Rachel  – Equestrian and innovator from Sweden. Trained at Strömsholm Equestrian School and evented in England. Experienced as a veterinary assistant, providing hands-on support during equine surgeries, taking X-rays, assisting veterinarians in lameness evaluations, maintaining sterile surgical environments, and overseeing post-procedural care. Holds a Master of Law and MSc in Economics and Business Administration from Lund University. Pioneered client solutions for early SaaS e-commerce and now combines practical horsemanship, veterinary insight, scientific research, and cross-industry design to develop sustainable tie-up systems that advance equine welfare, reduce injury risk, and enhance handler safety in equine management environments.

Tom Habgood – Has a background in professional sport & coaching, equipment analysis, and applied product development, with a lifelong interest in animal welfare and equine safety. He rode at his local riding club as a child and later built a career as a PGA and LGA certified golf professional in the UK, Spain, and Sweden. Through professional coaching qualifications and extensive work with students, he developed a strong, practical understanding of health and safety, risk assessment, and duty of care in everyday working environments. At Equimade, Tom applies this analytical, outside-industry perspective to equine handling and tie-up areas, focusing on how design, materials, and positioning influence behaviour, stress, and injury risk, and on identifying horse-first solutions that create calmer, safer spaces for both horses and handlers.