Coach Convention 2025

Tim began riding as a child and left school at 16 to lead pony treks in the Black Mountains before training at a local stable and gaining his BHSAI. In 1980, he started Ingestre Stables, moving there in 1982 with Rob Lovatt. In the early years, Tim earned his BHSII, competed in multiple disciplines and restored Ingestre’s long derelict buildings. Mentored by Sandra Pearson Adams, Stephen Clarke and Lady Joicey, he produced his first advanced horse, Shamrock, bought in Germany as a four-year-old.

Ingestre became a BHS examination centre in 1984, one of the first independent venues for BHSI assessments. By 1990, he’d achieved his BHSI and became a listed dressage judge; in 1995, Tim gained his Fellowship and became an FEI eventing judge. Later milestones include becoming a List 1 judge (2012), Tutor Judge (2013) and receiving the BHS Trainers Award (2013).

Today, Tim coaches, rides, competes and judges internationally. His passion is watching students — human and equine — develop and succeed. Beyond equestrian life, he’s devoted to musical theatre, having performed in and directed over 50 shows, including a decade of outdoor productions in Ingestre’s courtyard.

As a rider, Simon has competed regularly at top level in eventing for the past 15 years. He has contested 18 5* events (Burghley, Badminton and Pau) as well as winning just shy of 100 national events. In addition, he competes internationally in showjumping and is a consistent winner at 1.40 level nationally.

He enjoys helping riders of all levels, from grassroots right up to Advanced, coaching at his base at Field Farm in Leicestershire, as well as at the renowned Vale View Equestrian, a couple of times a month. Simon also coaches in Cornwall, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Scotland throughout the year.

Simon presents for Horse and Country TV and has presented numerous programmes, but is equally at home hosting live events, such as at the Saddle Research Trust Conference. Simon is also a keen writer, working for numerous publications, including Horse and Hound and Your Horse Magazines.

From a non-horsey family in Kenya to becoming one of Britain’s leading dressage figures, Judy Harvey’s journey is a story of dedication and perseverance. Starting out on a just-backed Anglo-Arab (and falling off a lot!), Judy went on to showjumping, eventing and racing before training with Barbara Slane Fleming, who mentored her through the BHS Fellowship.

Her career has spanned roles from Hunter groom and Riding School Manager to international dressage trainer, rider and judge. Judy has won multiple national titles, competed successfully at Grand Prix and trained riders who went on to represent their countries. She’s also shared her knowledge as a BBC and Horse & Country commentator and now serves as BD International Director, guiding the future of Team GB Dressage.

Her passions include inspiring young riders, developing horses’ potential and supporting GB’s global dressage success.

Pammy Hutton FBHS is one of Britain’s most respected trainers, riders and equestrian educators, renowned for her sharp wit, deep knowledge and lifelong commitment to horses and people. Her career has spanned disciplines, and she takes pride in coaching, whether it’s Olympic gold medal event teams or grassroots achieving their first rosettes. Passionate about riding schools, Pammy — alongside Tim Downes FBHS — helped raise over £250,000 during Covid to keep schools open. She remains dedicated to encouraging the next generation of Fellows.

“I always wanted to take my Fellowship and had a rocky ride to get there — I sort of passed on the third attempt! The Fellowship is a pathway and, in all honesty, the best in the world. I’m, of course, still growing, and like us all, still learning.”

Alongside her husband Brian, Pammy treasures family life and takes inspiration from her children, Charlie and Pippa Hutton, both international dressage riders. Away from the yard, she enjoys art, music and cooking — but her overriding passion remains simple: time with her horses. “Always, always aim high. Horses keep me humble, keep me learning and keep me inspired. My inheritance lives within me every day — I’m proud to be the third generation of an equestrian family, and to all my family, past and present: thank you.”

Rob started his career with horses, running a small livery yard alongside managing a large restaurant and pub. In 1982, he joined forces with Tim Downes, and together they started Ingestre Stables in Staffordshire. During the eighties and nineties, he progressed through the BHS system, gaining the Fellowship in 2001. 

During that time, he competed with “Condor” to Advanced, a four-year-old horse he bought in Holland. Rob also bred and produced a number of horses that went on to become leading police horses and competition horses, some of whom were exported to Europe, USA and Asia. In 2005, he was made a Fellow of Myerscough University for his services to equine students.

