Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Steph
Stephanie Buchanan
Yard Manager & Performance Coach BHSI

Steph is a highly respected figure within the British Eventing community, known for her expertise as an eventing organiser, pony club examiner, and coach. With a deep passion for the sport, she is particularly dedicated to training competition horses and supporting career-driven students who are eager to progress within the equine industry. Over the years, Steph has become a trusted coach for many young event combinations, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and discipline needed to excel in eventing. Her coaching style emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships between horse and rider, and she is committed to nurturing talent at every level.

In addition to her work with young event riders, Steph is the proud owner of the event horse Urlingford Tom (known as Joey), a horse she has trained and competed with herself. This hands-on experience with her own competition horse allows her to bring valuable insights to her coaching, as she understands firsthand the demands of preparing a horse for the rigors of eventing.

Steph is also the Lead Coach for the Changing Lives Through Horses British Horse Society (BHS) programme, where she has made a significant impact on the lives of young adults. Her work with this programme is driven by her enthusiasm to make a difference by using horses as a vehicle for personal growth, mental well-being, and empowerment. She firmly believes in the transformative power of the equine-human connection and is dedicated to helping young people navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop resilience through their interactions with horses.

In 2022, Steph's exceptional commitment to young people and her innovative coaching techniques were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Coach of the Year title by the British Horse Society for her work with the Changing Lives Through Horses programme. This recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her students' personal and emotional development. Additionally, Steph was nominated and became one of the top three finalists at the UK Coaching Awards in the Change a Life category, supported by Sport England. This accolade further underscores her impact on the lives of those she works with, particularly in helping them grow both as riders and as individuals.

Steph's approach to coaching extends beyond technical skill development. She is deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of her students, understanding that the equestrian journey is as much about personal development as it is about riding. Through her work, Steph continues to inspire, mentor, and empower the next generation of equestrians, making a lasting difference in their lives both inside and outside of the arena.

RAC-Saddle-Club-Sue
Sue Cobb
Accounts & HR

Sue’s journey with the Saddle Club began in 1995 when she first became involved as a livery and rider. Her love of horses, coupled with the welcoming, friendly atmosphere of the Club, made it a perfect fit for her from the start. Over the years, Sue’s connection with the Club grew, and what began as a personal passion for riding and caring for horses soon evolved into a professional commitment.

With her deep affection for the equestrian community and the unique, supportive environment at the Saddle Club, Sue found herself drawn more and more into the day-to-day workings of the Club. In 2003, it was a natural progression for her to take on a more formal role within the organisation, and she began working as the Office Manager. In this role, Sue brought her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and love for the Club’s ethos into her work, helping to ensure the smooth running of the Club and supporting both members and staff.

As Office Manager, Sue became a central figure in the day-to-day operations, handling everything from member communications and administrative tasks to coordinating events and managing Club resources. Her dedication to the Club and its members, as well as her passion for horses, made her a beloved and trusted presence within the organisation. She has seen the Club grow and evolve over the years, and has played an integral part in helping maintain its friendly, community-focused spirit.

Sue's long-standing association with the Saddle Club has not only allowed her to build strong relationships with riders, families, and staff but has also deepened her knowledge and love for the equestrian world. Her contributions to the Club over the past two decades have been invaluable, and she continues to be a vital part of its success.

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Holly Laurence
BHS Q Level 4 Senior Coach

Holly is deeply passionate about horses and brings a wealth of experience to everything she does within the equestrian world. She has dedicated much of her life to training riders of all ages and abilities, helping them achieve their personal goals and improve their horsemanship skills. Whether working with beginners or more advanced riders, Holly takes great joy in seeing her clients progress and build confidence both in and out of the saddle.

In addition to her one-on-one coaching, Holly works with young eventers, providing guidance and training as they prepare for competitions. She is particularly skilled at helping aspiring event riders navigate the challenges of the sport, ensuring they have the skills, mindset, and preparation needed to succeed in the competitive arena. Holly’s expertise spans all aspects of eventing, from flatwork and jumping to cross-country, and she has a special focus on creating well-rounded, confident horses and riders.

Holly is also a dedicated coach for the CLTH (Competitive Equestrian Leadership and Training Hub) program, where she works closely with young people, fostering both their riding abilities and leadership skills. This program allows her to connect with the next generation of equestrians, passing on her knowledge and passion for the sport.

With a broad and diverse background in the horse industry, Holly has worked in various facets, from training and competition to horse management and event organization. Her hands-on experience allows her to offer invaluable insights and mentorship to riders and professionals alike.

