Meet the Committee
Our fabulous group of voluntary committee members are the ones who keep the show on the road! From organising and running every single event, they are enthusiastic, helpful and very passionate about East Shropshire Riding Club. Meet them all below:
Patsy Pyke - Chair person
Patsy took on the role of our Chair person in 2019 from our long standing Chair person Bev Higgs, who after 12 years thoroughly deserved a rest! Patsy has been particularly good at rallying everyone to do more for the Club and introducing lots of new activities like our games team and Western taster days. Patsy likes to compete in all the events on her fabulous Allrounder pony Splodgers, and is recently bringing on her loaned ex-racehorse Eddie. Patsy also manages the Mounted Games teams.
Patsy & Eddie at one of our rallies at Apley Arena.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I was 2months old.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 5 years ago.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- My parents. They are both great all round horse people and super riders.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Show Jumping, but a quarter of the height to 20yrs ago!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Splodgers…my star!
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Falling off in a bareback Gretna Green Gymkhana competition. The rider behind me pushed me forward up my ponies neck, and I could only get off by sliding down the ponies neck when she dived down to eat some grass! I trapped a nerve in my buttocks when I landed on my friends foot (who also fell off with me!) It was very painful and it took ages to ride again without wincing.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Silly question-Thoroughbred of course!
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- The coach has never broken down going to Hoys!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- People who put their riding crop in their boots!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I was 2months old.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 5 years ago.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- My parents. They are both great all round horse people and super riders.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Show Jumping, but a quarter of the height to 20yrs ago!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Splodgers…my star!
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Falling off in a bareback Gretna Green Gymkhana competition. The rider behind me pushed me forward up my ponies neck, and I could only get off by sliding down the ponies neck when she dived down to eat some grass! I trapped a nerve in my buttocks when I landed on my friends foot (who also fell off with me!) It was very painful and it took ages to ride again without wincing.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Silly question-Thoroughbred of course!
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- The coach has never broken down going to Hoys!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- People who put their riding crop in their boots!
Patsy helping at the one of our Summer Shows.
Thanks Patsy.
Chris Kneller - Vice chair person
Chris has been a member of ESRC since the Riding Club was formed back in the 70’s, so she has seen the club grow. Chris organises our Summer Shows and also our Summer Camp. She also helps with the running of various rallies on the day and provides excellent cups of coffee for our instructors! Chris has her own horse, Mia, who she has bought on from a baby and loves to take to rallies, fun rides and shows when she isn’t organising them!
Chris Kneller - Vice chair person
Chris has been a member of ESRC since the Riding Club was formed back in the 70’s, so she has seen the club grow. Chris organises our Summer Shows and also our Summer Camp. She also helps with the running of various rallies on the day and provides excellent cups of coffee for our instructors! Chris has her own horse, Mia, who she has bought on from a baby and loves to take to rallies, fun rides and shows when she isn’t organising them!
Chris & Mia at one of our Hannah Jackson Show Jump lessons in the summer.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Too long! I refuse to tell you because then you’ll know my age! Ok ok 60yrs.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 1978…somewhere around there. With my fabulous mare Colleen.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Nobody really. Maybe Lucinda Prior-Palmer (Lucinda Green today)
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Cross Country when my husband allows me to do it.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Stroller. He was a 14.2 jumping pony who competed against everyone and always won at Hickstead.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Leaning over to put a cup on a post in Gymkhana games and falling out the side door and landing on my hip in a soft ménage breaking it.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob definitely
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Mare every time! All my best horses were mares. If you get the right one they’ll do anything for you.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- I could name a million…leaving string lying about and not putting muck on the top of the muck heap! Dumping your barrow at the bottom and not chucking your muck up-that drives me insane!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Too long! I refuse to tell you because then you’ll know my age! Ok ok 60yrs.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 1978…somewhere around there. With my fabulous mare Colleen.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Nobody really. Maybe Lucinda Prior-Palmer (Lucinda Green today)
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Cross Country when my husband allows me to do it.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Stroller. He was a 14.2 jumping pony who competed against everyone and always won at Hickstead.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Leaning over to put a cup on a post in Gymkhana games and falling out the side door and landing on my hip in a soft ménage breaking it.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob definitely
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Mare every time! All my best horses were mares. If you get the right one they’ll do anything for you.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- I could name a million…leaving string lying about and not putting muck on the top of the muck heap! Dumping your barrow at the bottom and not chucking your muck up-that drives me insane!
