Forum 2024

#NEF24 Programme

The 32nd National Equine Forum took place on Thursday 7th March 2024 (#NEF24). Sessions featured included:

• The Equine Industry in a changing world;
• Topical slots;
• Environmental sustainability & land management;
• Equine health care team;
• Equine health updates;
• Industry accessibility; and
• The Memorial Lecture.

Sessions from #NEF24 will be available on our YouTube channel from autumn 2024.

HRH The Princess Royal

President, National Equine Forum

HRH The Princess Royal has been a keen rider since childhood. The Princess was a member of the British team in the European Three-Day Event Championships at Kiev in 1973. Two years later, in the same contest in Germany, she won silver medals as an individual competitor and as a team member. The Princess also competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games as a member of the British Three-Day Event team. She won an individual gold medal at the European Eventing Championships at Burghley in 1971, and in the same year was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

After five years as President of the British Olympic Association, The Princess was elected to the International Olympic Committee and in 2005 she led the Team GB bid which resulted in London being awarded the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Here, she was appointed a Director of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Her Royal Highness is President or Patron of some 300 organisations, including a number of equine bodies, such as the Riding for the Disabled Association, World Horse Welfare and The Horse Trust. The Princess kindly accepted the post of President of the National Equine Forum in 2009, having attended the Forum on many occasions before that.

Her Royal Highness will be providing her personal perspective on the current situation in the horse world, based on what has been presented at the Forum.

Tim Brigstocke MBE

Chairman, National Equine Forum

Tim has been Chairman of NEF since taking over from Prof Sir Colin Spedding in 2012, chairing his first Forum in 2013. He has spent his whole career in agriculture having worked in agribusiness, the Government's research service and administered the largest cattle breed society in the world.

Since 1999 Tim has run his own consultancy business which specialises in expert witness work. He is involved in a whole host of organisations in the land-based sector including being Treasurer of Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) and Chairman of the UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE), which has recently expanded to include horses. He also chairs the biannual British Horse Council industry meeting.

Our Chairman will be observing the proceedings remotely for NEF24.

Dr Pat Harris

Vice Chair, National Equine Forum

Pat qualified from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School in 1983 and completed her PhD at the Animal Health Trust into the Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome. She joined the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition (now Waltham Petcare Science Institute) in 1995.

As Director of Science for Mars Horsecare and Head of the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group she is responsible for their equine research conducted in collaboration with experts at institutes and universities globally. This provides the science behind the SPILLERS™, BUCKEYE™ Nutrition and WINERGY™ brands. She is also a scientific advisor to MARS Equestrian™ sponsorship.

Pat is a European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical and Comparative Nutrition, a RCVS recognised specialist in veterinary clinical nutrition (equine) and a British Equine Veterinary Association Past-President. She is also a member of several boards and holds a number of academic posts within institutions around the world.

She lectures internationally on nutrition as it affects the health, welfare, behaviour and performance of the horse. She is the author or co-author of over 500 scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters with recent emphasis on obesity, laminitis and senior horse nutrition.

Pat is passionate about equine welfare and has been a long-standing member of the veterinary advisory committee of World Horse Welfare and is chairman of the veterinary and welfare advisory committee of The Donkey Sanctuary.

Pat will introduce the day, and chair the Equine Health Updates session.  She will also introduce the Memorial Lecture and our President’s Remarks, as well as closing the Forum.

Dr Georgina Crossman

Administrator, National Equine Forum

Dr Georgina Crossman completed her PhD (Politics), which examined the relationship between interest groups in the horse industry and the government, at the University of Exeter (2010).  A skilled and adaptable consultant focusing on research, training and event management across the equine sector, George has been the Administrator of the Forum since 2013.

With a broad experience of many different aspects of sport, both as a participant and more widely, Georgina worked for the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is a Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair of the Board of Rounders England.

Georgina will provide the tribute to Professor Graham Suggett, founder and former Convenor of the National Equine Forum.

THE EQUINE INDUSTRY IN A CHANGING WORLD

Roly Owers OBE

Organising Committee Member, National Equine Forum

Roly Owers OBE is a qualified veterinary surgeon having graduated from Cambridge University in 1992 and acquired his Masters in Nutrition from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1997. His previous veterinary roles included the Blue Cross and Royal Army Veterinary Corps and Roly has been Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare since 2008.

Roly plays an active role in much of World Horse Welfare’s work supporting the horse-human partnership and also advises the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on horse welfare.

