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 supporting the owners of ABRS+ riding centres, 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.

TBC

Hear how participating centres tested new ideas, embraced change and discovered practical ways to improve horse welfare while running successful riding schools. Learn what worked, what they would do differently, and the ideas you can take back to your own centre.

Speakers:

Chloe Tothill – Kingsmead Riding School and the ABRS+ Coach of the Year 2026

Clara Bruins – Team Tutsham and ABRS+ Special Recognition Award 2026

Supported by:

Stepney Bank Riding School
Ebony Horse Club

Speaker: Sonya Campbell-Perry

Discover how a practical understanding of biomechanics can improve horse comfort, develop more effective riders and support the long-term wellbeing of horses working in busy riding schools.

Facilitated by the Futures Centres

What ideas from the Futures Project and biomechanics sessions could we implement in our own centres?

Tea and Coffee orders with biscuits taken during this break out session.

How psychological safety, critical curiosity and supported experimentation help riding schools adopt new ideas, improve horse welfare, and build stronger teams.

Speaker: Lizzie Herron + Chris Tothill

Lizzie Herron is a leadership consultant with over a decade of experience supporting people at every level of leadership. In her business The Equestrian Leadership Consultancy, she specialises in working with equestrian business owners, managers, and organisations to build strong, resilient teams that can perform under pressure and adapt to change. Lizzie is passionate about the ripple effect of effective leadership and the impact created when people are empowered to work together with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Explore practical ideas from the morning sessions, share experiences, and identify realistic changes that could improve horse welfare, strengthen your team and support a thriving riding school.

Lead by Lizzie Herron and the ABRS+ Team.

Tea and Coffee orders with biscuits taken during this break out session.

Discover how British Equestrian is supporting riding schools through two key projects.

The Riding School Health Tracker is helping centres understand their business health, identify opportunities for improvement, and build greater resilience for the future.

The Social Value of Equestrianism Project is demonstrating the vital role riding schools play in supporting health, wellbeing, and communities.

We also thank British Equestrian for funding the Riding School Futures Project, which has provided valuable insight to help shape the future of our sector.

Join us to explore how these initiatives are supporting riding schools to thrive.

Speaker: Rebecca Gibson, Head of Development and Inclusion, British Equestrian Federation

Rebecca leads the Participation and Development Team at British Equestrian, supporting a wide range of initiatives designed to help more people access and enjoy equestrian sport.

Rebecca joined British Equestrian from her role as Foundation Director at Love Rowing, bringing extensive experience in driving inclusion and tackling inequalities in sport. Her career highlights include playing a key role in campaigning for the inclusion of women’s boxing in the Olympic Games and helping establish The Richard Whitehead Foundation, supporting disabled athletes to achieve their ambitions through sport.

Demonstration: Georgie Wood

Demonstrating the journey from bridled to bridleless; the impact on the quality of the relationship between horse and human.

The welfare of horses depends on the wellbeing of the people who care for them. If proprietors and staff are overwhelmed, burnt out or leaving the industry, the long-term sustainability of riding schools and livery businesses is at risk.

• Lizzie Herron – The Equestrian Leadership Consultancy – Leadership, communication and setting expectations
• Kat Sydenham – Livery Yard Diaries – Managing clients and maintaining boundaries
• Louise Buckner – ABRS+ Member Trustee – Island Riding – Managing demanding parents
• Chris Tothill – Kingsmead Equestrian Centre
• Claire Duffin – British Grooms and EEA – Member Engagement Coordinator – Supporting staff wellbeing and creating healthy workplace cultures

Topics include:

• Managing difficult customers professionally
• Difficult parents and client expectations
• Setting healthy boundaries without guilt
• Supporting staff through challenging situations
• Protecting proprietor wellbeing and preventing burnout
• Dealing with complaints, conflict and online criticism
• Social media useaage and policy
• Creating positive cultures for horses, people and businesses

Facilitated by Anne Clarke ABRS+ Development Manager and ABRS+ Livery Yard Member

Supported by pannel members

Running an equestrian business can be rewarding, but challenging client relationships can have a real impact on your confidence, wellbeing and enjoyment of the job.

Join this interactive session to share experiences, learn from fellow yard owners and explore practical ways to manage difficult situations, set boundaries and protect your mental health.

Each table will contribute ideas and solutions to create an ABRS+ Managing Challenging Clients Toolkit, which will be shared with all delegates attending today as a practical resource to take back to their own yards.

Tea and Coffee orders with biscuits taken during this break out session.

Final reflections and key takeaways.