Lucy Katan - Executive Director

Lucy was an international dressage groom for eight years, representing Team GBR. She is the founder of the Equestrian Employers Association 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).

Kerry Brind - communications manager

Kerry caught the horse bug as a little girl and didn’t grow out of it! Starting her career as a groom in Germany, she later moved into communications, working with household brands such as Marks & Spencer, The NHS, SilverCloud Health and BabyCentre. In between cuddling her cat, riding her horse and waiting for the next Burghley to come around, she handles the BGA magazine, social media and all things communications.

CLAIRE DUFFIN - MEMBER ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Claire is a CIPD Associate member with 7 years HR experience in the public sector.

She worked as a groom before studying Law at university and grew up competing in all disciplines through the Pony Club. Claire now focuses on competing her connemara pony Ruby in British Dressage.

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 BGA over 12 years and is delighted to see it going from strength to strength

ZOE HARGREAVES - MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT

Zoe's love of horses began at a young age and after visiting the big four-star events she went on to become a groom for an international event rider. Now she follows from the sidelines but can't resist picking up a brush or a tail bandage at events with friends!

Zoe has a background in marketing and is excited to develop the membership with Fi.

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.”

Chris Hewlett - Chairman

Chris was the founder/owner of Haddon Stud in 1981. The stud specialised in breeding, producing, and training sport horses as well as providing a variety of services which included standing up to seven National Hunt and home bred graded sport horse stallions.

Chris was also responsible for the creation and running of Haddon Training Ltd – one of the UK’s leading equine work-based training providers for nearly 25 years, until its sale in December 2021. Chris’s vision for Haddon Training was originated from a desire to support equestrian employers so they could develop their businesses by having correctly motivated and trained staff.

Louise Crofts - Board Secretary

Lucy Field-Richards - Financial Director

Lucy is a Chartered Accountant and Financial Adviser with years of experience in leadership roles for large organisations and also starting and developing small businesses.

She has ridden for international event riders part-time whilst managing a busy career in finance. She is delighted to be taking on this role to combine all of her skills/industry experience to help grow the EEA/BGA and best support its members.   

Ali Dane - Employers 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.

Hannah Baldwin - Digital Director

Hannah has over 25 years experience in strategic marketing within scholarly & scientific professional bodies, communicating with a broad and diverse range of audiences, and specialising in digital approaches and engagement.

Hannah is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Jimmy’s Cambridge supporting the homeless community. She rides regularly and has a particular interest in equine assisted therapy. 

Orla Dempsey - Business Director

Orla is a seasoned business professional with over 25 years of experience in the equine industry. She excels in business growth and strategic marketing management. 

As the owner of an Equestrian Holiday Centre in Ireland, she is renowned for her exceptional service and commitment to industry leadership. With a track record of empowering hundreds of small businesses, Orla is dedicated to advancing the equestrian industry's recognition as a hub of growth and success. Orla enjoys nothing more than supporting businesses to set exemplary standards of best practice and care for their team, building a balanced working life for all, and enabling the industry to be recognised as a magnificent career choice.

Tina SamsON - People DIrector 

Tina is an experienced HR professional, working for a number of major brands during her career. She has a passion for mental health education and is a qualified MHFA instructor.

She also has a strong passion for horses and the equestrian industry, having owned horses most of her life. She shares her love of horses with her daughter, who now works as a professional groom.

Becky Diamond - Education Director

Rebecca had an active career as a rider, groom and producer of young horses for all disciplines, before progressing into teaching and training. After a career break to raise a family, this led into lecturing at FE and HE level for the equine department of an agricultural college. This progressed into Directorship of Education for apprenticeship training at KEITS Training. Now retired but maintaining a Governance Role, with a passion for education and development of careers for all.

Claire Williams - Insight and Integrity Director

Claire is the Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). Alongside her BETA work she also sits as a director on the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority, the Equine Fitters Council and British Horse Council.

In her free time she rides her two horses as often as time allows and is also keen on walking, home preserving and photography. .

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