refining techniques and exploring better methods for improving equine soundness.
For Wes, hoofcare is both an art and a science. His philosophy emphasises:
Education is the consistent thread in Wes’s career. He has dedicated himself to lifelong learning by attending clinics, studying with experts, and remaining open to new ideas. In 2023, his journey took a pivotal turn when he enrolled in the Professional Hoofcare Provider Certificate Program through the International School of Integrative Hoofcare. The program’s integrative approach resonated deeply with his belief that better knowledge creates better results for horses.
Soon after, Wes was invited to join the school as a mentor and member of the Executive Team. In these roles, he supports students, guides colleagues, and works to expand awareness of integrative hoofcare principles across Australia.
Wes’s leadership and teaching reflect his lifelong commitment to horses. Whether mentoring students, working in the field, or engaging with professional peers, he embodies the values of curiosity, compassion, and continuous improvement. His mission is to elevate the standards of hoofcare and ensure that horses everywhere benefit from thoughtful, evidence-based treatment.
I’ll be sharing six different demonstrations that cover the full picture of hoof care and shoeing. My aim is to keep it practical and easy to follow, working between the classroom and theory, and then showing it all come to life with the horses. That way you can see both the why and the how.
We’ll look at the anatomy and function of the foot and use landmarks to understand what is ideal and what is not. I’ll show you how a barefoot trim differs from a traditional trim and explain why.
I’ll explain why a horse may need shoes and the differences between glue-on, composite and traditional steel. You’ll get a clear picture of when and why each option is used.
Here I’ll show how to set up the foot for a strong and lasting glue-on application. If we have a horse available, you’ll see the preparation and application in real time.
This is where I’ll use a forge and anvil to shape a shoe and fit it correctly to the trimmed foot. Having a horse in the pen really brings this to life, and the hot shoe and smoke always draw a crowd.
I’ll explain how and when to use inserts and wedges for both glue-on and steel shoes. With a horse on hand, I can put a wedge on quickly so you can see the postural change straight away.
To finish, I’ll take a straight piece of steel bar and forge it into a shoe, using techniques that have been around for generations.
Yes, the trade hall features saddle fitters, tack retailers, feed suppliers, apparel brands, and more, offering a comprehensive shopping experience for horse enthusiasts.
Yes, stable information and booking packs will be sent out with your clinic booking confirmation.
For the general public there is a caravan only camping site at Caboolture showgrounds. See - https://cabooltureshowgrounds.com.au/camping/
Yes, you may bring your horse if you are participating in a clinic; otherwise, horses are not permitted on site.
No, booking a clinic spot includes your general admission for the day of your clinic.
Tickets can be purchased online via the official expo website, with single-day, three-day, family, and VIP package options available.
Yes, most event areas are wheelchair accessible.
There is ample on-site parking, and shuttle services run from nearby train stations and bus stops for convenient public transport access.
Yes there are stables and camping available on site - You need to Book your stabling and camping direct through QSEC. For the General Public see General Public.
Vendor applications can be made online, just checkout the footer section in the site.
Daily demonstrations include dressage, working equitation, carriage driving, mindset workshops, and groundwork sessions led by world-class trainers.
The Horse Expo is a Bi-annual three-day event showcasing equine activities, expert-led clinics, competitions, and a trade hall with the latest in horse gear and services.
The expo runs from 14 to 16 November 2025 at the Moreton Bay Events Centre in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
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