Meet the team

Betsy Irwin - Proprietor

Betsy Irwin is the Licence Holder and Chief Instructor at Laris Farm. She grew up riding on her family farm and with the pony club, eventing up to the Novice level and Show Jumping as part of her pony club national team. Betsy dreamed of becoming a Showjumper and competing in the Hickstead Derby, but at age 16, she was offered a scholarship at an international dressage yard and training centre, which changed her path. During her scholarship, Betsy achieved her BHSAI at the young age of 19, and over the years, she has realized that her true passion lies in helping others achieve their goals rather than setting goals of her own.

Katie Badcock - Yard Manager

Katie joined us in 2023 as a livery, and it quickly became clear that her wealth of experience and quiet professionalism made her an invaluable asset. A former 5* international event groom, Katie brought not only top-level expertise but also a deep passion.

Recognising her potential, we were delighted when she accepted a position on the team in early 2024. She has since progressed rapidly to become Yard Manager and Assistant Coach, roles in which she excels with calm efficiency and unwavering dedication.

Although she may appear reserved at first, beneath the surface lies an extraordinary depth of knowledge, insight, and horsemanship. Having once dreamed of eventing at the highest level herself, an injury redirected her path, yet she continues to live that dream by supporting and developing others with empathy, skill, and quiet determination.

Katie’s leadership and experience have become a cornerstone of the yard, and we’re proud to have her guiding both horses and riders toward their best.

Tanya - Head Receptionist/ PA/ full-time Legend

Most of you get to know Tanya pretty quickly through calling or emailing. Tanya came to us as a livery and we will not let her leave! She is the most organised, caring and thorough. Nothing gets missed when Tanya is in charge!

Lotte

Lotte has been at Laris since she was 4, so it’s safe to say she’s an expert! Well in all things Laris Farm. But she is also blossoming into an incredibly talented young instructor. Lotte is kind, empathetic with a natural understanding of horses, we are incredibly fortunate she’s joined us for her gap year on our coaching team. She has a bright future!

Laila - Apprentice

Laila turned up last summer, and she just won’t leave… jokes aside Laila has found her future at Laris Farm. School isn’t for everyone, but being a good groom is probably harder and Laila is an outstanding groom… when she’s not out, standing on the yard talking!

Amelie

Amelie has been in the saddle since the age of six and, by all accounts, hasn’t really stopped talking about horses since. After years of caring for and sharing ponies, she turned her hobby into a profession, completing her Apprenticeship and NVQ Level 2 at Berkshire Riding Centre, where she gained her full BHS Stage 2 including Coaching, Ride Safe, and BHS Stage 3 qualifications in Flatwork and Lunging.

Since then, she’s worked across riding schools and livery yards, gaining a reputation for being both knowledgeable and unflappably cheerful, even when presented with the classic “my pony has never done that before” scenario.

A brief detour into travelling, hospitality, and children’s activity centres only confirmed what everyone else already knew: she belongs in a pair of muddy boots surrounded by horses and humans in helmets.

Now at Laris Farm, Amelie brings her calm, confident, and refreshingly fun approach to every lesson. Her teaching style combines solid technical knowledge with a sense of humour that keeps riders relaxed, learning, and occasionally laughing at themselves, in the best possible way.