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 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.

To Be Confirmed

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Jim Eyre, CEO British Equestrian Federation

Jim Eyre brings a wealth of leadership experience to British Equestrian, having transitioned from the elite world of rugby to equestrian sport. Before joining British Equestrian, he spent over five years with Harlequins FC, initially as Commercial Operations Director before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his tenure in rugby, Jim served 25 years in the military, holding key roles such as Squadron Leader of the Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron and Commanding Officer of The Household Cavalry Regiment. His deep-rooted passion for equestrianism stems from his upbringing in Lambourn Valley, where he was an avid Pony Club member, actively participating in various disciplines.

Jim Eyre will open the conference by setting the stage for the discussions ahead. His talk will focus on why sustaining high levels of equine welfare is crucial for the future of the sport and the ongoing work with member bodies to establish a path forward in regulation, communication, and education. He will highlight the Charter for the Horse, a groundbreaking initiative launched by British Equestrian and its 19 member bodies, which aims to prioritise equine welfare through principles of empathy, care, respect, ethics, and learning. His presentation will emphasize the importance of collaboration across the industry to ensure that horse welfare remains at the heart of equestrian sport.

Jim will joined by Mandana Mehran Pour who is the Head of Participation at British Equestrian. She has a strong background in sports management, having previously served as Participation Manager for the Lawn Tennis Association for over four years. Her expertise lies in developing strategies to increase participation in sports, working with National Governing Bodies, local authorities, and community organizations to make sports more accessible.

Ben Mayes MA VetMB MRCVS, ABRS+ Trustee & Equine Welfare Officer, Clinical Director Mayes & Scrine Equine Veterinary Practice

Roly Owers OBE MRCVS, CEO World Horse Welfare

Lisa Ashton MBA, BSc, PGCE, BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach (Accredited Professional Coach), Diploma of Equitation Science

Ben Mayes

Ben Mayes is a Trustee of the ABRS+ and our Equine Welfare Office. He is a highly respected equine veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in equine welfare and practice management. A Cambridge University graduate, he is the Clinical Director of Mayes & Scrine Equine Veterinary Practice, a leading equine clinic in Sussex. Ben has served as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and has played a key role in equine welfare policy, including initiatives such as Safer Horse Rescues and the New Grad Programme. His expertise spans equine health, welfare, and industry regulations, making him a valuable voice in discussions on best practices for riding schools.

Roly Owers

Roly Owers is the Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, a position he has held since 2008. A qualified veterinary surgeon, Roly has worked extensively in equine welfare advocacy, advising organizations such as the British Horse Council, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). He has been instrumental in shaping equine welfare policies, including the Equine Disease Coalition and the European Horse Network. His leadership ensures that horse welfare remains central to equestrian sport and industry regulations.

Lisa Ashton

Lisa Ashton is a Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University and a leading expert in Equitation Science. She is the Founder of Equicoach.Life, where she provides clinics, webinars, and coaching to improve horse welfare through evidence-based training methods. Lisa has worked with national charities, mounted police units, and international dressage studs, applying scientific principles to equine behavior and welfare. Her contributions to education and ethical training make her a key figure in discussions on horse welfare in riding schools.

Round Table on Equine Welfare

This round table discussion will bring together leading experts to explore the evolving landscape of equine welfare. Chaired by Ben Mayes, the session will focus on the challenges and opportunities in maintaining high welfare standards in riding schools. Roly Owers will provide insights into policy development and industry-wide initiatives, while Lisa Ashton will discuss scientific approaches to training and welfare assessment. The discussion will cover practical strategies for riding schools, the role of regulation and education, and how public perception is shaping the future of equestrian sport.

Speaker to be announced

Claire Dickie, Centre Manager at World Horse Welfare Somerset Centre

Claire Dickie has dedicated her career to equine welfare and rehabilitation, working extensively with rescued and rehomed horses. She originally joined World Horse Welfare as a groom in 2001, and after a brief time away, she returned to take on the role of Centre Manager at Glenda Spooner Farm in 2011. Claire is a trained equine massage therapist and has a deep passion for rehabilitating horses, ensuring they receive the best possible care before finding new homes.

Claire will share how she and her team at Glenda Spooner Farm integrate the Five Domains Model into their daily care and rehabilitation practices. Her talk will focus on:

Nutrition – How tailored feeding programs support rescued horses’ recovery.

Environment – Creating safe, enriching spaces that encourage natural behaviors.

Health – Veterinary care and proactive welfare strategies for rehabilitation.

Behaviour – Understanding equine psychology to improve training and handling.

Mental State – Ensuring horses experience positive welfare states through ethical care.

Claire will provide real-world examples of how these principles are applied at Glenda Spooner Farm, demonstrating how structured welfare models can transform the lives of rescued horses.

Catherine Baker, President of the Master Saddlers

Catherine Baker is a Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter, and Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in bespoke saddlery and leatherwork, focusing on bridle fitting and bitting. Catherine’s passion for equine welfare began in childhood, and she has dedicated her career to raising standards in saddlery fit through education and training. She is also a LANTRA Accredited Horse Bit Fit Advanced Consultant and serves as the Bridle Fitting Course Leader for the Society of Master Saddlers.

Catherine Baker’s Saddlery Fit4Welfare session will provide hands-on guidance on the importance of well-fitting, well-maintained tack in equine wellbeing. She will cover:

• How saddle and bridle fit impact horse comfort and performance
• Signs of poor saddle fit and when to seek professional assessment
• The role of a Master Saddler in ensuring correct tack fit
• Maintenance tips to prolong the life of saddlery and prevent discomfort
• Common saddle fitting mistakes and how to avoid them

This interactive session will equip attendees with practical knowledge to ensure their horses experience optimal comfort and welfare through proper saddlery fit.