Currently on maternity leave, Holly is taking time to focus on her growing family, but she remains involved in the equestrian world and is eagerly looking forward to returning to coaching and competition. Looking ahead, Holly plans to resume her training with her horse, Peaches, and is excited about the opportunity to compete in British Eventing once she is back.

RAC-Saddle-Club-Paul
Paul Warwick
BHS AI Stage 4 Care in Horsemanship

Paul has been an integral part of the team for many years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of all aspects of horsemanship. Over the years, Paul has worked with a wide variety of horses, handling everything from corrective groundwork to producing and schooling young horses, all the way through to training and preparing competition horses. His versatility and skill set make him an invaluable asset to the team, as he is able to approach each horse with the right level of care, patience, and expertise to help them reach their full potential.

Throughout his career, Paul has successfully produced and competed a number of horses, demonstrating not only his exceptional training abilities but also his deep understanding of the competition world. His dedication to every aspect of training is clear, as he takes pride in developing horses at all levels, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident for whatever challenges lie ahead.

In addition to his hands-on work with horses, Paul has also expanded his skills by working alongside a member of the Horse Sense team. Through this collaboration, Paul has gained experience and insight into equine-assisted learning, further enhancing his ability to work with both horses and people. He has also trained as a coach for the Changing Lives Through Horses programme with the British Horse Society (BHS), where he plays a key role in helping individuals develop their skills and confidence through interaction with horses.

Paul is passionate about working with the next generation of equine professionals and takes great pride in guiding and mentoring young people who are looking to enter the horse industry. Whether it's training young riders, developing aspiring trainers, or sharing his knowledge with others, Paul is dedicated to passing on his expertise and ensuring the future of the equine world is in good hands. His passion for education, coupled with his extensive practical experience, makes him an inspiring and respected figure in the industry.

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Molly Swain
Rider/Groom - BHS Stage 3 Complete

Molly has a long-standing connection with the yard, having started as a Pony Club member. Her time in the Pony Club laid a solid foundation for her equestrian career, where she developed her skills in riding, horse care, and competition. Over the years, Molly has grown into a highly skilled and accomplished rider, achieving considerable success in a variety of disciplines.

In recent years, Molly has had an incredibly successful run in competition, demonstrating both her talent and dedication. She trains, hunts, and competes livery horses for their owners, taking on horses at all levels—from young, green horses to more experienced competitors in BE100 events. Her ability to bring out the best in every horse she rides has made her a valued and trusted rider for many owners. One of Molly's standout achievements came in 2021, when she qualified for the prestigious Badminton Grass Roots on Teddy, a livery horse. This accomplishment was a testament to her hard work, skill, and ability to compete at a high level.

In addition to her competitive achievements, Molly continues to focus on her professional development. She is currently working towards her BHS Stage 4, a goal that will further enhance her technical knowledge and qualifications within the equine industry. Molly's commitment to both her riding and her professional growth, combined with her extensive experience working with horses at all levels, positions her as a talented and dedicated equestrian with a bright future ahead.

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Harriet White
BHS Stage 3 Complete

Harriet has been a part of the yard since she was just 8 years old, initially joining as a Pony Club member. From a young age, her passion for horses and dedication to learning was clear, and she quickly became an active member of the Pony Club, where she began to build the foundation for her future career in the equine industry.

At 16, Harriet began working at RAC Saddle Club, where she has now been for 5 years. Over this time, she has gained invaluable experience in horse care, riding, and management, all while continuing her own personal and professional development. Harriet has already achieved her BHS Stage 3 Complete, demonstrating a high level of competence and skill in the equine industry, and she is now working towards her BHS Stage 4, which will further enhance her technical knowledge and expertise.

In addition to her training and work at the yard, Harriet has actively competed her horse, Todd, up to BE100 level, showcasing her ability in eventing. She has also participated in various Pony Club events, including Championships, where she has demonstrated not only her riding skill but her dedication to competition and the sport.

Looking ahead, Harriet plans to purchase a youngster to bring on and develop through the levels. Her ambition to progress and her commitment to her equine goals make Harriet a dedicated and driven rider with a bright future in the industry.

RAC-Saddle-Club-Jess
Jess Bardsley
BHS Stage 3 Care & Lunge

Jess has been a familiar face at the yard for many years, having first joined as a Pony Club member at a young age. Her early involvement in Pony Club allowed her to develop a strong foundation in equine care, riding, and competition, which sparked her passion for the sport. Over the years, Jess has continued to build on this foundation, gaining valuable experience and knowledge in all aspects of horse management and riding.

