Following the success of the 2025 event, YardWise returns in September 2026 with an expanded two-day format at Warwick Trident College, Royal Leamington Spa.
With the 2026 theme as “Smart Care, Smarter Business”, the event continues to build on its position as a dedicated professional development and networking platform for yard owners, managers and equestrian business professionals.
Addressing the Challenges of Modern Yard Management
As pressures across the sector continue to grow – including rising costs, increasing welfare expectations, staffing challenges and evolving client demands – YardWise has bene developed to provide practical support, informed discussion and real-world solutions to those responsible for managing yards and facility based equestrian businesses.
Organised collaboratively by The Equestrian Index, LiveryList and Animalweb, the event brings together expertise from equine science, welfare, business and professional services to deliver clear, practical and experience-led support and guidance shaped by the realities of modern yard management.
Relevant across the equestrian sector- from livery yards and riding schools to mixed-purpose equestrian centres and service providers- the programme explores many of the shared challenges and opportunities facing equestrian businesses today.
What to expect from YardWise 2026
The 2026 event has been structured across two focused days, with delegates able to attend one or both:
Tuesday 15th September
Smart Care – Equine Housing & Environment
Focusing on equine welfare and environment, addressing the foundations of responsible and sustainable yard management. Internationally respected equine scientist Dr David Marlin returns to deliver evidence-based insight into welfare-led practice, alongside Annabel Holmes of Equine Ecology, who will explore sustainable land management and environmental responsibility.
Wednesday 16th September
Smarter Business – Business Sustainability & Development
Focuses on the operational and commercial realities of running a modern equestrian business. Sessions will be delivered by industry specialists including Sarah Dale, Head of Business Support at the British Horse Society, Andrew Stennett, Proprietor of Grove House Stables LLP, and Cheryl Johns of LiveryList, discussing pricing strategies and businesses viability.
Providing unrivalled access to industry experts
Additional contributors across the event include Redwings’ Head Vet Nic de Brauwere MRCVS, Technical & Product Manager for Dengie Horse Feeds Dr. Katie Williams, Domestic Management & Natural Wellbeing specialist Nicky Ross, and Rebecca Weaver of the RDA, focusing on professional standards, client communication, leadership, financial sustainability and resilient yard structures.
Both days start with a networking breakfast, followed by two keynote speakers, and an afternoon of expert-chaired round table discussions, with plenty of time for engaging with like-minded professionals and fellow business owners. There will also be a social event this year, on Tuesday evening. The BHS have also awarded 6 CPD points to BHS APCs who attend, confirming the value to professional development that the event can offer.
Lucy Bramwell-Dunn, attendee at YardWise 2025, and owner of Low Meadows Equestrian Centre in County Durham said “Yardwise was a busy day of networking and learning. There are so many aspects to managing a yard and so many things we need to know about to give our horses the best care, our owners the best support and our staff a happy and safe workplace. It’s priceless to have this access to leading experts and so encouraging to feel part of a community that is driving standards in our industry.”
Event details
YardWise 2026 is designed for yard owners, managers and equestrian professionals looking to strengthen knowledge, improve standards and build resilient, sustainable businesses.
Tickets are limited and early booking is encouraged.
Dates: Tuesday 15th– Wednesday 16th September 2026
Venue: Warwick Trident College, Royal Leamington Spa
Tickets: from £95+ VAT per person (includes parking, networking breakfast, lunch and refreshments)
Bookings and full event details can be found at www.yardwise.co.uk