Shaping our future and theirs

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patricia is the proud proprietor of Divoky Riding School. Starting out as a 40-box livery yard as part of a farm diversification, Divoky expanded in 2004 into a BHS Approved Riding School, graded as Highly Commended in all aspects of their work.

Patricia is a BHS Accredited Professional and Coaching4All Coach, delivering the Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) programme to young people across four District Councils. Patricia has used CLTH to support students’ progress, and for this work, she was recognised with the BHS Helen Barton Smith Silver Stirrup Award in 2019 for meritorious work in support of young riders.

As a BHS Trustee, Patricia hopes to use her knowledge and experience for the benefit of livery yards and riding schools, their horses and staff, and the wider public who benefit from access to these special places. To support the BHS in expanding its influence within the equestrian industry, bringing more Centres under the BHS umbrella to make them sustainable for the future, promoting the health and welfare of horses and people. And to help bring high standards in horse care and riding education to more people from all back grounds, ages, and abilities.