YardWise 2025 – The Countdown Begins

With only a couple of weeks to go, the equestrian industry is gearing up for a landmark event.

On Wednesday 19 November 2025, yard owners, riding schools and equestrian centre managers will gather at Trident College in Royal Leamington Spa for YardWise 2025 — a one-day business, networking and professional-development event designed specifically for the people who keep yards and equine facilities running.

Leading the employment-and-workforce strand of the event, Lucy Katan MBE, Executive Director of the EEA, will deliver a key talk on the day, drawing on her extensive background in equestrian employment and industry leadership.

Meanwhile, the EEA’s HR expert, Claire Duffin, will be on-site throughout, offering one-to-one guidance and support on employment best practice, contracts, staff management and compliance issues.

Why this event matters now

Running an equestrian facility has never been more complex. Businesses such as livery yards and riding schools face mounting demands—whether in welfare, health & safety, employment law, sustainability or financial viability. YardWise is designed to bring these threads together in a hands-on format: expert talks, round-table workshops, practical sessions, and peer networking.

For owners and managers keen to stay ahead, the presence of Lucy Katan MBE and Claire Duffin offers a uniquely tailored opportunity. Lucy’s background includes international dressage grooming and founding the EEA and associated organisations. Claire brings HR experience and a practical equestrian background—meaning the content is grounded in the everyday realities of running a yard.

What to expect from the session

Attendees can look forward to:

• Lucy Katan MBE’s presentation on the evolving employment and compliance landscape for equestrian employers — looking at contracts, staff retention, recruitment and emerging legal/regulatory issues.
• Claire Duffin’s clinic-style drop-in sessions, giving yard owners a chance to ask questions about staff handbooks, employment status, flexible working, managing absence or disputes.
• Networking opportunities with peers facing similar challenges across the sector, plus access to other specialist topics such as welfare, bio-security, facility-planning and business development.

Last-minute tips for attendees

• Spaces are limited: Given the interactive format and small-group workshops, early registration is strongly advised.
• Come prepared: The event encourages participants to bring “pain-points” or questions specific to their yard business so that sessions can be focused and immediately beneficial.
• Employment compliance is a strong focus: Whether you’re a large facility or a smaller boutique yard, the employment dimension is now an essential part of running a modern equestrian business — don’t miss the chance to engage with the EEA team.

Yardwise takes place on November 19 from 10am – 5pm at Warwick Trident College, Leamington Spa, CV34 6SW

Register for your tickets now.