Chris & Mia competing at a ODE in Bridgenorth.
Thanks Chris.
Jenny Millman - Treasurer & Eventing & Arena Eventing Team Manager
Jenny’s role within the club is to manage the finances and ensure everyone has paid their fees and our venues and instructors are also paid. Jenny is also a keen competitor within the club, taking part in pretty much everything with her super cob Holly. Holly is nearing retirement now though so she has an ex-racehorse called Edna who is in the early stages of her retraining with Jenny. Jenny also manages our Eventing & Arena Eventing teams.
Jenny Millman - Treasurer & Eventing & Arena Eventing Team Manager
Jenny’s role within the club is to manage the finances and ensure everyone has paid their fees and our venues and instructors are also paid. Jenny is also a keen competitor within the club, taking part in pretty much everything with her super cob Holly. Holly is nearing retirement now though so she has an ex-racehorse called Edna who is in the early stages of her retraining with Jenny. Jenny also manages our Eventing & Arena Eventing teams.
Jenny & Holly storming round the XC at Weston Park BE.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- I started having riding lessons when I was 7 years old after hassling my non horsey parents!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- Probably about 25 years ago to attend lessons with my homebred mare Maggie.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- The likes of Mark Todd who compete at top level in more than one discipline i.e. Eventing and SJ, plus now training racehorses.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- I like to do a bit of everything: Eventing, Dressage and SJ….although Showing bores me!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I’m happy with all the horses I’ve been lucky enough to own or ride and have fun on. I don’t covert any others.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- A rope burn when I forgot my gloves and hung on for longer than was wise. The silly thing is, I’ve done it more than once!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Either.
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia, for the fun Christmas atmosphere.
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Definitely a mare.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Clipping! (the hair gets everywhere!)
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- I started having riding lessons when I was 7 years old after hassling my non horsey parents!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- Probably about 25 years ago to attend lessons with my homebred mare Maggie.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- The likes of Mark Todd who compete at top level in more than one discipline i.e. Eventing and SJ, plus now training racehorses.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- I like to do a bit of everything: Eventing, Dressage and SJ….although Showing bores me!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I’m happy with all the horses I’ve been lucky enough to own or ride and have fun on. I don’t covert any others.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- A rope burn when I forgot my gloves and hung on for longer than was wise. The silly thing is, I’ve done it more than once!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Either.
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia, for the fun Christmas atmosphere.
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Definitely a mare.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Clipping! (the hair gets everywhere!)
Jenny & her horse Edna competing in the Dressage League at Pennwood.
Thanks Jenny.
Racheal Kneller - Show Jumping Team Manager & Website/Social Media
Racheal joined the Riding Club as a Junior on ponies in 2003 but had a break from us when she pursued a career in racing. She rejoined us back in 2015 along with her two ex-racehorses Titan & Roo, who she won 3 races on. Racheal likes to attend rallies and competitions and she helps her mother Chris to run the Summer Shows and organises our Christmas Show. Racheal also keeps the website and social media platforms up to date and manages our Show Jumping teams.
Racheal Kneller - Show Jumping Team Manager & Website/Social Media
Racheal joined the Riding Club as a Junior on ponies in 2003 but had a break from us when she pursued a career in racing. She rejoined us back in 2015 along with her two ex-racehorses Titan & Roo, who she won 3 races on. Racheal likes to attend rallies and competitions and she helps her mother Chris to run the Summer Shows and organises our Christmas Show. Racheal also keeps the website and social media platforms up to date and manages our Show Jumping teams.