Roly is currently Treasurer of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), Chairman of the UK Equine Disease Coalition, a Board member of the European Horse Network, Chair of the International Coalition for Animal Welfare and Treasurer of the World Federation for Animals. As a Director of the British Horse Council he regularly liaises on policy with Defra, the devolved administrations and Ministers.

Roly will Chair The Equine Industry in a Changing World session.

The Lord Douglas-Miller OBE

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health & Welfare), Defra

Robbie Douglas-Miller OBE was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 December 2023.

He has been a soldier, a retailer, a commercial property manager and involved in quite a few start-up businesses. With that, he has worked with some of our country’s most prestigious conservation charities and NGOs, most recently as chair of the Atlantic Salmon Trust.

Home is East Lothian, where he is a hill farmer, a land manager and wildlife conservationist, work for which he was awarded an OBE in 2021. Throughout all these different lives his family have ridden and owned horses.

The Minister will provide an update on Defra’s current priority areas for the horse world.

David Mountford

Chair, British Horse Council

David joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps after graduating from Cambridge. He commanded in Cyprus and Hong Kong and served with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery before leaving to join what is now World Horse Welfare, where he managed the charity’s operations and veterinary activities.

In 2011, David took on the new role of British Equine Veterinary Association Chief Executive, where he is responsible for supporting equine vets through education, journal publication, and the provision of relevant services.

As Chair of The British Horse Council, he is involved with lobbying for and representing the interests of the wider horse industry. Most of his free time is now spent as a horsebox driver/groom or tinkering with his boat.

David will present an update on the work of the British Horse Council.

Andrew Voas

Veterinary Head of Animal Welfare, Scottish Government

Andrew is head of the Scottish Government animal welfare policy team and is responsible for advising on all aspects of animal welfare in Scotland concerning farmed, companion, captive, wild and aquatic animals as well as equines.

His recent work has included taking forward the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 to increase the maximum available penalties for animal welfare offences and make other important improvements to animal welfare legislation in Scotland, establishing the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission to provide independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers, and introducing a modern licensing system for dog, cat and rabbit breeding, pet sales and animal rehoming activities in Scotland.

Previously he worked as a vet in general practice and as a Government field veterinary officer dealing with notifiable disease control and animal welfare.

Andrew met his wife Sheila through a shared interest in Exmoor ponies when they were veterinary students in Edinburgh and they have owned horses for many years since then.

Andrew will provide the background to the recent Scottish Government consultation on licensing equestrian premises and possible further legislation.

TOPICAL SLOTS

Beth Maloney

Organising Committee Member, National Equine Forum

Beth began her equine career at Catherston Stud with Jennie Loriston-Clarke and studied at Warwickshire College of Agriculture, Coventry University and the Open University.

After working in the music sector for a few years, her passion for horses brought her back to the equine industry. Beth has worked as an Assistant Principal, Director and Lecturer in Land-based and General FE/HE Colleges, and whilst lecturing, Beth wrote textbooks on equine physiology and nutrition. She spent six years working for the Independent Schools Inspectorate as a Lead Inspector for Private Colleges and currently acts as an external quality assessor for British Horse Society qualifications.

Alongside these roles, she set up Horses & Courses Ltd, an equine training company, and was non-executive Director for Participation at British Equestrian for two terms. In 2012 Beth founded Thurleigh Equestrian Centre (TEC), a dressage training and livery yard in Bedfordshire, which she now runs alongside Horses & Courses. Beth is the senior instructor at TEC whilst also finding the time to train and compete on her own two dressage horses.

Beth will chair the Topical Slots.

Ali Dane

Proprietor, Hurston Dressage & Eventing

After completing a Business Management degree, Ali set up a small livery and equestrian training business, alongside working in logistics and sales for large multi-national companies.

Her time spent working for companies with billion-dollar turnovers was invaluable – it allowed her to understand how businesses need to run in order to be successful, from commercial strategy to employee management.

Now concentrating fully on her livery yard and coaching career, she works full time within the equestrian industry, employing up to seven staff members. Ali is passionate about spreading the message that the equestrian industry, particularly livery yards, can be a place of growth, profit, satisfaction and success, if businesses are run in a knowledgeable and responsible way.

Ali will present on the impact of the rising National Minimum Wage on the equine industry and the need for positive employment practices within the sector.

Jim Eyre

Chief Executive, British Equestrian

Jim joined British Equestrian (BEF) as Chief Executive in April 2021.  In his role, he is Secretary General to the European and International Federations and he also sits on the British Horse Council (BHC) and National Equine Forum Organising Committee.

