The Equine
Fitters Council

Sue was a Management Consultant and university lecturer; a past rider but now an enthusiastic racegoer and very much involved in promoting education around the fitting of bits.

I strongly believe that high standards in equine fitting will promote horse welfare in all activities

John Robinson is a 3rd generation Master Saddler and specialist saddle fitter in the family business of T and C Robinson, based in Lincolnshire. He is a Past Master of the Saddlers' Company (2016).

The aim of the Council is to promote and develop the highest of standards across equine fitting which can only enhance the welfare of the horse.

With a background of engineering management Ted jointly founded RB Equestrian Saddlery, retraining as a bench saddler and fitter. An assessor for the City & Guilds saddle fitting qualification, as President he refocused the Society of Master Saddlers’ strategic vision towards horse welfare in 2020.

Empathetic fitting of saddlery helps maintain public approval of horse riding and gives our equine companions a life worth living.

An export and market research professional, Claire became CEO of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) in 2000, the body for equestrian manufacturers and retailers. She is a director of AMTRA, the British Horse Council and a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

Riders must be able to choose an equine fitter knowing their expertise and qualifications. The Directory is the one independent source of this information.

Roly is a veterinarian who has been Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare since 2008, whose work centres on supporting the horse-human relationship. He is currently Treasurer of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), Director of the British Horse Council and a Director British Equestrian.

Supporting horse owners to easily identify the appropriate equine fitting professional is a key aspect of enhancing equine welfare, and hence public acceptance of our sport.

Hilary is a veterinarian who has devoted her career to research on the biomechanics of athletic horses and their riders, including the effects of tack and equipment on performance. She is a founding diplomate and past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science and has been inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame.

The council is uniquely placed to evaluate educational programmes, support training of fitters and promote evidence-based practice in the industry.

Mark Broadbent is a British carriage driver and coachmaker who founded Fenix Carriages in 1975. He has competed nationally and internationally, is a renowned judge and contributed to the sport through craftsmanship and education. He is President of the Coaching Club. Marks involvement with the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers supports the preservation and promotion of carriage driving traditions.

Stephen spent his working career in the City, and retired from JP Morgan five years ago. He has also been a trustee of a number of charities engaged in education and in voluntary relief work and is a current Court member of the Loriners where his responsibilities have included equine therapy charities and military equestrianism

Horses have always formed an important role in British life, and while their working role has diminished we still have a great love of riding, competing, racing, and carriage driving. We have a duty to promote high standards of welfare: our horses rely on us, and we owe it to them.

Mark Maffey has held leadership roles in the vocational education sector for more than 30 years, with a focus on apprenticeships, skills development, and progression into further and higher education. He is Past Master of the Saddlers’ Company (2021).

“I am committed to supporting the Council’s independent role in evaluating education programmes against sector needs, strengthening professional training, and promoting evidence-based fitting that prioritises horse welfare.”