Racheal & Titan at the Arena Eventing Qualifiers at Dallas Burston, where the team won and qualified for the Championships.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I could walk! My mom used to pick me up from nursery on her pony Pepper. I’d get straight off the rocking horse onto a real one!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I was a junior member and then rejoined in 2015 after taking time away to concentrate on my career as a jockey.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- I have a few. Mary Thompson (King now), Pippa Funnel & William Fox-Pitt were always plastered all over my bedroom walls, but my mom is my main hero. She is a great horse woman and has the patience of a saint.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- It was flat racing when I was a jockey, but now I’m more interesting in Eventing, or XC in particular.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Nereo. He made Badminton look like a 60cm round of show jumps! Superstar.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- My Shetland pony ran off with me when I was 6 and slammed on at a bin along the railway line to eat the grass. I fell over his head and landed in the bin next to him. He was a nightmare!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- TB’s all day long. All my horses are ex-racehorses. I’ve yet to meet a cob with manners!
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia always gets me in the Xmas spirit.
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- I have both and love both so I’m not really fussed. If you can deal with a mare’s occasional attitude-they try their hearts out for you.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Messy horses! Hacking with mud in your horses mane and down their legs etc. Also untidy horses with long manes down below their neck, tails are on the floor, fluffy beard's, thick muddy feathers-the list goes on lol….I like a horse to look tidy which is probably just as well since I run my own freelance groom service!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I could walk! My mom used to pick me up from nursery on her pony Pepper. I’d get straight off the rocking horse onto a real one!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I was a junior member and then rejoined in 2015 after taking time away to concentrate on my career as a jockey.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- I have a few. Mary Thompson (King now), Pippa Funnel & William Fox-Pitt were always plastered all over my bedroom walls, but my mom is my main hero. She is a great horse woman and has the patience of a saint.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- It was flat racing when I was a jockey, but now I’m more interesting in Eventing, or XC in particular.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Nereo. He made Badminton look like a 60cm round of show jumps! Superstar.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- My Shetland pony ran off with me when I was 6 and slammed on at a bin along the railway line to eat the grass. I fell over his head and landed in the bin next to him. He was a nightmare!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- TB’s all day long. All my horses are ex-racehorses. I’ve yet to meet a cob with manners!
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia always gets me in the Xmas spirit.
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- I have both and love both so I’m not really fussed. If you can deal with a mare’s occasional attitude-they try their hearts out for you.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Messy horses! Hacking with mud in your horses mane and down their legs etc. Also untidy horses with long manes down below their neck, tails are on the floor, fluffy beard's, thick muddy feathers-the list goes on lol….I like a horse to look tidy which is probably just as well since I run my own freelance groom service!
Racheal and her horse Titan competing at a Dressage show at Kingswood.
Thanks Racheal.
Gina Seggar - Team Quest Team Manager
Gina is our newest member of the committee and is a huge asset to our club and the Dressage riders. She regularly competes her own pony Daisy in our Dressage league and organises our teams for the team Quest competitions, which have proven very popular amongst our members who regularly finish in the top three at most events.
Gina Seggar - Team Quest Team Manager
Gina is our newest member of the committee and is a huge asset to our club and the Dressage riders. She regularly competes her own pony Daisy in our Dressage league and organises our teams for the team Quest competitions, which have proven very popular amongst our members who regularly finish in the top three at most events.
Gina & Daisy Chain coming home with the top spot at an Event.
“You'll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- I was plonked on a pony as soon as I could sit up! But started properly riding when I was around 3 - so 20 years!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I used to compete at the shows with my other ponies when I was younger, and more recently joined as a member and joined the committee in 2022.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- I could only dream to have the hands of Carl Hester! I like all range of disciplines however, so would have to mention the likes of the Whitakers, and Lucinda Fredericks! I do also love Megan Elphick at a grassroots level - keeps crazy dreams alive by making you realise they are achievable!
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- love dipping my toes in a bit of everything, so am impartial to a bit of combined training these days!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I love the show cob Our Cashel Blue - he’s gorgeous! But equally would be amazing to sit on something like Valegro or Mr Blue Sky.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Once I was trying to do my chunky Connemara’s girth up and my hand slipped as she decided to breathe out - Daisy went one way, the saddle went the other and I ended up getting stamped on & had a very bruised foot!
Q- Cobs or TBs?
