Claire - Chairman
My name is Claire knight and I am proud to be chairman of East Mendip Riding Club. I joined the club not long after it was formed as I liked the ethos and values that the club holds. I own a 16h warmblood x named Gucci, our passion is dressage and I am totally besotted with him. This club took me from my first ever solo outing just coming to a training session to having the confidence to go and compete in my first ever dressage competition. I've had a great 3 years and made lovely friends, now I'd like to help others to grow as riders and flourish in their partnerships with their horses.
Jo Rossiter - Secretary
Hi! I am Jo and I set up East Mendip Riding Club because I believed there was a need locally for a Club offering fun rather than just being competitive. Although I rode as a child, I had a long break and started riding again at 30. I got my first horse at 37! I have recently purchased a lovely little Cob, Max, and I hope to be out and about on him soon!
Debbie Pickford - Treasurer
Hi! I am Debbie and this is my horse Bandit. I have been riding on and off since I was small but gave up in about 2003 following a bad accident. In 2013 I went to visit an old friend and rode one of her horses, they rest, as they say, is history! I had another bad accident in 2018, fracturing my spine in 2 places but with a change of horse and the support of my friends and the riding club I am back and loving every minute. I enjoy all aspects of riding, hacking, fun rides, riding club activities and low-level competition, we have a go at most things and have great fun at team events with the riding club. I joined East Mendip riding club about 4 years ago and became treasurer in 2019.
Cathy – Membership Secretary
I joined EMRC in 2017 with my old horse who turned out to be not right for me as he was just simply too much horse.
This lovely lady is my new horse, Jessica, who is a 15 hh Welsh section D. Although she’s like most welshies, with a bit of the dragon in them, she is kind and safe and is a proper little schoolmaster and is teaching me a lot. We are a new partnership though, and I’m looking forward to doing more with her and getting to know her better.
I’m Membership Secretary and have been since 2018 and I’m the lady you speak to when you want to join. Jessica and I enjoy dressage, hacking and I’m looking forward to doing some dressage and Riding Club activities with her plus camp.
Karen Gowlett
I was late getting into horses and got my first one for a significant birthday! Pippin is a gypsy cob and we have such fun in the time I’ve had her! I joined EMRC to gain more confidence and meet new friends, and have enjoyed fun rides, camp, Cross County and Show Jumping. More recently I have taken part in team events which is fabulous fun (and often a delicious picnic after we’ve ridden!). When I’m not riding, I enjoy gardening, walking our dog, and relaxing with friends (plus wine and gin!), plus also squeezing in working full time!
Julie Dawson – Committee Member
HI! I am Julie and I grew up in the cooler climates of the North in Lancashire. I have recently relocated to Somerset and work in a vet’s practise. Outside of work I am kept busy with my own and the family’s horses. I really enjoy helping at EMRC - everyone is so friendly, and the emphasis is always on fun.
Sandi - Committee Member
Hi I’m Sandi and I have joined the committee after being a member of EMRC for nearly 8 years.
I got back into riding after a 20 year break and as I am not interested in competing anymore, the riding club gives me and my horse Shady the opportunity to get out and do lots of other things, learn and progress but mostly have fun.
Outside of horses I am involved with a greyhound rescue charity and have fostered many greyhounds and lurchers over the years. As a result of this, I also share my home with 2 greyhounds, a saluki and a whippet … oh and my husband!