Jane Williams, Chair ABRS+

Jane Williams is the current Chair of the Association of British Riding Schools, Livery Yards and Riding Establishments (ABRS+), a role in which she leverages her extensive experience and passion for equestrianism to advance the mission of the organisation. With a background deeply rooted in horse riding and equestrian education, Williams has been a pivotal figure in promoting the highest standards of instruction, safety and horse welfare within the UK’s riding schools and centres. Her leadership at the ABRS+ focuses on enhancing professional development opportunities for instructors, ensuring accessible and quality education for riders of all levels, and advocating for the welfare of horses across the country.

Her contributions to the equestrian community have earned her respect and recognition, as she continues to drive initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of riding schools. Jane Williams’ commitment to excellence and her strategic vision have significantly impacted the ABRS+ and the broader equestrian industry, positioning her as a key leader in the field.

After a successful conference in 2023, this year’s conference “Your Equestrian Business and the Future” aims to empowering equestrian business owners and professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry. By focusing on education, innovation, networking and sustainability, the conference will help participants prepare for future challenges and opportunities in the equestrian sector.

Jodie Hall McAteer, World Class Programme

Jodie Hall McAteer is a prominent British show jumper known for her impressive accomplishments in equestrian sports. Born in the United Kingdom, she has been passionate about horse riding from a young age and has rapidly risen through the ranks of competitive show jumping. McAteer has represented Great Britain in various international competitions and has earned accolades for her skill, precision, and dedication to the sport.

Throughout her career, she has competed in numerous prestigious events, showcasing her talent on the global stage. Her dedication to training and her partnership with her horses have made her a respected figure in the equestrian community. McAteer’s achievements reflect her commitment to excellence and her contribution to British show jumping.

Jim Eyre, CEO British Equestrian Federation

Jim Eyre joined equestrian sport from the elite world of rugby, where he spent over five years with Premiership team, Harlequins FC, initially as Commercial Operations Director before promotion to Chief Operating Officer, a position he held for three years.  Prior to joining Harlequins, Jim spent 25 years in the military, in a variety of roles, finishing as Commanding Officer of The Household Cavalry Regiment.

The work of British Equestrian is to represent the interests of the Federations 19 Member Bodies, act as the National Federation to the FEI, drive GBR Olympic medal success through the elite World Class Programme (supported by UK Sport and the National Lottery), and support wider grassroots and participation projects delivered through its Member Bodies and funded by Sport England.

Jim will discuss the wide range of issues that the BEF are dealing with that directly impact grassroots riding and the projects that the BEF have initiated to help meet that challenges that riding businesses face.  He will also talk a little on the amazing success of our riders have had in Paris 2024.

Roly Owers OBE MRCVS, CEO World Horse Welfare

Ben Mayes MA VetMB MRCVS, Clinical Director Mayes & Scrine Equine Veterinary Practice

Ben Mayes is a distinguished British equine veterinarian with a notable career dedicated to the health and welfare of horses. He is highly regarded for his expertise in equine medicine and has made significant contributions to the field through his clinical practice, research and involvement in veterinary organisations.

Ben  has served as a President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), where he played a key role in advancing veterinary standards and education. His commitment to continuing education and professional development has influenced many veterinarians and improved equine healthcare practices.  He remains a member of the Riding Establishments Sub-Committee that sets the standards and requirements for Veterinary Inspections as a part of Council Licencing.

With extensive experience in both clinical settings and the broader equestrian community, Ben is known for his practical approach to veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine and owner education. His work has earned him a respected reputation among peers and horse owners alike, making him a leading figure in equine veterinary medicine.

Ben has huge experience both as a equine vet and through his involvement in BEVA.  In his talk, Ben will highlight the key issues that he is encountering as he moves around Riding Establishments and engages with Riding Schools.

Carolyn Madgwick, Director Legislation and Enforcement , The Horse Trust

Carolyn joined The Horse Trust in 2016 having spent 27 years as a Senior Trading Standards Officer leading a team of officers specialising in the enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation.

At The Horse Trust, Carolyn maintains her level of expertise in legislation, develops training materials and provides training and advice on legislation for many audiences including the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, Vets and other equine charities.

She is the current Chair of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), the British Horse Council representative on the RCVS Riding Establishments Sub-Committee and represents the Trust on many other committees and in meetings with Government Officials.

George Baber OBE, ABRS+ Director of Operations and Approvals

George Baber OBE is a prominent figure in the world of equestrianism and serves as the Director of Operations and Approvals at the ABRS+. With a distinguished career in both military and civilian capacities, George has made significant contributions to the equestrian community.  He has been a leading advocate for riding schools and equestrian education in the UK and has focuses on promoting high standards of instruction, safety and horse welfare. Under his guidance, the Association supports riding schools, instructors and equestrian centres in providing quality education and opportunities for riders of all levels.

George’s dedication to the equestrian sector is reflected in his efforts to enhance the professional standing of riding centres and improve the accessibility of riding for all. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have significantly advanced the mission of the ABRS+, making him a respected and influential leader in the field.

The ABRS+ Rosettes and Tests are used by many schools to support the delivery of lessons.  George will describe the main changes that the ABRS+ are implementing, which included an updated syllabus for the Tests and Worksheets to support the use of Rosettes for Alternative Education and Home Schooling.  George will also touch on Safeguarding and the Safeguarding Officers course which become an ABRS+ mandatory training requirement for ABRS+ schools.