In addition to her experience at the yard, Jess is the proud owner of her own horse, Delboy. Owning her own horse has allowed her to take on greater responsibility, developing a deeper understanding of horse care and training, as well as strengthening the bond between rider and horse. Jess has actively competed in a variety of unaffiliated competitions, where she has honed her riding skills and gained confidence in the competition arena. She has also competed in British Eventing, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport at a more advanced level.

Looking to the future, Jess is eager to continue her equestrian journey and hopes to purchase another horse soon. She is determined to progress further in eventing and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Jess's dedication to both her riding and her personal development, combined with her experience and ambition, make her a promising rider with a bright future in the equine industry.

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Sophie Robertson
BHS Stage 1 Complete

Sophie has had a deep passion for horses from a young age, and this love for equines has shaped much of her journey. She first became involved with horses through Pony Club, where she gained initial experience and developed her skills. As her interest grew, Sophie took the next step by purchasing her first horse, Grace, and becoming a livery at the yard. This experience allowed Sophie to build a strong, hands-on understanding of horse ownership and care.

Sophie later joined the team as an apprentice, where she has continued to grow and develop in her equine career. She successfully completed her BHS Stage 1, laying a solid foundation in her equine knowledge, and is now working towards achieving her BHS Stage 2. In addition to her practical training, Sophie is also enrolled with Keits Training Provider, where she is working towards her NVQ Equine Groom qualification at Level 2. Sophie’s dedication to both her personal development and her love of horses makes her a committed and promising member of the team, with a bright future in the equine industry.

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Poppie Rogers
BHS Stage 1 Complete

Poppie is an apprentice at RAC Saddle Club, but her connection to the yard goes back many years. She first became involved with the club as a Pony Club member, where she developed her passion for horses and honed her riding and care skills. Over the years, Poppie has also had the opportunity to loan yard ponies, which further deepened her experience in horse management and care.

In addition to her practical experience, Poppie has competed in a variety of unaffiliated competitions, where she gained valuable experience in both riding and event management. Her commitment to developing her equine skills is evident, as she has already completed her BHS Stage 1, laying the groundwork for her future growth in the equine industry. Poppie is now focused on achieving her BHS Stage 2 qualification, which will further build on her technical knowledge and expertise.

Through her training provider, Keits, she is also working towards her NVQ Equine Groom, Level 2, where she continues to develop her skills in horse care and management. Poppie's dedication to both her apprenticeship and her ongoing learning makes her a promising young equine professional with a bright future ahead.

RAC Saddle Club Staff Photos (1)
Jess Munro
BHS Stage 1 Complete

Jess is currently an apprentice at the club, undertaking her training with Keits Training Provider. Prior to joining the team, she gained valuable experience working as Saturday Staff and riding with the RAC Saddle Club, where she developed a strong foundation in equine care and riding skills. Jess has successfully completed Stage 1 of her training, demonstrating her commitment and ability in the equine industry. She is now focused on progressing towards her NVQ Level 2 qualification, as well as working through Stage 2 of her training. Jess’s hands-on experience, combined with her ongoing learning, makes her a dedicated and promising apprentice with a bright future in the field.

RAC Saddle Club Staff Photos (2)
Millie Livesey
BHS Stage 1 Complete

Millie is an apprentice at the club with Keits Training Provider. Outside of her apprenticeship, Millie has the experience of caring for and riding her own pony, which has helped deepen her practical knowledge of equine care. She has successfully completed Stage 1 of her training and is now focused on advancing her skills as she works towards both her NVQ Level 2 and Stage 2 qualifications. Millie’s passion for horses and hands-on experience make her a dedicated and driven member of the team at Bovington.

RAC Saddle Club Staff Photos
Billy Fordham
BHS Stage 1 Complete

Billy is currently a yard apprentice with Keits Training Provider. Before joining the team at Bovington, Billy was based at the Fortune Centre, where he gained valuable experience working with horses and learning the fundamentals of equine care. Since transitioning to his apprenticeship here, Billy has successfully completed Stage 1 of his training, showcasing his commitment to learning and developing his skills in the industry. He is now focused on progressing towards his NVQ Level 2 qualification and working through Stage 2 of his training. With his solid background and ongoing dedication to his professional development, Billy is well on his way to building a successful career in the equine industry.