A- I’m more of a pony kinda gal, so has to be a little cob! Who doesn’t love a little fluffy pony!
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- It has to be HOYS I think!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Mares all the way! Some would say I have a type… small, grey mares! I’ve never had anything else!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- A stupid one, but I hate when people ride without tying long hair back - how do they do it!? It would drive me mad! And people who blame horses for things they are clearly doing wrong!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- I was plonked on a pony as soon as I could sit up! But started properly riding when I was around 3 - so 20 years!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I used to compete at the shows with my other ponies when I was younger, and more recently joined as a member and joined the committee in 2022.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- I could only dream to have the hands of Carl Hester! I like all range of disciplines however, so would have to mention the likes of the Whitakers, and Lucinda Fredericks! I do also love Megan Elphick at a grassroots level - keeps crazy dreams alive by making you realise they are achievable!
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- love dipping my toes in a bit of everything, so am impartial to a bit of combined training these days!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I love the show cob Our Cashel Blue - he’s gorgeous! But equally would be amazing to sit on something like Valegro or Mr Blue Sky.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Once I was trying to do my chunky Connemara’s girth up and my hand slipped as she decided to breathe out - Daisy went one way, the saddle went the other and I ended up getting stamped on & had a very bruised foot!
Q- Cobs or TBs?
A- I’m more of a pony kinda gal, so has to be a little cob! Who doesn’t love a little fluffy pony!
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- It has to be HOYS I think!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Mares all the way! Some would say I have a type… small, grey mares! I’ve never had anything else!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- A stupid one, but I hate when people ride without tying long hair back - how do they do it!? It would drive me mad! And people who blame horses for things they are clearly doing wrong!
Gina & Daisy enjoying a photo shoot together.
Thanks Gina.
Nicola Nichols - Dressage Team Manager
Nicola is the lady behind our Dressage. She is a hard working member of our committee and makes sure all things Dresage are dealt with and organised smoothly. She also has a lovely cob of her own called Bill who she competes in Dressage and he is fast becoming a Dressage star! Nicola is also the Dressage & Dressage to Music & Quadrille team manager and one of our regular Team Quest success stories!
Nicola Nichols - Dressage Team Manager
Nicola is the lady behind our Dressage. She is a hard working member of our committee and makes sure all things Dresage are dealt with and organised smoothly. She also has a lovely cob of her own called Bill who she competes in Dressage and he is fast becoming a Dressage star! Nicola is also the Dressage & Dressage to Music & Quadrille team manager and one of our regular Team Quest success stories!
Nicola & Bill having a splash at Summer Camp.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since 7 years of age.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I joined in 2020.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- A lot of riders riding traditional cobs at high levels in dressage. Nick Lawson inspires me a lot who is my trainer and I’m forever grateful to him for helping me and Bill get to where we are now.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Dressage
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- My present traditional coloured cob, Bill
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Broken toe
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- Hoys
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Unkind owners
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since 7 years of age.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I joined in 2020.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- A lot of riders riding traditional cobs at high levels in dressage. Nick Lawson inspires me a lot who is my trainer and I’m forever grateful to him for helping me and Bill get to where we are now.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Dressage
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- My present traditional coloured cob, Bill
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Broken toe
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- Hoys
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Unkind owners
Nicola and her super boy Bill competing at our Dressage League at the Cavalier Centre.
Thanks Nicola.
Clare Crump - Showing rally organiser
Clare recently joined our committee and grew up in the Eventing & Show Jumping circuit. She now focuses on Showing and competes at top events all over the UK, including more recently Olympia! Clare likes to help anyone who wants to attempt a Showing class through to those who compete in Showing regularly. She organises ridden and dismounted rallies to help improve turnout of both the horse & rider and showing techniques and tips. Her advice to anyone is to listen and dream, believe and achieve.
Clare Crump - Showing rally organiser
Clare recently joined our committee and grew up in the Eventing & Show Jumping circuit. She now focuses on Showing and competes at top events all over the UK, including more recently Olympia! Clare likes to help anyone who wants to attempt a Showing class through to those who compete in Showing regularly. She organises ridden and dismounted rallies to help improve turnout of both the horse & rider and showing techniques and tips. Her advice to anyone is to listen and dream, believe and achieve.
