Elevating equine wellbeing at the heart of riding schools
ABRS+ Conference October 2025
The Association of British Riding Schools, Livery Yards and Riding Establishments (ABRS+) is delighted to announce its 2025 Annual Conference, “Equine Wellbeing at the Heart of Riding Schools”, scheduled for 20 October 2025 at Brooksby Hall in Leicestershire.
A Vital Conversation in a Changing Landscape
With public interest in ethical equestrianism heightened by the Paris Olympics, the ABRS+ Conference 2025 will explore how riding schools can put horse welfare at the forefront. The programme blends keynote insights, expert panels and practical demonstrations, grounded in the Five Domains Model and the Charter for the Horse.
Keynote Speaker: Dane Rawlins
ABRS+ is honoured to welcome Dane Rawlins as keynote speaker for the 2025 Conference. Rawlins first learned to ride at Dulwich Riding School, beginning a journey that led to Olympic selection and a distinguished international career in dressage.
Alongside competing, he has been instrumental in sport development, including serving as an international dressage judge, founding and organising dressage at Hickstead for 27 years, co-founding the British Young Riders Dressage Scheme and training riders such as Tina Cooke (London 2012 Olympics). He was also appointed as a Ministerial Nominee to the Sports Council.
His keynote will highlight the vital role of riding schools in nurturing talent, setting standards, and ensuring horse welfare at every level of the sport.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Chair Jane Williams will open the day, welcoming delegates and setting the tone for the programme. Jim Eyre (CEO, British Equestrian Federation) will discuss the Charter for the Horse.
A high-profile round-table will feature Ben Mayes (ABRS+ Trustee & Veterinarian), Roly Owers OBE (CEO, World Horse Welfare) and Lisa Ashton (Equitation Science Expert, Equicoach. Life) exploring welfare science, regulation and ethics in riding schools.
Kate Hayward-Smith (Nutrition Advisor, SPILLERS) will present on diet and welfare, while Claire Dickie (Centre Manager, Glenda Spooner Farm, World Horse Welfare Somerset Centre) will share how the Five Domains Model informs rehabilitation.
Interactive Demonstrations and Applied Learning
Delegates will gain hands-on knowledge from Catherine Baker (President, Master Saddlers) with her Saddlery Fit4Welfare demonstration; Lisa Ashton’s An Ethical Approach to Horse Training; and Louise Fitton (Operations Manager, Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre) on linking welfare with business growth.
Networking, Exhibitors and Professional Development
Alongside the educational sessions, delegates can connect with peers, visit exhibitor stands offering industry products and services and obtain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificates of attendance.
Why You Should Attend
This conference is essential for riding school proprietors, instructors, equine professionals and welfare advocates. Participants will benefit from:
Evidence-based welfare strategies they can implement immediately
Practical training and saddlery fit skills from leading experts
Insights from top welfare authorities, veterinarians and educators
Networking opportunities with industry peers and solution providers
Event Details
Date: Monday, 20 October 2025
Venue: Brooksby Hall/College, Leicestershire
CPD: Certificates of attendance available on request
Register: www.abrs-info.org/conference-2025