Meet The EEA Team

Lucy Katan - Chief Executive

Lucy was an international dressage groom for eight years, representing Team GBR. She is the founder of the EEA and British Grooms Association (BGA) and runs the office and coordinates all developments.

She previously worked at the Sport and Recreation Alliance, UK Anti Doping, and at LOCOG (the Organising Committee of London 2012 Olympics).

Chris Hewlett - Board Chairman

Chris is the founder and former Managing Director of Haddon Training - one of the leading equine works based training providers in the country, and the preferred and endorsed choice by the two BEF Olympic disciplines.

Tullis Matson - President

Tullis Matson is the founder and Managing Director of Stallion AI Services. "As an equestrian employer with a current headcount of 27 employees, I understand the challenges facing employers and the importance of good staff retention. I believe in creating a happy working environment that nurtures talent and allows the individuals to reach their full potential.

Through my support of the Equestrian Employers Association, I hope to be able to share the message across our industry that creating a rewarding and encouraging environment for employees, not to mention a safe and legally compliant one, is essential to business success.”

Juliet Hamlyn-payne - communications manager

Based within the beautiful countryside of Devon, Juliet grew up with horses as part of her daily life and started her career within the equestrian industry with an apprenticeship. Juliet went on to groom for private families and later freelance as an Enlightened Equitation Teacher. 

Over the years Juliet has also had a successful career within administration and marketing, finally combining her skills and passion together, to proudly work for the EEA. 

Fi Boughton - Membership Manager

Fi has worked with horses since leaving school in a wide variety of yards including with Lucinda Fredericks and Pippa Funnell as well as in racing, showing and veterinary convalescence.

She rides and competes herself as well as volunteering with British Eventing. She has been with the EEA since it was formed and is delighted to see it going from strength to stength.

Vicky James - EEA Membership Engagement COORDINATOR

Vicky's professional life has been spent in roles supporting businesses with a range of employment and HR matters. As such, she brings a wealth of experience to the EEA as our dedicated Membership Coordinator. 
Horses have always been part of Vicky's life in one way or another! 

Charlotte de Metz - Non executive director

Charlotte has a strong track record in delivering innovative employee development, engagement, and retention practices. She brings a wealth of HR experience to the organisation. 

Charlotte's passion is dressage and competes at an amateur level with her dressage horse; Hawai. Horses from a young age have always been part of Charlotte’s life.

Michelle Wells - Non executive director

Michelle has over fifteen years of experience in developing and implementing marketing strategies for international businesses. She loves to blend both the art and the science of marketing, to help organisations achieve their objectives and she’s delighted to be working with the EEA.

She adores equestrian sports and over the years has enjoyed hunting, showjumping and riding out racehorses. Most recently, she has joined BD and is learning the ropes of dressage with her horse, Wibble.

Ali Dane - NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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 turnover 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.