Clare competing in Showing at Olympia 2023 with her own horse.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I was a few months old
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 29 years ago.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Judi Kemp (who unfortunately is no longer with us) She was a superb classical Dressage trainer with extensive background knowledge, who was not afraid to give you positive and negative feedback!
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Showing. My body is now not up to jumping!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I have been very lucky to own lots of amazing but quirky horses but I think Star has to be my favourite despite being the horse I have broken my neck and back on twice!
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- All of them!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- TB cross, preferably with an Irish Draught!
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- I have been lucky enough to compete at both several times. HOYS is so close and an amazing atmosphere. Olympia now London International Horse Show is so magical being so close to Christmas.
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Either!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Rider’s not saying thank you when you slow down on the road for them. Even if your horse is uptight a smile or mouthing thank you goes a long way!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I was a few months old
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 29 years ago.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Judi Kemp (who unfortunately is no longer with us) She was a superb classical Dressage trainer with extensive background knowledge, who was not afraid to give you positive and negative feedback!
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Showing. My body is now not up to jumping!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I have been very lucky to own lots of amazing but quirky horses but I think Star has to be my favourite despite being the horse I have broken my neck and back on twice!
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- All of them!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- TB cross, preferably with an Irish Draught!
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- I have been lucky enough to compete at both several times. HOYS is so close and an amazing atmosphere. Olympia now London International Horse Show is so magical being so close to Christmas.
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Either!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Rider’s not saying thank you when you slow down on the road for them. Even if your horse is uptight a smile or mouthing thank you goes a long way!
Clare strutting her stuff at Olympia on her own horse.
Thanks Clare.
Lynn Aucott - Dressage rally organiser
Lynn has been a member with us for 3 years and organises all our Nick Lawson Dressage clinics at the Cavalier Centre. Lynn enjoys hacking her horse and competing in our Dressage Leaugue, regularly winning the points cup. She is also part of the very successful ESRC Team Quest.
Lynn Aucott - Dressage rally organiser
Lynn has been a member with us for 3 years and organises all our Nick Lawson Dressage clinics at the Cavalier Centre. Lynn enjoys hacking her horse and competing in our Dressage Leaugue, regularly winning the points cup. She is also part of the very successful ESRC Team Quest.
Lynn & Prince all set for Dressage.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since childhood, but I had Uni and kids so had a 20yr break.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 6 years ago.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Carl Hester
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Dressage
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Valegro
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A-
Q- TB or Cob?
A- TB
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Not being able to catch my pony when I’m running late for a show!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since childhood, but I had Uni and kids so had a 20yr break.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 6 years ago.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Carl Hester
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Dressage
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Valegro
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A-
Q- TB or Cob?
A- TB
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Not being able to catch my pony when I’m running late for a show!
Lynn & Prince at one their Team Quest competitions.
Thanks Lynn.
Heather Stiles - Newsletter & Show schedules & Minutes
Heather is a very busy lady at our meetings making notes of the whole agenda to refer back to. She has two ponies Bobby & Minnie. Bobby competes in the ESRC Mounted Games team and Minnie is her budding Dressage horse. Aside from the Riding Club exertions, Heather is a talented artist and is kept very fit with running and walking her three energetic dogs! She also writes our clubs newsletters and does our Show Schedules.
Heather Stiles - Newsletter & Show schedules & Minutes
Heather is a very busy lady at our meetings making notes of the whole agenda to refer back to. She has two ponies Bobby & Minnie. Bobby competes in the ESRC Mounted Games team and Minnie is her budding Dressage horse. Aside from the Riding Club exertions, Heather is a talented artist and is kept very fit with running and walking her three energetic dogs! She also writes our clubs newsletters and does our Show Schedules.
Heather & Mini competing in Dressage at Kingswood.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Mum put me on a pony at 2 years old, but I started properly riding aged 8.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I was a member in the late 1970s, then joined again in 2019.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Thelwell
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Hacking out - long rides in the countryside are my favourite. I could definitely take up endurance riding!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Bobby - I own him.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- A bite on my bum - every time I got on my pony Misty.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia - it’s Christmas time!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- I can’t really say - love them all.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Horses being moved on for next years model.