Jim came from the world of professional rugby and the RFU, where he spent over five years with Premiership Rugby team Harlequin FC as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, Jim spent 25 years in the military in a variety of roles, including as the Commanding Officer of The Household Cavalry Regiment and earlier as Squadron Leader of the Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron.

Jim will speak about the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will also read the citations for the Sir Colin Spedding Award.

Helen Nicholls

Performance Director, British Equestrian

As Performance Director for British Equestrian, Helen is responsible for its National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, across all disciplines and performance levels. She joined the organisation in March 2022 and has subsequently led teams to numerous championship podium placings, including golds at the FEI Eventing and Dressage European Championships in 2023.

Over 20 years of experience in elite sport began with a successful competitive career in sailing, where Helen claimed multiple national titles and international podium finishes, followed by a decade working for British Sailing in roles covering coaching, programme management and coach development.

In 2009, Helen joined UK Sport as a Performance Advisor, where she worked with various sports, including equestrian, to facilitate maximum medal return on investment and support World Class Programmes to thrive. This gave extensive insight into the requirements of a successful performance programme and how to achieve sporting excellence. In 2018, Helen became Performance Director for the Paralympic sport of Boccia, leading the team to Tokyo for great results including individual gold for David Smith MBE.

This summer, Helen will lead a team of athletes and support staff to the Paris 2024 Games, where the aim is to continue Britain’s run of success in equestrian sport.

Helen has two teenaged children, is a past horse owner and rider, and enjoys snowboarding and mountain biking.

Helen will provide us with an update on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & LAND MANAGEMENT

Ruth Dancer

Director, White Griffin

Ruth is a Director of White Griffin, the leading equine environmental sustainability consultancy. With a background in sport operations, Ruth has been at the heart of the delivery of some of the biggest events and venues in the world, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, England 2015 Rugby World Cup, Wimbledon, World Match Play Golf, Goodwood, Lingfield Park, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi Formula 1 and Wembley Stadium.

After 15 years in the industry, Ruth retrained in environmental sustainability and has quickly become a driving force in the sport and entertainment sector, working with multiple equine businesses including the BEF, Horse Sport Ireland, British Dressage, British Showjumping, the European Equestrian Federation, World Horse Welfare, the British Horseracing Authority, The Racing Foundation and York Racecourse, as well as her work in entertainment leading on projects like Eurovision and the BBC Earth Experience.

Ruth will chair and itnroduce the session covering environmental sustainability.

Simon Cox

Trustee, Thoroughbred Breeders' Association

Simon joined the Board of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) in 2021, as a co-opted Trustee, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his corporate professional career.  Simon spent 32 years in the brewing industry, including roles in China, Denmark and Vietnam.  Prior to his recent retirement, Simon was President and Chief Executive Officer of Molson Coors EMEA and APAC, a brewing and beverage business of circa €2 billion turnover and 6,500 employees.

Simon chairs the TBA’s Environmental Sustainability Committee and their National Hunt Committee, as well as providing valued input to the Policy and Strategy Committee.  Simon has been a keen owner of National Hunt racehorses for over a decade, and has a number in training as well as being a Thoroughbred breeder.

Married to Louise and a father of three, outside of racing, Simon is a passionate follower of Liverpool Football Club and a keen traveller, who will be trying to add to the 50-plus countries he has visited to date.

Simon will take part in the environmental sustainability session.

Sarah Wynn

Managing Director - Climate Change & Sustainability, RSK ADAS Ltd

Sarah works to reduce the climate impact of land and livestock management, with a focus on food production.  She is an expert in greenhouse gas emissions assessment, providing training and advice across the agriculture industry.

A keen equestrian having owned horses and managed her own land for over 20 years, Sarah recently brought together these two to work with the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association on creating a Carbon Calculator to help understand the GHG emissions from the UK Stud Farming sector.

Sarah will look at the TBA’s carbon calculator in the environmental sustainability session, reviewing initial results to understand key sources of emissions and how this can be used to reduce the climate impact of the wider equine industry.

Denis Duggan

Chief Executive Officer, Horse Sport Ireland

A native of Tipperary, Denis currently holds the post of CEO for Horse Sport Ireland, the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in Ireland. Formerly the CEO of Macra Na Feirme (Ireland’s Young Farmer Organisation) Denis joined Horse Sport Ireland in January 2022.