Rob’s passion has always been young horses. He believes that if a horse gets the best start, both physically and mentally, then they can go on in life confidently. He’s a chief Assessor for the BHS and spends his days coaching both professional equestrians and competition riders. His other passion is holiday travel; he enjoys visiting new places to refresh and reflect.

Sarah grew up in West Wales, where her passion for eventing began. At 16, she became a working pupil at Waterstock, taking with her a very green horse, who she went on to contest at Young Rider level. After achieving her BHSAI and BHSII, Sarah returned to West Wales to run her own yard. In 1993, she became a BHS assessor. 

In 1994, Sarah joined Usk College to lead and develop its Equine Centre into a BHS training and assessment centre, which became the first one in Wales to run up to Stage 4. She also evented successfully, including winning the Welsh Championships and producing horses to Advanced level. Sarah became a BE-accredited coach in 2006 and later a BE Under-18 Regional Coach for Wales. She’s now a senior BHS assessor, IQA, approvals inspector and sits on the Education advisory group.

Her international coaching and assessment experience includes work in the USA, Ireland, Italy, China and Hong Kong. She believes that high-quality equestrian education is key to horse welfare and continues to support people through the BHS system. In her new role as BHS Education Trustee, she looks forward to contributing to the future of inclusive, horse-centred education.

Zach, clients horse, around 11 years

Due to his past, Zach is often rather tense or over bent. Because of an old injury, he tends to be crooked, stuck in quarters on the right rein when he’s doing work and his canter is bouncy, like a caterpillar on roller skates! 

Maddison wants to work towards getting his canter consistent in the rhythm and keeping it moveable. He’s a very tense horse so he can struggle to relax over his back and work through to the end of the rein in the canter.

Madison has previously ridden for an M&M showing yard and she now has her own horse who she hopes to event in the future. 

Tom is a 5-year-old warmblood cross Thoroughbred.

Tom was bought earlier in the year. Emma gave him a couple of weeks to settle into his new home, then started him back on the long reins as he had a very spooky outlook to life... not sure what he’ll think to an indoor arena full of BHS coaches!

Emma uses transitions from pace to pace and within the pace, but she feels as though she’s working harder than he is. 

She’s a Stage 4 Senior Coach, holds her Pony Club A test and has previously competed. She’s also a mother of three teenage girls who take part in their own Pony Club activities. Nowadays, she spends more time being a groom, lorry driver and peacekeeper!

Steph and Beau

Steph is 56 years old, and her lovely horse Beau is 19 years young. They’ve been together for two years. He was owned by an international Grand Prix rider, but when competing, Beau would show signs of stress. 

Beau can feel quite laterally “stiff” and more recently he’s found the half passes, engagement in canter and straightness more difficult. Steph’s goal is to get a clear round at GP — or in any test! They train well at home, but it all goes a bit wrong in the competition environment. 

Steph hopes to inspire others to never give up. Beau has made her a much more curious rider and coach! 

Di is a 50-year-old Grade 5 para rider who came back to riding after 20 years. She had an accident in 2011 (not related to horses) and after a few years of not being able to walk, she started riding again.

Winnie is a ten-year-old Irish cob, she’s improving but they still struggle with balance and collection in the canter and medium trot isn’t coming — she needs to sit back and keep off her forehand. She can also be quite strong — she’s powerful for a 15.2hh. Goals for Winnie are competing at para intermediate test and a one-day event next year. 

Demonstrating during this Career Development session with Tim Downes:

• Cara Dobbins - Stage 4, training for BHSI
• Zara Kelly - Training for Stage 4 coach and BHSI ride
• Emily Willard - Stage 4 ride
• Bethan Schievink-Smith - Complete Stage 3, Stage 4 ride, lunge and care
• Enzo Langevin - Passed Stage 3 ride and lunge apart from XC
• Jade Ng - Competing at elementary.

Bobbi is 11 years old and has just finished her first season of BE 80 riding Snowstorm (Snowy), who she rides today.  They have had 7 top 10 finishes and were 5th at Frickley Park International 3DE. Bobbi is a member of Cheshire Hunt South and has represented the branch all three disciplines at regional championships.