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Mum put me on a pony at 2 years old, but I started properly riding aged 8.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I was a member in the late 1970s, then joined again in 2019.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Thelwell
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Hacking out - long rides in the countryside are my favourite. I could definitely take up endurance riding!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Bobby - I own him.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- A bite on my bum - every time I got on my pony Misty.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia - it’s Christmas time!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- I can’t really say - love them all.
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Horses being moved on for next years model.
Heather competing her horse Mini in Dressage.
Thanks Heather.
Cath Westwood - Safeguarding and Show Jump rally organiser
Cath is kept very busy organising monthly events at Pennwood, with Hannah Jackson Clinics among them. She also helps with the set up of the Summer Shows and generally anything that needs extra help. She also has two children who compete as Juniors for ESRC who keep her busy in any spare time she has!
Cath Westwood - Safeguarding and Show Jump rally organiser
Cath is kept very busy organising monthly events at Pennwood, with Hannah Jackson Clinics among them. She also helps with the set up of the Summer Shows and generally anything that needs extra help. She also has two children who compete as Juniors for ESRC who keep her busy in any spare time she has!
Cath and Willow in one of our In-Hand classes at our Summer Show.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- As long as I can remember, with a break when my children were little.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 2015
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Lee Pearson
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Show Jumping, but just to watch these days.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I would have my first pony Amy back.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Getting knocked out by a white board which fell off the wall whilst teaching Pony Club, after telling all the riders they could take their hats off as we were in the classroom!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Mare
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Too many to list!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- As long as I can remember, with a break when my children were little.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 2015
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Lee Pearson
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Show Jumping, but just to watch these days.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I would have my first pony Amy back.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Getting knocked out by a white board which fell off the wall whilst teaching Pony Club, after telling all the riders they could take their hats off as we were in the classroom!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Cob
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Mare
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Too many to list!
Cath with her pony Shadow at an in-hand class at our Summer Show.
Thanks Juliet.
Claire Pearce - Membership & Merchandise
Claire is the lady in charge of the fun at the Riding Club! She organises our Fun Days at Christmas and also deals with our clubs merchandise, from horsey branded gear to clothing. Claire also has a busy family life with her young family and ponies, but she still manages to be our hard working Membership Secretary (for which we are very grateful!) In her limited spare time, Claire enjoys gymkhana games and hacking with her daughter.
Claire Pearce - Membership & Merchandise
Claire is the lady in charge of the fun at the Riding Club! She organises our Fun Days at Christmas and also deals with our clubs merchandise, from horsey branded gear to clothing. Claire also has a busy family life with her young family and ponies, but she still manages to be our hard working Membership Secretary (for which we are very grateful!) In her limited spare time, Claire enjoys gymkhana games and hacking with her daughter.
Claire & Fudge in one of our In-Hand Showing class at our Summer Show.
Rachel Reddihough - Committee Member
Rachel is known as the ‘DJ’ at our Club Nights at the Cavalier Centre. She is in charge of the Music, a very important job for the event to take place! Rachel has a young horse of her own called Louis who she enjoys taking to all our clinics.
Rachel is known as the ‘DJ’ at our Club Nights at the Cavalier Centre. She is in charge of the Music, a very important job for the event to take place! Rachel has a young horse of her own called Louis who she enjoys taking to all our clinics.
Rachel having fun on her horse last summer.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I was about 5 years old, with a little break when I was a teenager! Then one day I decided to go on a riding holiday in France and had such a great time I came back and bought a horse!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I only officially joined this year, but have been doing things for the club for 2 years. I create dressage to music (Diamond Freestyles) and was providing the music for musical poles/jumps.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- This might sound a bit cheesy but it’s people in Riding Clubs! I think they’re some of the bravest riders out there. We don’t have the most expensive horses/ponies and a lot of the time we are terrified (at least I am!) but we go out and do it anyway because we love it!
