Personal profile
Overview
Ethical Equitation. Evidence-Informed. Culture-Driven.
Leading Change in Ethical Equitation | Consultant | Educator | Realist Ripples Researcher | ABRS+ Futures Project
I’m an Equitation Science educator, consultant, and Cultures of Growth coach, dedicated to advancing ethical equitation through evidence-based practice, reflexive thinking, and cultural transformation.
As a Realist Ripples Researcher, I explore how learning environments, coaching practices, and institutional systems can evolve when we challenge norms, question assumptions, and lead with curiosity and compassion. My work blends academic rigour with applied innovation — from curriculum design and research to grassroots coaching and international consultancy.
In 2025, I am the lead on the ABRS+ project “Riding School Futures: A New Chapter in Ethical Equine Practice,”supporting equestrian organisations to break free from “this is how we’ve always done it” and embrace sustainable, welfare-focused models of learning and leadership.
I meet equestrians where they are — empowering them to think differently, lead courageously, and act responsibly. I believe the future of equestrianism depends not only on scientific insight but on the culture we cultivate around our horse–human relationships.
Always open to collaboration, keynote speaking, consultancy, or thought partnership in the equine welfare, education, and technology sectors.
Ethical Equitation | Reflexive Praxis | Cultures of Growth
Consultant | Educator (Senior Lecturer) | International Speaker | Research-Informed Practitioner
Education/Academic qualification
Equine, MBA, Equine Business , Royal Agricultural University
1 Sept 1999 → 30 Jun 2000
Award Date: 1 Aug 2000
Education , PGCE , Higher Education, Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology
5 Sept 1997 → 1 Aug 1999
Award Date: 19 Aug 1999
Equine , BA (Hons), Equine Studies , Warwickshire College
5 Sept 1992 → 27 Jul 1996
Award Date: 8 Aug 1996
External positions
Education Officer, International Society for Equitation Science
27 May 2025 → 27 May 2029
Equine Behaviour Consultant , Mount St. John
30 Jan 2015 → …
Equitation Science Lecturer & Masters Dissertation Supervisor , University of Edinburgh
12 Jun 2012 → …
Course Manager & Online Tutor, Equitation Science International
12 May 2011 → 12 Dec 2016
Education Officer , International Society for Equitation Science
20 Jul 2008 → 25 Jul 2012
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 1 Active
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Riding Schools Futures: A New Chapter In Ethical Equine Practice
Ashton, L. (PI)
1/9/25 → 1/7/26
Project: Consultancy project
Research output
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COMPASS Guidelines for Conducting Welfare-Focused Research into Behaviour Modification of Animals
McGreevy, P. D., Mellor, D. J., Freire, R., Fenner, K., Merkies, K., Warren-Smith, A., Uldahl, M., Starling, M., Lykins, A., McLean, A., Doherty, O., Bradshaw-Wiley, E., Quinn, R., Wilkins, C. L., Christensen, J. W., Jones, B., Ashton, L., Padalino, B., O’ Brien, C. & Copelin, C. & 2 others, , 9 Jan 2026, In: Animals. 16, 2, p. 206 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Integrating AI-Generated podcast analysis and collaborative poster creation to enhance equine ethics and welfare education
Ashton, L. & Greening, L., 5 Jun 2025.Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review
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The Role of European Equestrian Institutions in Training Professionals: Outcomes from a Workshop on Horse Welfare in Equestrian Education
Lewis, V., Torell Palmquist, G., Känsälä Alveheim , N., Haut-Marchand, F. & Ashton, L., 11 Jan 2025, In: Animals.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)19 Downloads (Pure) -
What are the perceived barriers to avoiding negative and promoting positive equine mental states for United Kingdom (UK) Horse Owners?
Hogg, K., Fletcher, K., Bartlett, E., Ashton, L. & Cameron, L., 2 Dec 2025, In: International Journal of Equine Science.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile8 Downloads (Pure) -
Equitaition Science: Using evidence to empower equine therapists
Ashton, L., 1 Nov 2023, Animal Therapy Magazine, 29, p. 39-42 4 p.Research output: Contribution to Lay press/specialist publication › Article in lay press/specialist publication
Prizes
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ABRS+ Equine Wellbeing at the Heart of Riding Schools Conference 2025
Ashton, L. (Speaker)
20 Oct 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation at Conference
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Coaching In The Future
Ashton, L. (Speaker)
10 Apr 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
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Elevating Equestrian Practices: An Integrated Approach To Future-Proofing Riding Schohols
Ashton, L. (Speaker)
1 Oct 2024 → 21 Mar 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
Press/Media
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Voted Education Officer International Society for Equitation Science
26/5/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media