Meet the Executives
working to improve showing for all
The Showing Council Executives:
Liz Inman - (Chair)
Liz Inman was appointed Chair of the Showing Council in July 2023. Whilst not from a showing background, she has vast experience in the eventing world having been Event Director of the internationally renowned Burghley Horse Trials for seventeen years, until standing down in 2019. Prior to this from an early age Liz has always been involved in equestrian event management, not only at Burghley but also including running her local Pony Club One Day Event for many years and as Secretary of the Cottesmore Point to Point.
As CEO of Burghley Horse Trials, Liz was responsible for all aspects of staging the event, including the overall administration and finances. She had a particularly keen interest in the continued development of the Burghley Young Event Horse series, which for many years has been acknowledged as a major ‘shop window’ for spotting future equestrian eventing talent. Important emphasis was always placed on the correct production and presentation of these young horses.
Stable biosecurity was always a priority at Burghley Horse Trials as some of the most valuable competition horses from all over the world were stabled in temporary accommodation for the duration of the competition. The requirement to keep abreast of the latest developments in this sphere continues, now most pertinent within the showing world.
In 2017 Liz was awarded a BEF Medal of Honour in recognition of her dedication to equestrianism.
During her spare time, she pursues her interest in racing and until recently was actively involved in training her own point-to-point horses.
Brian Gates - (Treasurer)
Brian managed the family construction firm in Buckinghamshire until his retirement in 2005. During that time, Brian and his wife, Liz, hunted regularly with the Whaddon Chase, prior to its amalgamation with the Grafton Hunt, and then with the Meynell and South Staffs Hunt. They also bred Irish Draughts and part-bred Welsh Cobs as a hobby, successfully showing the mares, foals and young stock at County level from their hill farm in the Peak National Park. Brian resigned as a Trustee, Honorary Treasurer and Company Secretary of The Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) in March 2023 after 25 years' service. He continues as Honorary Treasurer of The Showing Council, a position he has held since 2008."
Debbie Miller - (Secretary)
Debbie has been involved in many aspects of the equestrian world since early school days, competing at high level in both showing and dressage events with many notable achievements, including qualifying and competing at the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International with show ponies and hunters.
In later years Debbie has been heavily involved with assisting her son and daughter in showing Miniature Horses which has resulted in back to back wins at the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show.
Work has always revolved around the horse world with administration positions which are inclusive of PA to an international event rider for fifteen years, administration for the British Miniature Horse Society for ten years, and the current role of administration for UK Ponies & Horses (formerly Ponies Association UK) since 2017.
For many years Debbie has been Chairman of BSPS Area 13b (Devon & Somerset), as well as Secretary for the Showing Council for twelve years. Debbie also runs her own Equine Events business (Equi Events) which incorporates affiliated and unaffiliated Dressage at the David Broome Event Centre in South Wales, as well as running various shows throughout the year, at multiple venues.
Alongside all of the above, Debbie also has her own Rosette manufacturing business (The Rosette Box) supplying many equestrian and competitive events.
Chris Hewlett
Awaiting copy
Edward Young
Edward's involvement in equestrianism began at a very young age. He started competing at local gymkhanas and took part in everything from tack and turnout to best rider, the games, and show jumping. He first competed in the 12.2h class at the Horse of the Year Show at nine years old. These early experiences gave him a deep appreciation of equestrian sport, it’s traditions, and the dedication required at every level.
Throughout his showing career, Edward has experienced the sport from multiple perspectives: as a home‑produced competitor, as a child with ponies produced by others and later as producer. My father, a veterinary surgeon, instilled in me a strong regard for welfare, and I was brought up with the firm belief that the horse must always come first. This ethos has guided my entire equestrian journey and continues to shape my approach to governance, training, and competition.
Professionally, Edward studied Law at Manchester University before being called to the Bar in 1988. He specialised in criminal law and licensing, and this work developed his ability to analyse complex issues, interpret regulation, assess risk, and contribute to fair, balanced decision making, skills that translate directly to effective board service.
Since 2000, he has owned and managed a successful show production yard in Derbyshire, producing horses and ponies to the highest level, including Champions at the Royal International Horse Show and the Horse of the Year Show. Running his own yard has also given him significant experience in dealing with HR‑related challenges, including staff management, conflict resolution, welfare responsibilities, and maintaining a positive and professional working environment. These experiences have strengthened his understanding of people management, communication, and the practical realities of leading a team, all of which are directly relevant to governance roles.
Edward also recognises the importance of social media in promoting a modern equestrian business, while equally understanding the reputational and regulatory challenges it presents for national bodies.
Alongside his professional work, Edward has devoted many years to governance within the sport. He served on the Board of the British Show Horse Association for 16 years, including a period as Northern Vice Chairman, and is currently on his third term on the Board of the British Show Pony Society, where he sits on the Executive Council and the Risk and Audit Sub‑Committee.
Edward is committed to the values that underpin The Showing Council: safeguarding welfare, promoting best practice, supporting member bodies, and ensuring the long‑term sustainability and integrity of the sport. He would welcome the opportunity to contribute his experience, judgement, and perspective to the Executive Board, and to support the Showing Council’s work at a time when strong, informed leadership is more important than ever.
Julie Templeton
Julie has been involved with horses all her life, initially competing in Eventing up to Intermediate and then gaining her BHS AI & II teaching qualifications which after a chance job offer from Bob Templeton led her down the showing route. She has been professionally producing horses and ponies for the show ring for over 35years and regularly qualifies around 20 exhibits for Horse of The Year Show & The Royal International Horse Show each year. Part of the pleasure Julie gains from producing is the training side and coaching the children to allow them to progress within the sport. Alongside production Julie also judges both internationally and nationally as a starred panel judge for BSPS, BSHA, BSPA, CHAPS, TSR and UKPH. It is for the latter Association that Julie has become involved with the Showing Council after being the Chair of UK Ponies and Horses / Ponies Association UK for the last 5 years having previously sat on the Board of Ponies Association UK for a further 5 years.
Julie is excited to be involved with The Showing Council and worked closely with the previous Chair David Ingle to have the Council recognised as a valuable asset to the showing world. She is passionate that the showing community must work together to secure its future as a viable equestrian discipline and with such a strong support from across so many showing Associations and Societies hopefully the important changes being made will filter through to competitors and ultimately make the sport fairer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Norma Grubb
Norma has been a Trustee of the Irish Draught Horse Society (GB) for 32 years, in several roles and has enjoyed being their representative at The Showing Council for the past eleven years. She has a particular interest in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Disability, Welfare and Safeguarding.
Following a long career in the Civil Service and Probation Service, plus a voluntary role for 40 years as Organiser and Safeguarding Officer of an inner city swimming club for children with asthma and other disabilities, Norma was involved in helping to produce the The Showing Council Safeguarding Policy.
Norma is both approachable and empathetic, with a genuine desire to help others, and her skills and experience will be an asset to the Board."