Jane Williams, Chair ABRS+

Jane manages the programme for delivery of ABRS+ Certificates in Equestrian Coaching.  She will outline the work that the ABRS+ has been undertaking to extend access to our Coaching pathway by increasing the number of tests sites and ensuring that these can support every region.

Buffet lunch will be available.

Dr Celia Grummitt – GUL Outdoor

Dr Grummitt is one of the founders of Gul Outdoor Therapy and its current CEO. Throughout a long career spanning the Armed Forces, HM Prisons and as a practicing GP within the NHS, Dr Grummitt has remained a passionate advocate for the use of the outdoors, particularly Equine Assisted Services in promoting positive mental health and well being and she is a registered Hill and Moorland leader. More recently she has focused on the diagnosis and support of those with autism spectrum disorder and is currently working as a Clinical Associate of the Autism Service.

Dr Grummitt is a CIEC (UKCC) Level 2 Instructor and Ride leader, a lifelong horse owner and breeder who is an advocate for native breeds with a particular love of Welsh Cobs and Highlands of which Gul maintains a small herd from the Balmoral Estate. Dr Grummitt is a current director of the Human and Equine Interactive Register and is overseeing that organisations drive to raise standards in the field of Equine assisted services.

Celia will demonstrate practically the use of her equine friends in the delivery of equine assisted services and offer practical guidance for those wishing to move into this field of service delivery or for those already delivering equine assisted services.

In this first discussion session, choose one workshop to attend:

Workshop 1 – Increasing Client Engagement and Better Horse Management: Jack Joynson- Equestrian System

Jack Joynson is a leading figure in the equestrian industry, known for his role at Equestrian Systems, where he brings innovative solutions to enhance the management of equestrian facilities and enhance rider experiences. With a strong background in equestrian sports and a deep understanding of the needs of riders and horses, Joynson has been instrumental in developing state-of-the-art systems and technologies. Under his leadership, Equestrian Systems has become synonymous with quality and innovation, providing cutting-edge products and services to the equestrian community.

In this session, Jack will explain the real practical benefits of an online booking and horse management system and will answer any questions you have on their application on Yards.  He will back this up with a practical demonstration of the Equestrian Booking System.

Workshop 2 – Protecting my Business by Understanding the Sustainability Risks: Ruth Dancer – White Griffin

Ruth worked in the sports industry for 18 years, with venues and events including London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, England 2015 Rugby World Cup, Goodwood, Wimbledon, HSBC World Match Play, Formula 1, Lingfield Estate and Queen’s Tennis Tournament.

Qualified from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leaders, PRINCE2 and Agile Project Management, BSI PAS2060 and an MA from Cambridge University, Ruth specialises in sustainability projects in the sporting sector, with an emphasis on communications, stakeholder management, operations and commercial risk and opportunity.

Ruth will explain why tackling sustainability is a must for any Yard and how you can manage the growth of your costs arising from climate change.  She will explain the Equestrian Carbon Calculator and how you can use this to work out where you can take effective measures.

Workshop 3 – Facing Staff Shortages?  How to Motivate and Retain Your Team: Carol Andrews – Wimbledon Village Stables

Carol learnt to ride at Coombe Hill Stables in nearby Kingston, passed her BHSAI at South Weylands Equestrian Centre.  She has competed in all equestrian disciplines, although show jumping is her passion.  Developing and improving the business has been always fun and fulfilling, especially being able to raise so much money over the years for some very worthwhile charities. Carol is thrilled that the stables continues to thrive and is going from strength to strength.

Workshop 4 – Gaining and Retaining Clients by Smoothing and Creating the Best Customer Journey: Louise Fitton – Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre

Louise Fitton is a Business Graduate and Operations Manager at Ryder’s Farm Equestrian Centre (RFEC).  RFEC is a family run  Riding Centre in Bolton – facing all the opportunities and challenges that Riding Centre up and down the UK face.  Their aim at RFEC is to be a leading Equestrian training centre and venue in the North West, providing dynamic coaching to riders from leisure riding to professionals training. We don’t believe that horse riding and the equestrian world should only be accessible for a select few, we want to break down the barriers to our sport for everyone in a knowledgeable, friendly and professional environment.

Louise will use her extensive marketing background to take you on the journey that a potential client might take from ‘how would they know about you’, ‘how would they book with you’, ‘what might be their experience when riding with you’ to ‘how would you know what they think about you’.  Louise’s talk will give you food for thought as you consider how best to attract and retain clients.

In this second discussion session, choose a second workshop to attend:

Workshop 1 – Increasing Client Engagement and Better Horse Management: Jack Joynson- Equestrian System

Workshop 2 – Protecting my Business by Understanding the Sustainability Risks: Ruth Dancer – White Griffin

Workshop 3 – Facing Staff Shortages?  How to Motivate and Retain Your Team: Carol Andrews – Wimbledon Village Stables

Workshop 4 – Gaining and Retaining Clients by Smoothing and Creating the Best Customer Journey: Louise Fitton – Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre

Jane Williams, Chair ABRS+ and George Baber, ABRS+ Director of Operations and Approvals

We hope you will have had an amazing day at the Unicorn Trust and with the ABRS+.  We will welcome thoughts and feedback on the day.