Denis has a prolific background and a wealth of experience in the agriculture and business sector and holds an Executive MBA from National University Galway, together with qualifications in IT, sustainable rural development and business studies.

Previously, Denis also worked with Shannon Development for six years, followed by the position of Senior Regional Development Executive with Enterprise Ireland encouraging and developing new agri-business start-ups. Of great interest, Denis was also involved in the Innovation Arena gaining a variety of achievements and awards across community development and science. Denis was instrumental in tripling the surplus of the rural youth association (Macra Na Feirme) in respect of its membership, for the first time in decades.

Denis will take part in the environmental sustainability session.

Victoria Murrell

Equine Health & Welfare Manager, Thoroughbred Breeders' Association

Victoria has had a lifelong passion for horses and racing, which was ignited during her childhood, with many hours spent at Pony Club or cheering on her parents’ racehorses and point to pointers.  This continued throughout university where she spent her free time working at Ladbrokes bookmakers whilst completing her degree.  Following graduation, Victoria spent 18 years working for leading Flat breeder Juddmonte, initially as Stud Secretary, then progressing to Group Bloodstock Coordinator.

Victoria moved to the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association four years ago and is the Equine Health and Welfare Manager, which includes responsibility for environmental workstreams.  Victoria is the TBA representative on the Board of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), having produced her own ex-racehorse to Intermediate level in eventing.  Victoria now produces 14.2hh event ponies, with the hope that her son will one day take over the reins!

Victoria will join the panel discussion on environmental sustainability.

EQUINE HEALTH CARE TEAM

Jonathan Statham

Chair, Animal Health & Welfare Board of England

Jonathan graduated from Cambridge University Veterinary School in 1996 and combines more than 25 years in veterinary practice with a range of wider industry and academic roles. As chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group, an independently owned practice (members of XL Vets) in Yorkshire, he remains clinically active, with a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Diploma.

He is Chief Executive of RAFT Solutions Ltd, an innovation led technology and sustainability company and director of Veterinary Diagnostics Ltd (VetDx).

Jonathan has held a range of representative or policy linked roles including the Veterinary Policy Group (VPG) of the British Veterinary Association (BVA). He sits on UK Animal Science Advisory Board (ASAB) Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), serves on the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), is a Fellow of Askham Bryan College and Chair at Harper and Keele Veterinary School. He has published a wide range of papers, is a recognised specialist and a Fellow of RCVS. He is currently Chair of the Animal Health & Welfare Board England (AHWBE).

Jonathan will chair the Equine Health Care Team session.

Lucy Grieve

Veterinary Projects Officer, British Equine Veterinary Association

Lucy Grieve qualified from Cambridge in 2007 and practiced in Newmarket for fifteen years, working with racehorses, sports and pleasure horses. After serving six years on the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Council, she was elected as President. Following her term, she started a permanent role with BEVA as Veterinary Projects Officer.

Lucy is passionate about welfare and improving the lives of horses throughout the world. Through her work she highlights the positive impact horses and humans can have on each other, and strives to maximise sharing of knowledge between the equestrian and veterinary industries. By raising awareness and driving education she believes in people bettering themselves, both as individuals and as wider professionals, which then improves the lives of the animals we serve.

Lucy will jtake part in the Equine Health Care Team session and be a part of the Memorial Lecture.

Marie Rippingale

Chair, British Equine Veterinary Association Equine Nurse Committee

Marie obtained a First-Class Honours Degree in Equine Sports Science in 2005, then started working in clinical equine practice in 2003, qualifying as a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse (REVN) with merit in 2007. In 2012, Marie completed the Diploma in Higher Education Clinical Veterinary Nursing (DipHE CVN) and obtained the RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Dip AVN) in equine context, with distinction in 2013.

She has been lecturing since 2010 at Bottle Green Training Ltd and is now the Programme Lead for the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Veterinary Nursing. Marie has an interest in the welfare of working equids abroad and has twice worked as a volunteer at The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust (GHDT) in Africa. Her special interests include donkeys, bandaging, anaesthesia, intravenous catheter care and the utilisation of equine nurses in veterinary practice.

Outside of work, Marie enjoys looking after her horse Harry, her two donkeys Billy and Tilly and her spaniel Petal.

Marie will take part in the Equine Health Care Team session.

