"The old ways are not always the best, but neither are the new. True wisdom lies in knowing how to blend the two."

- Ursula K. Le Guin

"Fire in her belly, ice in her veins"

Agamemnon Thomas Stewart

Golden Hoof Riding Club and Stables Presents:

Full Name: Agamemnon Thomas Stewart

Nickname(s): Aggie

Gender: Male

Age: 27

Birthdate: October 30

Nationality: Scot-New Zealander with Greek heritage

Zodiac: Scorpio

Height: 6’4” (193 cm)

Weight: 225 lbs (102 kg)

Physical Description:

Build: Tall and broad-shouldered with a tapered waist, his physique resembles that of a competitive swimmer. Long-limbed with defined muscles, particularly in his back and arms from handling horses.

Hair: Thick, wavy hair in a rich auburn color with natural copper highlights. It's usually slightly overgrown, falling just below his ears and often tousled from work.

Face: Strong, square jawline with a cleft chin. High cheekbones and deep-set eyes in an unusual amber color. His right eye has a flash of green in the lower right corner. His left eyebrow has a natural arch, giving him a perpetually quizzical expression. Full lips that contrast with his otherwise angular features.

Skin: Naturally olive-toned skin that tans easily, currently sun-bronzed from outdoor work. A smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks, becoming more pronounced in summer.

Distinctive features:

  • Heterochromia in his amber eyes - his right eye has a sector of green, creating a striking two-tone effect

  • Calloused hands with unusually long, dexterous fingers

  • A slightly crooked incisor tooth on the upper right side, visible when he smiles broadly

  • A habit of unconsciously flexing his jaw when concentrating, making his cleft chin more pronounced

  • A small tattoo behind his right ear of a stylized horseshoe

  • Unexpectedly dimpled cheeks that contrast with his strong jawline when he smiles

  • A distinctive gait - a slight rolling walk reminiscent of a sailor, developed from years of working with horses

  • Perpetually sun-bleached eyebrows, several shades lighter than his hair

  • A small gap between his two front teeth, adding character to his smile

  • A second tattoo on his left forearm depicting the silhouette of a galloping horse, done in a minimalist, single-line style

Likes:

  • Early morning rides

  • Greek cuisine, especially his grandfather's moussaka recipe

  • Folk music, particularly with Celtic influences

  • Historical documentaries

  • Stargazing on clear nights

  • The smell of leather and hay

  • Swimming in natural bodies of water

Dislikes:

  • Loud, crowded places

  • Overly processed foods

  • Reality TV shows

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy

  • People who are unkind to animals

  • The sound of motorcycles (spooks the horses)

  • Artificial air fresheners

Pet Peeves:

  • People who don't clean up after themselves in shared spaces

  • Misuse of equestrian terminology

  • Individuals who interrupt others while speaking

  • Leaving tack poorly maintained

  • Chronic lateness

  • Overuse of social media, especially during face-to-face interactions

  • Waste of resources, particularly water

Fears:

  • Losing his connection with nature due to urban sprawl

  • Serious injury that could prevent him from riding

  • Disappointing his family's expectations

  • Large bodies of water (ironic given his love for swimming in natural water)

  • Climate change's impact on ecosystems

  • Confined spaces (mild claustrophobia)

Strengths:

  • Patience, especially with difficult horses and people

  • Physical stamina and strength

  • Ability to read non-verbal cues (both human and equine)

  • Quick thinking in emergency situations

  • Natural leadership qualities

  • Strong work ethic

  • Empathy and emotional intelligence

Flaws:

  • Tendency to be overly critical of himself

  • Difficulty in expressing deep emotions verbally

  • Can be stubborn when convinced he's right

  • Sometimes prioritizes work over personal life

  • Occasional bouts of melancholy, especially during winter

  • Can be overly frugal, sometimes to his own detriment

  • Struggles with technology beyond basic use

Skills:

  • Expert in various riding disciplines (dressage, show jumping, cross-country)

  • Fluent in English and conversational in Greek and Te Reo Māori

  • Basic veterinary first aid

  • Proficient in stable management and business operations

  • Skilled in natural horsemanship techniques

  • Able to read weather patterns for outdoor activities

  • Decent cook, specializing in hearty, rustic dishes

Hobbies:

  • Amateur astronomy

  • Collecting and restoring vintage tack

  • Landscape photography

  • Volunteering at local animal shelters

  • Participating in cultural events celebrating his Greek and Māori heritage

  • Hiking and trail riding

  • Learning traditional Māori woodcarving

Personality:

Agamemnon is an introverted and introspective individual with a deep connection to nature, especially horses. He's diligent and hardworking, often to the point of neglecting his own needs. While he struggles with verbal communication, particularly regarding emotions, he's highly empathetic and intuitive when it comes to understanding animals and people's unspoken feelings.

His dry wit and occasional self-deprecating humor mask a sensitive soul prone to bouts of melancholy. Aggie is fiercely loyal to those who earn his trust but can be stubborn and set in his ways, making it challenging for him to accept change or criticism.

He's most comfortable in the stables or on horseback, where his natural talent and dedication shine. In social situations, he tends to be reserved and awkward, often retreating into himself. However, once he warms up to someone, he can be a thoughtful and caring friend.

Aggie has a hidden artistic side, expressed through his sketches of horses and nature scenes. This talent, along with his love for stargazing, hints at a romantic and dreamy nature beneath his practical exterior.

History:

Grandparents:

  • Paternal Grandfather: Alexandros Stewart

  • Occupation: Former restaurant owner

  • Passed away when Aggie was 15

  • A boisterous, larger-than-life character who emigrated from Greece to New Zealand as a young man. He was known for his storytelling and generous spirit.

  • Was Aggie's favorite grandparent. Instilled in him a pride in his Greek heritage and a love for good food and company.

  • Paternal Grandmother: Elizabeth Stewart (née Wilson)

  • Occupation: Retired librarian

  • Quiet and bookish, with a subtle wit. Elizabeth continues to be a repository of family history and local lore, with a secret passion for romance novels.

  • Loving but slightly distant. She doesn't quite understand his choice of career but admires his dedication.

  • Maternal Grandfather: Tane Te Whetu

  • Occupation: Retired Maori cultural advisor and tour guide

  • Continues to be a respected elder in his community, Tane is deeply connected to Maori traditions and the land. He has a calm, wise presence and a talent for storytelling.

  • Close and influential to Aggie. Tane taught Aggie about respect for nature and animals, which greatly influenced his career path.

  • Paternal Grandmother: Amelia Te Whetu (née Cooper)

  • Occupation: Former midwife

  • Passed away when Aggie was 19, but he remembers her as warm and intuitive, Amelia had a gift for understanding people. She was deeply involved in her community and known for her healing touch

  • She was very close to Aggie. She always said he had a special connection with animals and encouraged him to pursue his passion.

Education/Degrees: Degree: Bachelor of Science in Equine Science with a minor in Business Management

Institution: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Aggie completed his degree in 4 years, graduating when he was 22.

He chose Massey University for its strong agriculture and veterinary programs, including equine studies.

During his studies, he participated in an exchange program, spending one semester at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, UK.

This exchange sparked his interest in the UK equestrian scene and international horse management practices.

He graduated with honors, particularly excelling in courses related to equine behavior and training methodologies.

During his studies, he participated in an exchange program, spending one semester at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, UK.

This exchange sparked his interest in the UK equestrian scene and international horse management practices.

He graduated with honors, particularly excelling in courses related to equine behavior and training methodologies.

Instead of internships in New Zealand, Aggie completed a series of internships in the UK and Europe during summer breaks and immediately after graduation:

  • A three-month internship at a dressage stable in Germany

  • A two-month placement at a racing stable in Ireland

  • A four-month internship at a multi-discipline equestrian center near London

These internships provided him with diverse experience and an international network in the equestrian world.

After graduation and his European internships, Aggie decided to immigrate to the UK, attracted by the rich equestrian tradition and career opportunities.

His final year project on implementing natural horsemanship techniques in commercial stable management became a valuable asset in securing his current position in the UK.

Learned Profession/Occupation: Stable Manager at The Golden Hoof Riding Club and Stables

Owns:

Aces Diamond Rio and Demon (goat)