Posted: 7th May 2026 | Back to news feed
The Unmissable Event for Yard Professionals
Following the outstanding impact of the 2025 event, YardWise returns on 15th and 16th September 2026 with an expanded two-day format at the same venue, Warwick Trident College, Royal Leamington Spa. Branded for 2026 as Smart Care, Smarter Business, the event builds on last year’s momentum and reinforces its position as the essential professional development and networking event dedicated entirely to yard owners, managers and equestrian business professionals.
The success of YardWise 2025 confirmed what many across the sector already knew — there is a clear and growing need for a focused, independent event that supports the people responsible for running Britain’s equestrian yards. In an environment shaped by rising costs, increasing compliance expectations, staffing pressures, heightened welfare scrutiny and evolving client demands, yard professionals require credible expertise, practical guidance and a supportive professional community. YardWise was created to meet that need and in 2026 it evolves further.
The new two-day format gives delegates the flexibility to attend either day individually or experience the full programme across both days, depending on their priorities and business goals. Each day has been carefully curated to deliver depth, relevance and actionable insight.
Day One will focus on equine welfare and environment — the foundations of every reputable yard. Internationally respected equine scientist Dr David Marlin will return as a key speaker to share evidence-based insight into welfare-led practice, joined by Annabel Holmes of Equine Ecology, who will explore sustainable and practical pasture management. Together they, and the other industry experts joining us for the day, including Nic de Brauwere MRCVS of Redwings, will address the practical realities of delivering high standards of horse care and welfare, while balancing environmental responsibilities and long-term yard viability.
Day Two shifts focus to the commercial and operational realities of running a modern equestrian business. Yard owners are not only caretakers of horses; they are employers, communicators, negotiators and business leaders. Industry specialists including Cheryl Johns of LiveryList, and Sarah Dale of the BHS, alongside additional expert contributors, will deliver sessions centred on client management, professional boundaries, financial sustainability, team leadership and business resilience. The aim is simple: to equip yard professionals with the confidence and clarity to run compliant, profitable and respected operations.
Organised by The Equestrian Index, LiveryList, and Animalweb, YardWise remains entirely independent. Free from affiliation to any single governing body, the programme is shaped solely around what yard owners and managers genuinely need. With no formal licensing framework currently governing livery yards in the UK, many operators are left navigating complex welfare, employment and compliance challenges without consistent guidance. YardWise exists to provide that structure, bringing together science, welfare and sound business practice in one professional setting, yet in an impartial and supportive manner.
YardWise 2025 was a resounding success, receiving excellent feedback from attendees, speakers, and industry partners alike, and highlighting the need for more events of this kind to fill the support gap within the equestrian industry. Helen Whitelegg, Education & Campaigns Manager at Redwings, who attended last year to help raise awareness of good biosecurity practices on yards, commented:
"YardWise brings together people who really deserve to have more information and support, and to share ideas with us and each other. We had some really valuable conversations, and it’s a concept that definitely benefits everyone who attends."
Yard owners play a pivotal role within the equestrian industry, supporting thousands of riders and horse owners at grassroots level. Yet too often they operate without the recognition, support and professional development opportunities available in other sectors. YardWise 2026: Smart Care, Smarter Business is designed to change that narrative — raising standards, strengthening businesses and reinforcing the value of this vital community.
Whether you own or manage an established yard, are developing or planning a new operation, or provide professional services within this sector of the industry, YardWise 2026 is directly relevant to you. This is not a general equestrian event; it is a targeted, high-value event created specifically for those responsible for the care of horses and the sustainability of the businesses that support them.
Full programme details and ticket information will be released shortly. Following last year’s strong demand, early booking is advised.
Event Details:
Dates: Tuesday 15th– Wednesday 16th September 2026
Venue: Warwick Trident College, Royal Leamington Spa
Tickets: from £95+ VAT per person (includes networking breakfast, lunch and refreshments)
Bookings and full event details can be found at yardwise.co.uk
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