The Equine
Fitters Council

Hugh was an Olympic event rider and World Championship medallist. He chaired the British Equestrian board and the FEI Eventing Committee. He was the Course Designer for the 1988 Olympic Games and Badminton Event Director 1989 – 2019. He is a Past Master of the Saddlers Company.

I am passionate about promoting the welfare of horses in sport - tack that fits properly is absolutely key.

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.

A Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a Chartered Chemist, a Chartered Scientist, and a Chartered Environmentalist, Dr. Malcolm Aickin is a Technical Delegate at carriage driving competitions.

All officers, N.C.O.s, and drivers must possess a thorough knowledge of the principles of fitting the types of harness used in their units. "Manual of Horsemastership, Equitation and Animal Transport 1937"

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.