EQUINE HEALTH UPDATES

Ian Cawsey

Director of Advocacy & Campaigns, The Donkey Sanctuary

Ian leads The Donkey Sanctuary’s international relationships with key stakeholders such as governments, the UN, WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health), Eurogroup for Animals, the World Federation for Animals and links with other associations and NGOs. He has responsibility for campaigns such the donkey skin trade and serves as a Director of ICWE (International Coalition for Working Equids), made up of The Donkey Sanctuary, Brooke, SPANA and World Horse Welfare.

Previously the Director of Policy & External Affairs at World Animal Protection, Ian was also the Member of Parliament for Brigg & Goole for 13 years, serving as a Minister in Tony Blair’s Government.

Ian has a lifetime working on animal welfare issues. He has been a Vice-President of the RSPCA, and an Honorary Member of the British Veterinary Association. For many years he chaired the all-party Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare and twice won the DODS Charity Champion Award for his parliamentary work on animal welfare.

Ian is a keen musician and co-founded MP4, the world’s only parliamentary rock band which he still performs in with MPs Pete Wishart, Kevin Brennan and the Rt Hon Sir Greg Knight.

Ian spoke at NEF 2020 and today will update us on developments in the trade and show how the impact goes far beyond the donkeys being culled for their skin.

INDUSTRY ACCESSIBILITY

Beverley Simms

Special Trustee - Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, The British Horse Society

Beverley joined The British Horse Society (BHS) in April 2022, as a specialist Trustee for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Although not from an equestrian background, Beverley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working within organisational development, cultural transformation and performance management.

Beverley has been instrumental in the transformation of the BHS, helping the organisation become more diverse, equitable and inclusive, helping meet the needs of the equestrian sector and wider society, this has included the creation of its first EDI Strategy.

Having a background in athletics and participating competitively as a Masters athlete in the sprints disciplines, Beverley went back into the sport as a coach, training teens and young adults in the same discipline. This experience allows her to understand the dedication and discipline of a sport, from many perspectives.

In 2020 lockdown, Beverley acquired a German Shepherd puppy which has given her a new appreciation, understanding and responsibility as a first-time dog owner.

Beverley will chair the accessibility session.

Jane Cooper

Managing Director, Access & Inclusion UK

Jane Cooper is the founder and Managing Director of Access & Inclusion UK which provides access consultancy, training, auditing and inclusive design services to clients in all sectors throughout the UK at national, destination and individual organisation level.

As well as being an access consultant and training and development professional, Jane is also mum to a disabled daughter meaning that she brings first-hand insight, lived experience and a practical, down-to-earth approach to everything the company does.

Jane is a member of the England Inclusive Tourism Action Group and an Honorary Executive In Residence at Sheffield Hallam University. She has been a Changing Places campaigner since 2003, is a reviewer for the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain and was invited to speak at the World Summit on Accessible Tourism.

Combining her professional expertise in access consultancy, training and development and business improvement with her first-hand experience of disability, Jane’s insight provides a unique contribution to the improvement of accessibility and inclusion in the UK.

Jane will take part in the accessibility session, showing how information, facilities and customer services make a difference.

Mandana Mehran Pour

Head of Participation & Development, British Equestrian

Mandana Mehran Pour, M.A., is a dynamic advocate for EDI with a background in sports development. As a professional athlete in Iran, her personal journey fuelled a commitment to breaking barriers. In the face of societal expectations, she tenaciously championed her right to pursue her athletic aspirations, instilling an unwavering dedication to equity and celebrating diversity.

As the Head of Participation and Development at British Equestrian, she provides strategic leadership, focusing on growth and inclusivity. She led the creation of a comprehensive diversity report (#HorsesforAll) which has led to the development of the federation wide EDI strategy. This united leaders from the British Equestrian Council to enhance diversity and inclusion, marking a significant milestone in collaborative system development.

As a Board Trustee for Access Sport, Mandana supports diversity and equity. Her extensive experience includes key positions at the Lawn Tennis Association and London Sport, showcasing dedication to sports development regionally and nationally.

With a profound belief in the transformative power of sports, Mandana envisions a world where diversity and equity are celebrated, continuing to inspire positive change in the sports community.

In the accessibility session, Mandana will talk about the journey BEF has taken, the challenges along the way, the learnings, and future plans.

Rebecca Cogswell

Director of Marketing, Communications & Fundraising, The British Horse Society

Rebecca joined The British Horse Society in 2022 after almost a decade in senior marketing roles at the National Trust.  She has been working in a transformational role to better understand audiences across the equestrian sector, and lead the team to develop a proposition that is inclusive and welcoming, whilst continuing to deliver against the BHS’s charitable objectives of Welfare, Education, Access, Safety & Participation.

