News

CELEBRATING GOOD EMPLOYMENT Centre spotlight - Howden Equestrian Centre

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Howden Equestrian Centre pride themselves in maintaining high standards, especially when it comes to staff and equine welfare.

Jenna Whitaker, Yard and Office Manager at Howden spoke to us about what good employment means to them, “All of our staff are irreplaceable and valued members of our team, who genuinely care about the horses and customers.

“We value all their hard work and dedication. We would not be the business we are without each and every one of them!” The British Horse Society and ABRS+ approved centre provides an inclusive community for those at all stages of their equestrian journey.

The importance of good employment

Why do you think it’s important for all equestrian centres to look after their employees?

Good staff are hard to find, so it’s very important to look after the staff who look after us!

Without good staff, there is no business!

How would you define 'good employment' in your own words?

Good employment to us is showing employees that they are valued and appreciated!

The days are long and often cold, so staff must feel part of the team, and invested in the horses and the business.

We treat staff with respect and thank them for everything they do – it could be a quick well done or bringing in some treats to have at lunch.

 “I feel respected and valued and have a very positive experience of working here. Positive relationships are actively promoted, and we are encouraged to share any areas of concern, to help us improve both individually and as a team.”  Catherine Jewsbury, Coach at Howden.

Centre approach

What is it about your centre or its culture that helps employees feel valued and want to stay?

A business milestone or achievement is celebrated by the whole staff as a team. Staff who are invested in the business, feel a sense of achievement when the business does well, which is fantastic!

When budgets allow, we try to do trips, to places such as the Great Yorkshire Show, or smaller tokens of appreciation such as brownies, or pizza!

“Having worked on other yards, where pay and conditions were not good, it makes a big difference to how I feel about myself and my job, to be on a yard where I feel really appreciated.” Rachel Hornsby, Groom at Howden.

How do you support development and recognise achievements for your team?

 We look for potential in students and nurture their training and development in-house with qualifications through the BHS. Recruiting from within our centre means they are already familiar with our business and training ethos.

We value developing education at all levels, we encourage all staff to attend training sessions to improve their skills. All our staff have BHS qualifications and we encourage them to go as far as they feel comfortable to do so. We are firm believers that you never stop learning.

Howden’s top tips

• Support staff development with training days — you never stop learning!

• Set regular meetings to plan and discuss goals and events – ensure everyone feels involved.

• Celebrate business milestones and achievements with the whole team.

• Ensure you’re always aware of any changes in employment law – British Grooms Association and Equestrian Employers Association give handy updates!

• Take the time to listen and chat with your team so they feel they can come to you with any problems.

“We’re proud of how well our team works together, supporting each other, developing long term relationships and encouraging each other to achieve their goals.

We are also very proud of how much our staff care about maintaining high welfare standards and genuinely care for every horse as an individual on the yard. We don’t have a high turnover of staff, which means each staff member knows each and every horse individually. They also develop relationships with the customers who enjoy having a chat each week.”

The Equestrian Employers Association is raising awareness of the importance of employing legally, fairly, and kindly. Be the change, and help to make the equestrian industry a place of only Good Employment.