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- I prefer doing Dressage myself….if you have seen the results on facebook of the last jumping clinic I did you will see why! I get a real sense of achievement doing dressage, where as with XC or SJ i’m just happy to be alive at the end of it! I do love watching others do Eventing!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I loved Milton as a kid, but he would have to learn a different discipline!
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- I once blew a raspberry on the end of my horses nose and he bit me…seemed fair enough in hindsight!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- I do like both, but probably a TB as Cobs always buck me off!
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Tough choice…but HOYS-it’s closer!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- My gelding is way more chilled than any mare I have had!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Probably a bit cheesy again but people not being supportive of each other.
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- Since I was about 5 years old, with a little break when I was a teenager! Then one day I decided to go on a riding holiday in France and had such a great time I came back and bought a horse!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- I only officially joined this year, but have been doing things for the club for 2 years. I create dressage to music (Diamond Freestyles) and was providing the music for musical poles/jumps.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- This might sound a bit cheesy but it’s people in Riding Clubs! I think they’re some of the bravest riders out there. We don’t have the most expensive horses/ponies and a lot of the time we are terrified (at least I am!) but we go out and do it anyway because we love it!
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- I prefer doing Dressage myself….if you have seen the results on facebook of the last jumping clinic I did you will see why! I get a real sense of achievement doing dressage, where as with XC or SJ i’m just happy to be alive at the end of it! I do love watching others do Eventing!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- I loved Milton as a kid, but he would have to learn a different discipline!
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- I once blew a raspberry on the end of my horses nose and he bit me…seemed fair enough in hindsight!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- I do like both, but probably a TB as Cobs always buck me off!
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Tough choice…but HOYS-it’s closer!
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- My gelding is way more chilled than any mare I have had!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Probably a bit cheesy again but people not being supportive of each other.
Rachel and her horse Louis at one of our Dressage competitions at the Cavalier Centre.
Thanks Rachel.
Denise Billingham - Social Events & Helper
Denise is another stalwart of our Riding Club, having been a member since the early 2000’s. She is a fabulous supporter at so many events and clinics, as well as being an active Show Jumper with her gorgeous gelding Sam. Denise is always available to help at the Summer Shows with the set up and tidy up including storing all our jumps over the winter months. She also organises our meetings (and the chips, for which we are very grateful!)
Denise Billingham - Social Events & Helper
Denise is another stalwart of our Riding Club, having been a member since the early 2000’s. She is a fabulous supporter at so many events and clinics, as well as being an active Show Jumper with her gorgeous gelding Sam. Denise is always available to help at the Summer Shows with the set up and tidy up including storing all our jumps over the winter months. She also organises our meetings (and the chips, for which we are very grateful!)
Denise & Sam at Ludlow Hunt Show.
Clive Kneller - Helper
Clive has been a huge support to ESRC over the years, with his wife & daughter both being members of the club (& committee). Clive helps with the set up, running, and tidy up of each Summer Show. He is also on knock down duty for every class and did a fantastic job at sourcing our new show ground on the Rabbit Run. Clive also helps with the Christmas Show and with the set up for our Awards Evening.
Clive has been a huge support to ESRC over the years, with his wife & daughter both being members of the club (& committee). Clive helps with the set up, running, and tidy up of each Summer Show. He is also on knock down duty for every class and did a fantastic job at sourcing our new show ground on the Rabbit Run. Clive also helps with the Christmas Show and with the set up for our Awards Evening.
Clive working hard on the Show Jumping heights at the Summer Show.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- 69 years. My dad owned a riding school and we had many ponies to choose from as kids.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- In the mid 80’s.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Lester Piggott
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Horse Racing. My brother and daughter were both jockeys and I regularly go racing.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Nijinsky
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Giving my daughters boyfriend’s horse a pick of grass and he spooked and shot through a small gap, leaving me at the end of the lead rope. He let out an excited buck and got me right on the head. I was fine but I never washed my cap as it was Cheltenham winner Yorkhill and it felt like an autograph from him. It was our last day of looking after him on box rest whilst they were away on holiday and he’d been fine until then-typical.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Thoroughbred
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Poo picking. I’d rather spend my time at the races or on the golf course!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- 69 years. My dad owned a riding school and we had many ponies to choose from as kids.
