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.

International Grand Prix dressage rider Lewis Carrier knows first-hand why riding schools and livery yards matter in developing the next generation of equestrians.

When Lewis was six, there were two riding schools in Norfolk that he could have chosen from. Both have since closed. His own journey is a powerful reminder of the role these businesses play in opening the door to horses and creating opportunities for people to progress.

Lewis discovered Blackborough End Riding School in King’s Lynn simply because a girl at his school went there. He remembers watching the other riders and thinking they were incredible, and much better than him.

Now a coach himself, Lewis believes coaches have an enormous influence on young riders and his message is simple:

“You never know who you are teaching.”

For Riding Schools and Livery Yards supporting riders who want to learn and progress, Lewis also highlights the importance of great coaches. A good yard can provide the environment, community and support, while the right coach can help a rider unlock their potential and take the next step in their journey.

Every rider starts somewhere. With the right opportunities, support and coaching, nobody knows where that journey might lead.

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: Dr Sonya Campbell-Perry

Within HorseScotland’s Development Pathway we have started using a more holistic and collaborative approach to help our equine partnerships thrive. With the learning we have started to develop at the Elite level, the knowledge and results are then supportive of the rider/equine partnerships at all levels.

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

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.

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.

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.

During my demonstration George will aim to:

• Show how she has developed her bridleless riding from never having done it to competing in dressage and showjumping
• Introduce the basic concepts of bridleless riding and how to do it safely
• Ways to incorporate the idea and feeling of bridleless riding into a riding school environment safely (and without actually taking the bridle off!!)

Throughout these main themes she intends to incorporate:

• How horses learn
• How riders learn
• The importance of rider balance
• Horse communication behaviours and what we should be looking for

She works on the concept that when you take the bridle off, what you are left with is the truth.

Georgie Wood is an IRVAP Registered Veterinary Physiotherapist, coach and rider, working with both leisure and competition horses while coaching riders from complete beginners in riding schools to ambitious competitors. By combining veterinary physiotherapy with coaching, she specialises in improving performance, supporting rehabilitation and developing stronger horse-rider partnerships through evidence-based, horse-centred training.

Georgie began riding through the Pony Club, receiving a strong all-round education that culminated in achieving her Pony Club A Test in 2013. She has competed successfully at Advanced Eventing and Show Jumping to 1.40m, producing her own horses from newly backed youngsters through to international-level competition.

Alongside her clinical and coaching work, Georgie has developed a particular interest in communication, trust and the horse-human relationship. Her work focuses on helping riders better understand horses as animals, creating willing, confident partnerships that enhance both performance and welfare. This philosophy underpins all of her teaching, from beginner riders to advanced competitors, supporting happy, healthy horses and confident riders, whatever their goals or chosen discipline.

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
• 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 useage 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.