Personal Info
Personal Info
Personal Info
Darrel Steward
Darrel Steward
Darrel combines expertise and enthusiasm to help riders of all levels steadily improve their technique and build a truly strong, lasting bond with their horse.
Darrel combines expertise and enthusiasm to help riders of all levels steadily improve their technique and build a truly strong, lasting bond with their horse.
Team Role:
Personal Coach
Team Role:
Personal Coach
Team Role:
Personal Coach
Focus Area:
Intermediate to Advanced Lessons
Focus Area:
Intermediate to Advanced Lessons
Focus Area:
Intermediate to Advanced Lessons
Years of experience:
9+ years
Years of experience:
9+ years
Years of experience:
9+ years
Trainer of:
Bella
Trainer of:
Bella
Trainer of:
Bella
Find me in:
Find me in:
Find me in:
Biography & Teaching Style
Darrel Steward brings a wealth of experience from both the competitive and teaching sides of the equestrian world. After working his way through regional show-jumping circuits, he found his passion in coaching riders to reach their full potential. At Equistra, he leads the higher-level lesson programmes, focusing on jump technique, course strategy, and mental preparation for competitions. His calm, structured style and emphasis on rider-horse harmony make him a favourite among adult return-to-sport riders and younger competitive students alike.
Darrel also oversees the stable’s warm-up arena and is heavily involved in designing and setting up jump courses, helping students transition smoothly and safely from flatwork to jumpwork.
Competition Participation
Regular competitor in the Southern Region Jumping League (2018-2022)
Competed in the National Adult Rider Series (2019, 2022)
Served as lead instructor and rider in Spirit Equestrian’s annual inter-club show (2020-2024)
Hosted and judged in a series of “Adult Rider Confidence Jump Clinics” (2021-2024)
Charity & Community Involvement
Organiser of Equistra Equestrian’s “School Jump Day” fundraising event (since 2018) — raising over £4,000 for local children’s charities in 2023
Volunteer coach for the regional “Riders Re-Start” initiative (helping adult return-to-sport riders) — provided 12 scholarships in 2022
Leads annual trail ride and picnic event in autumn to support equine welfare; in 2023, raised funds for a local rescue centre
Biography & Teaching Style
Darrel Steward brings a wealth of experience from both the competitive and teaching sides of the equestrian world. After working his way through regional show-jumping circuits, he found his passion in coaching riders to reach their full potential. At Equistra, he leads the higher-level lesson programmes, focusing on jump technique, course strategy, and mental preparation for competitions. His calm, structured style and emphasis on rider-horse harmony make him a favourite among adult return-to-sport riders and younger competitive students alike.
Darrel also oversees the stable’s warm-up arena and is heavily involved in designing and setting up jump courses, helping students transition smoothly and safely from flatwork to jumpwork.
Competition Participation
Regular competitor in the Southern Region Jumping League (2018-2022)
Competed in the National Adult Rider Series (2019, 2022)
Served as lead instructor and rider in Spirit Equestrian’s annual inter-club show (2020-2024)
Hosted and judged in a series of “Adult Rider Confidence Jump Clinics” (2021-2024)
Charity & Community Involvement
Organiser of Equistra Equestrian’s “School Jump Day” fundraising event (since 2018) — raising over £4,000 for local children’s charities in 2023
Volunteer coach for the regional “Riders Re-Start” initiative (helping adult return-to-sport riders) — provided 12 scholarships in 2022
Leads annual trail ride and picnic event in autumn to support equine welfare; in 2023, raised funds for a local rescue centre
Silver Placement, South East Dressage Classic – Intermediate Level, 2021 Competed with her horse Willow Grace and earned second place among 45 participants.