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- In the mid 80’s.
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Lester Piggott
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Horse Racing. My brother and daughter were both jockeys and I regularly go racing.
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- Nijinsky
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Giving my daughters boyfriend’s horse a pick of grass and he spooked and shot through a small gap, leaving me at the end of the lead rope. He let out an excited buck and got me right on the head. I was fine but I never washed my cap as it was Cheltenham winner Yorkhill and it felt like an autograph from him. It was our last day of looking after him on box rest whilst they were away on holiday and he’d been fine until then-typical.
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Thoroughbred
Q- HOYS or Olympia?
A- Olympia
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Poo picking. I’d rather spend my time at the races or on the golf course!
Clive with champion racehorse stallion Galileo at Coolmore, Ireland.
Thanks Clive.
Jane Gregory - Helper
Jane is always on hand at every Event. From reading out Dressage tests, to working the ring entry at the Christmas Show, providing our Campers with Cupcakes and grooming for Jenny Millman…Jane does it all and with a huge smile every time. We’d be lost without her!
Jane Gregory - Helper
Jane is always on hand at every Event. From reading out Dressage tests, to working the ring entry at the Christmas Show, providing our Campers with Cupcakes and grooming for Jenny Millman…Jane does it all and with a huge smile every time. We’d be lost without her!
Jane helping out our members at camp last year.
Graham & Joyce Phillips - Helpers
Graham has been a long serving helper at our Summer Shows in the Show Jumping ring, alongside his wife Joyce. Graham & Joyce are in charge of the order board and they also work the rings entry. Between classes they also help with changing the height of the fences. Unfortunately Joyce hasn’t been well, so ESRC all wish her well and we hope to see her back at the Shows very soon.
Graham enjoying a well deserved cup of tea at the Summer Show.
Bev Higgs - Helper
Bev has been a member of ESRC since the early 2000’s and has worked extremely hard during her time with us. Bev was on the committee for 10 years and was our most recent Chair person (before Patsy) for 12 years! Bev ran the Summer Shows with Chris, but stepped down as our clubs Chair so she could concentrate more on her two horses Fly & Johnny. Bev now helps out when she can, and enjoys our rallies, Charity Rides and Beach Holidays.
Bev has been a member of ESRC since the early 2000’s and has worked extremely hard during her time with us. Bev was on the committee for 10 years and was our most recent Chair person (before Patsy) for 12 years! Bev ran the Summer Shows with Chris, but stepped down as our clubs Chair so she could concentrate more on her two horses Fly & Johnny. Bev now helps out when she can, and enjoys our rallies, Charity Rides and Beach Holidays.
Bev & Fly doing Dressage at our Summer Show.
“You’ll be wanting to know what I had for breakfast next!”
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- 56yrs!!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 1995…I think?!
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Liz Taylor in the film National Velvet.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Riding through the countryside with panoramic views!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- My late palomino Zafaran.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Falling from my horse Fly in canter. I broke my right wrist and pulled my left shoulder so I couldn’t even get my phone out of my pocket to phone for help!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Thoroughbred
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- Olympia, although now it’s at Excel in London
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding, although I have both!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Filling hay nets!
Q- How long have you been riding?
A- 56yrs!!
Q- When did you join ESRC?
A- 1995…I think?!
Q- Who inspires you in the equine world?
A- Liz Taylor in the film National Velvet.
Q- What’s your favourite horse discipline?
A- Riding through the countryside with panoramic views!
Q- If you could own any horse past or present who would it be?
A- My late palomino Zafaran.
Q- What’s your silliest horse related injury?
A- Falling from my horse Fly in canter. I broke my right wrist and pulled my left shoulder so I couldn’t even get my phone out of my pocket to phone for help!
Q- TB or Cob?
A- Thoroughbred
Q- Hoys or Olympia?
A- Olympia, although now it’s at Excel in London
Q- Mare or Gelding?
A- Gelding, although I have both!
Q- What’s your horsey pet hate?
A- Filling hay nets!
Thanks Bev.