Snowy is 23 years young and has 56 BE foundation points. He has been owned by Bobbi’s family for seven years and Bobbi is his third rider from the family. There is nothing this pony hasn’t done or won!

Bobbi is a BE Wales and West Midlands youth rider, and this year successfully represented the region as a team member at the 80 regional championships.

Woody is 14 years old. Today he rides Juggler who he has had two seasons with at 90 and has stepped up to 100 this Autumn.  Together they have had 10 top 10 finishes this season including 5th place at Frickley Park International 3DE. Woody is a member of Cheshire Hunt South pony club and has his C+ test.

Juggler is 14 years old. He has competed up to 2* with his previous family.

Woody and Juggler have represented the branch in show jumping and eventing at the JCB National PC championship including an individual win in the 90cm eventing championship.

Woody is a BE Wales and West Midlands youth rider and this year successfully represented the region as a team member at the 90 regional championships.

Pippa has just turned 12, and she’s an active member of Cheshire Hunt South Pony Club and has passed her D + test.  Pippa has competed at BE 90cm and represented her pony club at eventing, show jumping, arena eventing, dressage and Tetrathlon! She has also represented Wales and Borders for Tetrathlon. Her 14.2h is currently out of action so she is riding her Mum’s / older sister’s horse Storm.

Today Pippa rides Storm, who is aged 16 and has evented to 2* but has been doing Pony Club over the past few years. Pippa BE evented her at 80cm this season.

Pippa is a BE Wales and West Midlands youth rider, and this year successfully represented the region as a team member at the 90 regional championships.

• ‘5* winner at Luhmuhlen 2007. 
• British open champion 3 times.
• Placings at Badminton and Burghley.
• On the list for Beijing and London Olympics.
• Six National Dressage titles as well as placings in the Grand Prix at the National Championships.  
• She has trained with Judy for 33 years.

• Rubali is a 15-year-old warmblood.
• She's a homebred mare whom I have been riding and training for the past five years for her owner Lynn Mapstone. 
• Rubali started her dressage journey a little later in life when I started riding her at 12. She is a spooky mare which has been our challenge in our journey.
• We have been to the Nationals at both Elementary and Medium.
• Placing 4th at the Nationals at Medium.
• I am from an eventing background. So, I'm able to bring that side of the training to the dressage horses. 
• In the last few years, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to train young dressage horses which has led me down the dressage path more, which I'm really enjoying.

Emma and Rubali

Abi Boulton will also be a demo rider in session 4.

Barney is a 17.3hh, 13-year-old gelding owned by Karen and Graham Brooks. He’s been with Orla for two years and during that time they’ve progressed from BE100 to intermediate. He’s a very big horse and a very brave jumper so cross country is by far his favourite phase! 

Orla is 23, and events at an amateur level alongside studying dentistry at the University of Manchester. She’s been around horses for as long as she can remember; although growing up, she was more interested in showing than jumping, but nowadays she’s very firmly an eventer! 

Charlie Unwin is a leading performance psychologist who’s trained and supported multiple European, World and Olympic Champions both in equestrian sport and beyond. With a keen interest in psychophysiology, Charlie’s techniques include focus enhancement, stress tolerance and visualization practices, all designed to fortify the rider's inner game and transform potential into real world success. 

He co-founded Centre10, designed to train and support equestrian coaches in applying the principles of good psychology into their coaching — helping them to develop the person as well as the rider. They also support coaches in growing their brand and running a business with purpose and meaning. Over 250 coaches have now completed the Centre10 Advanced Programme. 

Charlie believes that, to excel, riders must consider themselves as athletes. His work revolves around constructing a robust psychological framework for riders, enabling them to maintain composure, confidence and focus while managing the day-to-day demands of the sport. Charlie helps riders to pursue a relentless consistency in their approach to training and competition. 

Charlie Unwin, Centre10

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Gillian Higgins will be bringing a selection of anatomical models from the Horses Inside Out exhibition to the BHS Coaches Convention, giving coaches the opportunity to explore what goes on beneath the horse’s skin — Horses Inside Out style! Attendees can get hands-on with anatomy, test their knowledge of the skeleton and bones and chat with Gillian about all things equine.

 Gillian Higgins, Horse Inside Out