Our trustees make sure we work within legal and financial guidelines and meet our key objectives as well as making policy decisions and working with our senior management team to set targets and monitor our performance. Although it can be a demanding role, it can also be rewarding to know you’re making a difference, forming new relationships and experiences, and helping to develop the Society for the benefit of our members and the wider equestrian community.
To contact any of the BHS trustees, please contact the Chief Executive Office on 02476 840512 or email trustee.contact@bhs.org.uk.
Karen Silcock – Chairperson
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Karen has board level experience of other membership organisations and has developed financial strategies for not-for-profit and charitable organisations, with understanding of the financial implications of strategic and operational plans. She is experienced in corporate, not-for-profit and charity governance, and management at board level; she has been part of, and chaired, board committees covering finance, audit, risk, nomination and remuneration and various aspects of strategy.
Since retirement, Karen has committed herself to work only in the not-for-profit and charitable sectors to bring, pro bono, the professional and personal skills gained in her career. Through volunteering and managing other volunteers, Karen has developed an understanding of the complexity of satisfying member, volunteer, and beneficiary needs.
A long-term member of the BHS and a horse owner, horses and equestrian sports are a major part of Karen’s life. She is passionate about the benefits that interaction with horses can bring to people in terms of physical and mental health and has first-hand knowledge as an owner and competitor of the many issues now faced by horses and riders.
Lucy Grieve – Specialist Trustee – Welfare
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Lucy has been ‘horse-mad’ her whole life, and was determined to work with them in some way or other. On qualifying as a vet from the University of Cambridge, she immediately started work in the headquarters of British horseracing, Newmarket. She undertook an internship at Rossdales Equine Hospital before going to work for a private racehorse breeding and training facility for seven years.
On starting a family of her own she returned to Rossdales as a member of the sports and pleasure horse ambulatory team. During her time in practice, Lucy was a member of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Council for ten years, serving as a member of the Equestrian Sports Committee and Chair of the Ethics and Welfare Committee and Equine Obesity Working Group. She was also co-opted onto the Horseracing Betting Levy Board Thoroughbred Research Consultation Group and represented BEVA and its members in many pan-industry settings, speaking at the National Equine Forum and World Horse Welfare Conferences. In 2018 she was elected as Junior Vice President and served as President from 2020-2021.
During her time on the BEVA Board, she was represented BEVA on the Welfare Committee of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA).
In 2022 she left practice to pursue a permanent role at BEVA, as Veterinary Projects Officer. The following year, the FEEVA member associations elected her onto the FEEVA Board, where she now chairs the Pre-Purchase Examination Working Group.
Her passion is improving equine welfare and maximising the positive interaction between horse and human, which drives her work both within the veterinary industry and across the equestrian world.
Sarah Spencer-Williams – Specialist Trustee – Education
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Sarah has been involved in the equestrian industry for many years, bringing a wealth of experience as a competitive rider, coach, and educator to the BHS Board of Trustees. Having worked through all the BHS qualifications, most recently becoming a BHS Fellow, Sarah clearly understands their importance to career development, and most importantly the vital role they play in the welfare of horses through education and knowledge.
Having worked in college education for 25 years, Sarah has both taught and been involved in the development of a variety of equine courses and programs, with a clear understanding of qualification requirements, the role of governing bodies and the impact of changes and development on the equine industry. As an experienced BHS assessor, IQA and Approvals Inspector, Sarah fully understands the role of the BHS in the equine industry.
As a trustee, Sarah will endeavour to work for the society to continue the development of our education system.
Sam Gregory – Generalist Trustee
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Sam joined the BHS as a teenager to take her examinations and hasn’t looked back! Although she’s worked in other industries, she’s always been drawn back to the equestrian world due to her love of horses and desire to promote horse care and welfare.
Sam is a supporter of BHS assessments and how they educate those who care for horses to a high standard. She advocates for the BHS approvals scheme and how it upholds welfare standards in equestrian organisations.
As the listed proprietor at the Equestrian Centre based at Moulton College, she’s aware that the equestrian industry is under significant scrutiny, she would like to be part of the BHS to protect our industry's future.
Nicola Greenwood – Specialist Trustee for Access
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Nicola’s a BHS Senior Accredited Coach in Complete Horsemanship and also holds the UKCC3.
She coaches adults and children at all levels, increasing confidence and competence, while helping them to achieve their individual goals. Nicola has been coaching since 1992 and gives instruction in all disciplines.
Nicola’s a BHS Access and Bridleways Officer covering Wokingham, lobbying the local council for new and improved rights of way throughout the borough. She believes strongly that a UK-wide, cohesive bridleway network is the key to protecting the future of equestrianism.
Sue Griffin – Specialist Trustee for Marketing, Communications and Fundraising
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Sue’s been involved with horses as rider, owner, and sharer for many years, starting as a young rider attending her local riding school. Her main interests are in horse welfare and in bringing young people from atypical backgrounds to riding and into the horse world more generally.
With extensive experience at board level and leadership roles in marketing and communications, covering everything from strategy and brand development to campaigns and channel management, Sue has also worked across technology businesses, financial services, and the public sector. Sue served on the Board of The Donkey Sanctuary, for eleven years as Chair of the Fundraising Committee, the Resources Committee, and latterly as Vice Chair.
Having a lifelong engagement with animals, Sue has demonstrated empathy and commitment for the cause of animal welfare. As a BHS Trustee, her specialist experience and lifelong love and commitment to horses will enable Sue to have a positive impact on the Board and the charity.
Andrew Stennett – Generalist Trustee for Approved Centres
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Andrew Stennett has been a member of the British Horse Society for nearly 40 years and set up his own award-winning British Horse Society Approved Riding Centre, Grove House Stables, over 35 years ago.
He is a qualified coach with particular interest in equine intervention and alternative education. Being Dyslexic, Andrew recognises the power of the horse in personal and community development, having experienced it first hand as a rider, student, apprentice, and Centre Proprietor.
As a BHS Changing Lives Through Horses new centre trainer, Andrew is experienced in working with Centres to maximise their opportunities for their horses, humans, and organisations.
Andrew is passionate about increasing access to engagement with horses and how BHS Approved Centres can overcome some of the barriers and challenges that face riding centres.
Sally McCarthy – Specialist Trustee for Volunteering and Communities
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Sally has been part of BHS for many years, and it has played a big role in shaping her personal and professional journey. She values the opportunity to give back through volunteering, supporting a charity that has an impact on both horses and people.
Having previously served as a BHS Trustee, Sally brings valuable experience and a strong understanding of the organisation. She enjoys connecting with members and volunteers, recognising the vital role they play in creating a supportive and vibrant community.
Sally is passionate about the sense of community that volunteering can bring, and believes everyone should have the chance to experience it. While she recognises there are challenges ahead for the equestrian world, she’s excited about the opportunities too, and is excited to help the Society’s valuable work.
Vicki Hillier – Specialist Trustee for Business (IT, Digital and Projects)
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Horses have been a huge part of Vicki’s life for almost 40 years, and she spends most days with her horse, JoJo.
Over the last 20 years, Vicki has worked in project and programme management in large private and public sector organisations. Throughout her career, she’s delivered and led several major improvement and change programmes to maximise the benefits of technology to improve employee and customer experience.
Vicki’s passionate about using her professional experience and love of horses to help expand the Society’s reach and help connect more people with horses.
Jonathan Hare – Finance Trustee
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Jonathan has recently retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has been an international tax partner with extensive experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, CFOs and senior stakeholders providing independent judgement, constructive challenge and clear insight to support decision making on complex financial and strategic issues. Jonathan has owned horses for many years and is a keen polo player.
