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ABRS+ Conference announces international Grand Prix rider Lewis Carrier as keynote speaker

Friday, 09 October 2026

This year's ABRS+ conference will be opened by international Grand Prix dressage rider Lewis Carrier, who began his riding career at a riding school.

His own journey provides a powerful example of the role riding schools can play in introducing people to horses, developing talent and providing the foundations for future careers and sporting success. His keynote will explore his journey through the equestrian world and the importance of opportunities for people to develop their skills, confidence and ambitions within the sport.

Taking place on Monday 2 November at Arena UK, near Grantham, the 2026 ABRS+ Conference, Thriving Together: Horses, People and Business, will bring together riding school proprietors, managers, coaches, industry representatives and supporters of grassroots equestrianism.

Since 1954, ABRS+ has been the voice of riding school proprietors and managers, working to strengthen the sector and champion the businesses that introduce new people to horses and equestrian sport every day.

Putting horse welfare at the heart of riding schools

A major focus of this year’s conference will be the Equicentric Futures Project, funded by British Equestrian and Sport England.

The groundbreaking project aims to improve horse welfare in riding schools by developing practical tools, guidance and support to help centres put the needs of the horse at the heart of their daily operations, while also supporting the sector’s social licence to operate.

The conference will hear directly from riding schools involved in the project, sharing the findings and exploring how they can be applied within real-world riding school businesses.

Horse Scotland's Dr Sonya Campbell-Perry will also be discussing their development Pathway where they have started using a more holistic and collaborative approach to help equine partnerships thrive. 

The event will also showcase British Equestrian’s plans to lobby Government on issues affecting riding schools, including protecting existing equestrian sites from housing developments, ensuring equestrian facilities are considered within new developments, greater recognition of horses in education and addressing the impact of business rates.

Supporting the people behind riding schools

Alongside horse welfare and the future of the sector, Thriving Together will recognise the people behind riding schools.

Proprietors and managers are facing increasing pressures as they balance horse care, customer expectations, staffing, regulation and business sustainability.

The conference will provide an opportunity for the sector to come together, share experiences, learn from each other and explore practical ways to build a stronger and more sustainable future for riding schools.

Strong industry support

Interest in the conference has already been strong, with all sponsorship opportunities now sold. ABRS+ is still seeking partners to provide prizes for the conference raffle.

The strong level of sponsorship demonstrates the growing interest from the wider equestrian industry in supporting the grassroots businesses that provide a gateway into riding and equestrian sport.

ABRS+ would like to thank Ravenhall Risk Solutions, CBA Services, BETA, Lingfield Equine Distance Learning, Lite My Ride, Exclusiva Equine Agents, Sorbeo Equine Bedding, Medi-K Training, Equine Bio Genie, Influential Management Group, Aria Grace Equine Law and The Round Pen Company for their support.

ABRS+ Development Manager Anne Clarke said: “Riding schools are not simply businesses providing riding lessons. They are the gateway through which many people discover horses, develop life skills and find their place within equestrian sport. We want this conference to help riding schools become as strong, resilient and successful as they can be, so they can continue to play that vital role in the future of equestrianism.”

Conference tickets

Conference tickets are still available £70.  If you follow Lewis Carrier look out for his 10% discount code on his socials.

For those travelling to the conference, ABRS+ will also be hosting an informal pre-conference dinner on Sunday 1 November.

Full details of the conference, programme and ticket bookings can be found at: www.abrs-info.org