Meet the Committee Members

Kate Hopper

Chairwoman, first aid, musical ride/quadrille training and data protection.

I started working professionally with horses in 1982 & obtained my BHSAI in 1984. After a career of nearly 20 years, injury forced me to make changes so I am now a 'hobby' rider but very fortunate to live & keep my horse & donkeys on the Blackdown Hills. BHRC is the first riding club I have been a member of & it has been invaluable in keeping in contact with those involved with horses & keeping up to speed with training.

Monte is my new horse with big hooves to fill after little Sauber's amazing achievements. He is a quirky chap & we are taking things slowly but hope to out competing someday soon!

Tricia Budd

Secretary, first aid and data protection

The tiny scrap of a foal I bought 4 years ago is now a stunningly beautiful dapple grey. I backed Topaz last autumn and he is enjoying his winter holiday. My plan is to start his ridden career in the late spring, and we are planning to attend the BHRC summer camp in July. Topaz has been an absolute joy to educate; he has some big shoes to fill after Gem, but he is certainly ready for the challenge! Tricia

Sara Llewellyn

Health & Safety

Hi I'm Sara Llewellyn,  I have one horse, two ponies and a Donkey. I have been a member of the Blackdown hills Riding Club for approximately 27yrs (that's scary!) I have had many ponies over the years half of which I have rescued. Not quite the longest serving committee member I have been present through many exciting events that our riding club have either put on or competed in. Long may it continue.

Deana Rowland

Treasurer & Training

Hi everyone, I'm Deana Rowland and have been a member of this club for many years, I joined when I'd had my first horse 'Megan' for a couple years and wanted to do a bit more than hacking, the club gave me such warm friendly support it gave me confidence to try all sorts of things, they still do, my horse 'Mr C' I have now is new to me and again trying things for the first time on him. Took on the Treasurer role quite sometime ago and enjoy it very much.

Emma pearce

First aid, website manager, cross country training and data protection.

Hi I’m Emma I am an active member of the BHRC on foot. I was riding but have had a baby in 2022. My main pony who I rode for over 10 years is Teatime. He was one amazing pony and we achieved so much with his dressage. We had so much fun with the club doing camp, training and even gave showing a go! We represented the club with other members for 2 years at the Quadrille competition at The Equine Fair at Westpoint. Unfortunately I lost Teatime in 2025 due to to ill health. I will hold onto many fond memories of him.

I am in charge of the website (with help from my husband Matt) and really enjoy keeping it all up to date and making sure you all get to see what’s happening in the club. I also help with our Facebook page I also organise cross country training sessions.

Eve Warren

DREssage and social media

Amanda webb

Hi, I’m Amanda. It’s a pleasure to step into the role of committee member this year after being part of the club for a couple of years. Outside of meetings, you’ll usually find me with my two mares: Jazzie, my 21‑year‑old Welsh D × New Forest, who I bought in 2020 after a 25‑year break from all things equine. She has taught me more than any book ever could, has a heart of gold, and a very firm sense of what she thinks is best. Belle is my lively 8‑year‑old Connemara who keeps me on my toes.

I’ve found the club to be friendly, supportive, and wonderfully inclusive, and it has played a big part in my equine journey while I’ve enjoyed many of the fantastic events they organise. I’m really looking forward to helping the committee continue that spirit, and I’m excited to be organising the polework and jump training this year. I can’t wait to get to know you all at our events throughout the coming year.

Joy Brown

I have been a Committee Member of the BHRC for about 30 years and seen many changes. Prior to this 10 year’s Secretary /Chairman of a North Yorkshire riding club putting my BHS qualifications to good use.   I have enjoyed running the dressage league shows and coach trips and social occasions which has been great fun  and informative with like minded equestrians.

I have been President for a few years and take more of a backseat due to mobility restrictions but still enjoy supporting events .

Sylvia Paine

HI everyone. Introducing my four legged friends. Those of you who have been a member for sometime may remember Max, who is now enjoying his retirement as leader of the herd! Thomas is my little fun cob who tries to do anything I ask of him, sometimes successfully, sometimes not, but always with a smile. Diego is the newest member of the gang has been with me for 18 months,  is now very much one of the family and adored by everyone who meets him.

Hope to see you out there this summer .... when the rain stops.  Sylvia

Vicky Henderson

Health and Safety and juniors

My name is Vicky Henderson and both myself and my daughter Maisie have been members of BHRC for 4 years now.

We have predominantly been involved in showing but since joining BHRC we have gained confidence to try Dressage which we thoroughly enjoy. We originally joined as we both wanted somewhere we could go together to enjoy our Horse and ponies.

From the very first event we attended, we were made to feel very welcome. We have been to regular events, competitions, camps etc and has gained a great deal of confidence due to the kindness, support and friendliness we always receive.

 

Debbie herbert

Hi everyone, some of you will already know me and my beautiful boy Buddy who I have had for 11 years in May.

We used to do a lot of showing, a bit of dressage (I love schooling), some jumping for fun, hacking and anything else that I felt we might enjoy. Unfortunately, Buddy has had some health issues in the last 5 years so we can’t jump anymore and due to remedial shoes, our showing adventures are a little restricted too. So, Buddy has turned his hooves to dressage. We’re not the best, Buddy is built for pulling a cart not for dressage, but we are absolutely ‘up’ for having a go. I’ve just got to convince Buddy that the canter movements don’t have to be executed like we’re doing the charge of the light brigade!

We have been members for a few years now and really enjoy being part of a friendly, kind and supportive club.