Lisa Ashton MBA, BSc, PGCE, BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach (Accredited Professional Coach), Diploma of Equitation Science

Lisa Ashton is a Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University and a leading expert in Equitation Science. She is the Founder of Equicoach.Life, where she provides clinics, webinars, and coaching to improve horse welfare through evidence-based training methods. Lisa has worked with national charities, mounted police units, and international dressage studs, applying scientific principles to equine behavior and welfare. She has also served as an Education Officer for the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) and contributed to Aspinall’s Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing as the author of the chapter on Behaviour & Handling of the Horse.

Lisa Ashton’s presentation will explore the First Principles of Horse Training, a framework developed by the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). These principles are designed to ensure ethical, effective, and welfare-friendly training methods. Key topics will include:

• Understanding Horse Behavior – How horses learn and respond to training.
• Safety and Welfare – Ensuring training methods prioritise the horse’s well-being.
• Operant and Classical Conditioning – Using reinforcement techniques to shape behaviour.
• Consistency and Clarity – The importance of clear signals and predictable responses.
• Self-Carriage and Responsiveness – Encouraging horses to maintain posture and movement independently.

Lisa will provide practical insights into how riding schools can apply these principles to enhance horse welfare and training outcomes.

Loiuse Fitton, Operations Manager Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre

Louise Fitton is a Business Graduate and Operations Manager at Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre, a family-run riding school in Bolton. With a background in marketing and business management, she plays a key role in developing strategies to enhance client experience, staff engagement, and horse welfare. Louise is passionate about breaking down barriers to equestrian participation, ensuring that riding schools are accessible, welcoming, and welfare-focused. She has been actively involved in industry discussions on best practices for riding schools, including client retention, business sustainability, and welfare-centered management.

Louise’s presentation will explore how riding schools can integrate the Five Domains Model and First Principles of Horse Training to improve horse welfare, client satisfaction, and staff well-being. Key topics will include:

• The Five Domains Model – How structured welfare assessments enhance horse health, behaviour, and mental well-being.
• First Principles of Horse Training – Using scientific, ethical training methods to create clear, consistent communication between horse and rider.

Louise will provide real-world examples of how these principles are applied at Ryders Farm, demonstrating how structured welfare models and ethical training approaches can enhance the riding school experience for horses, clients, and staff alike

Lisa Ashton MBA, BSc, PGCE, BHS Stage 4 Senior Coach (Accredited Professional Coach), Diploma of Equitation Science

Lisa Ashton is a Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University and a leading expert in Equitation Science. She is the Founder of Equicoach.Life, where she provides clinics, webinars, and coaching to improve horse welfare through evidence-based training methods. Lisa has worked with national charities, mounted police units, and international dressage studs, applying scientific principles to equine behavior and welfare. She has also served as an Education Officer for the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) and contributed to Aspinall’s Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing as the author of the chapter on Behaviour & Handling of the Horse.

Lisa Ashton’s presentation will explore the First Principles of Horse Training, a framework developed by the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). These principles are designed to ensure ethical, effective, and welfare-friendly training methods. Key topics will include:

• Understanding Horse Behavior – How horses learn and respond to training.
• Safety and Welfare – Ensuring training methods prioritise the horse’s well-being.
• Operant and Classical Conditioning – Using reinforcement techniques to shape behaviour.
• Consistency and Clarity – The importance of clear signals and predictable responses.
• Self-Carriage and Responsiveness – Encouraging horses to maintain posture and movement independently.

Lisa will provide practical insights into how riding schools can apply these principles to enhance horse welfare and training outcomes.

Loiuse Fitton, Operations Manager Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre

Louise Fitton is a Business Graduate and Operations Manager at Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre, a family-run riding school in Bolton. With a background in marketing and business management, she plays a key role in developing strategies to enhance client experience, staff engagement, and horse welfare. Louise is passionate about breaking down barriers to equestrian participation, ensuring that riding schools are accessible, welcoming, and welfare-focused. She has been actively involved in industry discussions on best practices for riding schools, including client retention, business sustainability, and welfare-centered management.

Louise’s presentation will explore how riding schools can integrate the Five Domains Model and First Principles of Horse Training to improve horse welfare, client satisfaction, and staff well-being. Key topics will include:

• The Five Domains Model – How structured welfare assessments enhance horse health, behaviour, and mental well-being.
• First Principles of Horse Training – Using scientific, ethical training methods to create clear, consistent communication between horse and rider.

Louise will provide real-world examples of how these principles are applied at Ryders Farm, demonstrating how structured welfare models and ethical training approaches can enhance the riding school experience for horses, clients, and staff alike

Catherine Baker, President of the Master Saddlers

Catherine Baker is a Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter, and Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in bespoke saddlery and leatherwork, focusing on bridle fitting and bitting. Catherine’s passion for equine welfare began in childhood, and she has dedicated her career to raising standards in saddlery fit through education and training. She is also a LANTRA Accredited Horse Bit Fit Advanced Consultant and serves as the Bridle Fitting Course Leader for the Society of Master Saddlers.

Catherine Baker’s Saddlery Fit4Welfare session will provide hands-on guidance on the importance of well-fitting, well-maintained tack in equine wellbeing. She will cover:

• How saddle and bridle fit impact horse comfort and performance
• Signs of poor saddle fit and when to seek professional assessment
• The role of a Master Saddler in ensuring correct tack fit
• Maintenance tips to prolong the life of saddlery and prevent discomfort
• Common saddle fitting mistakes and how to avoid them

This interactive session will equip attendees with practical knowledge to ensure their horses experience optimal comfort and welfare through proper saddlery fit.

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

An update on ABRS+ work and initiatives