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).

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 BGA.

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

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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.

Chris Hewlett - Chairman

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

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 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.

Rebecca Diamond - Education Director 

Coming soon...

SAM Dempsey - IT Director 

Coming soon...