Rebecca applies her 28 years of Marketing and Fundraising experience as a voluntary advisor to the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, supporting their work for young people facing disadvantage and will talk about audiences across the equestrian spectrum, giving us greater understanding about how we can improve inclusive and accessibility.

Rebecca will take part in the accessibility session, making use of recent audience insight conducted by The British Horse Society to provide better understanding about how accessible equestrianism is to a broader audience.

Georgina Urwin

Director, Summerfield Stables

Georgina is director of Summerfield Stables- Horses in the Community, a charity in Birmingham providing access to horses for those who would otherwise not have this opportunity. Founded in 1970 by Georgina’s mother, Roslyn Tedd-Urwin, Summerfield is now the permanent home to 33 rescued and reschooled equines and provides weekly lessons to over 200 children.

Georgina is an instructor at Summerfield and has completed her BHS Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship and is currently working on her Stage 4 ride and coaching qualifications. Georgina is a part time A-level teacher in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion and has a MA in Education, where her dissertation topic was an exploration into the effects of horse care and riding on the social and emotional development of a group of year 8 boys. Georgina is also part of the EDI committee for the BHS.

Georgina will take part in the accessibility session.

Eleanor Spelman

Chairman, Solihull Riding Club

Solihull Riding Club (SRC) is the oldest and largest Riding Club in the UK with over 600 members. A not-for-profit organisation and a busy competition centre, SRC hosts equestrian events across all disciplines from grassroots to elite level.

Eleanor works to diversify operations, foster new partnerships and broaden accessibility to a more diverse group of participants. The team is passionate about building pathways that enable growth, development and progression across a broad range of segments in the equestrian sector and other adjacent industries. 

Eleanor started her career as a management consultant, spending 10 years working in London for global consulting firm Accenture, before moving to Jaguar Land Rover in 2017 where she now runs the Digital Transformation Portfolio. She took on the voluntary role of Committee Chair at Solihull Riding Club after COVID-19 having seen first hand the impact of lockdowns. She brought  her business skills to the table to support the Riding Club with building a more sustainable operating model.

Outside of work and volunteering, Ellie has a toddler and three competition horses which, between them, keep her on her toes.

Eleanor will take part in the accessibility session.

MEMORIAL LECTURE

Jan Rogers

Organising Committee Member, National Equine Forum

Jan is a psychology graduate from the University of Nottingham who has had roles in the equine sector as well as in human healthcare and skills development. Having worked as a stud groom, in equine and rural insurance, data management and member support services, she also worked for British Equestrian looking after UK/EU policy, movements, breeding and the identification of performance potential in young horses.

At The Horse Trust since 2018, Jan combines these experiences, working with the team to look after the Trust’s funded research projects, research collaborations with other organisations and the dissemination of their outcomes in the interests of equine wellbeing.

On the policy side Jan works with the British Horse Council, currently focussing on improving disease surveillance and traceability through changes to equine identification policy and working through detail to implement the upcoming requirements for border controls.

Jan will chair the Memorial Lecture.

Amanda Stoddart-West

Livestock & Entries Coordinator, Yorkshire Agricultural Society

Amanda grew up around horses and was on her Mum’s horse in a basket saddle before she could walk. Her first job was in a showing yard in Worcestershire where she was lucky enough to be part of a very successful team, winning ‘Pony of the Year’ and ‘Lightweight Hunter of Year’ at the Horse of The Year Show, amongst other prestigious titles.

Prior to joining Great Yorkshire, Amanda worked at Melplash Show and the Royal Bath & West.

At the Great Yorkshire Show, Amanda’s role is managing the competitive element (which includes anything from sheep to showjumping and everything in between), including judges, stewards and officials.

Amanda is a founding member of the Suitably Mounted Group and her aim is to see the 20% rider weight guideline introduced at all shows and events.

Outside work, Amanda is a Master of Bloodhounds.

Amanda will take part in the Memorial Lecture.

Sponsors

Corporate Friends

Dodson & Horrell
The Donkey Sanctuary
SEIB Insurance Brokers
Weatherbys ePassport

Friends

The 826 Equine Studbooks Association
The Arab Horse Society
Central Prefix Register
Cob Care
Horses Inside Out
Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry
Jeffress Scholarship Trust
The Pony Club
James Rayner
The Society of Master Saddlers
Traditional Gypsy Cob Association
West Kington Stud