Committee Profiles

COMMITTEE MEMBER

PROFILE

HEATHER GILES

Chairman & Web Manager

Acting Membership Secretary

I joined SWDG in 2007, having been an endurance rider for many years, as I wanted to expand my riding horizons a bit and remind myself what the inside of a dressage arena looked like, and jump some cross-country fences, before I got too old and scared!  During 2008 I foolishly asked Sara Greenwood if the club needed any help with the website and before I knew where I was I had full responsibility.  However it is something I enjoy doing and I believe the new website enhances the club’s image.  Somehow at the end of 2011 I found myself as Chairman, something that the committee might live to regret!!

I live in Drimpton, on the Dorset/Somerset borders, with my husband David (totally un-horsey!) and our re-homed greyhound Jazz and lurcher Sian.  My current horse is a home-bred Anglo-arab gelding called Future Star who, after 3 seasons as an endurance ‘pony’, is now competing at BE100 level, ridden by local event rider, Millie Tonks.  I still have Star’s mum, who I also bred, and his half-sister ‘Pinky’ who is also Anglo-arab and is now 4 years old.  I have two other purebred Arabs, a mare and a stallion, both in happy successful long-term endurance loan homes.

TRACEY SCAMMELL

Team Manager – Show Jumping & Horse Trials

I joined SWDG in 2002 (and not before time!) after deciding to take up competing again after 15 years!  Having been a regular member of the Seavington Pony Club Prince Philip Cup and Inter-branch teams and hunting subscriber, serious riding was put on hold so that I could pursue my career as a Solicitor, marry an equine vet (strategically planned!) and inherited his three (then) young children (not so strategically planned!).

I now work full-time as a partner in a local law firm, compete regularly and represent SWDG teams,  on our homebred horses, progressing to Intermediate eventing this season, thanks to the brilliant clinics organised and encouragement offered by the committee and members of SWDG.  I have now taken on the role of Show Jumping team manager. 

HELEN PETHERBRIDGE

Treasurer

I have been a member of the SWDG for the past few years.  I became the Treasurer in 2008 and enjoy taking a more active role with the riding club.  I have been riding for many years and enjoy competing in dressage. I have a lovely Dutch Warmblood called Budgie, who I’ve have had since August 2009, and who I am now starting to compete with.  I am married and live with my husband and beautiful rescued whippet-cross called Cupid.  I work in Yeovil, where I am a Senior Accountant for a well-established practice. I studied at both Yeovil and Taunton College, where I completed my accountancy qualifications.

WAYNE CLARKE

Health & Safety & Child Protection Officer

Riding is definitely not something that I ever thought I would do when I was growing up. I have been riding since the age of 13, and come from a totally non-horsey family.  I work full-time as a college lecturer, and work even harder keeping my horse fit and on the road – due to my hideous working hours I am frequently schooling my horse in the dark at around 5.30am! I found he quickly became bombproof with this method of training! I competed in dressage and show jumping and, more recently British Eventing, with my current young horse, Casper, this is something that I can hopefully aim for in the coming years. Whilst at university I competed in the BUSA league, representing Bangor, and became the highest placed male in my region and this got me a place on the BUSA International team.  Due to my work commitments I struggle to go to the riding club clinics but can be frequently found at most of the club’s competitions, and hopefully this year on the teams!  Just look for the small yellow horsebox!  If I’m not competing myself I’m the driver/groom for my recently-converted girlfriend!

CATHERINE ATKINSON

Programme

CAROLYN PRICE

Quiz Organiser, Merchandise &

Trophy Points

I learnt to ride when I was about 9 years old, and have been doing it ever since!  My riding career has so far taken in Pony Club, including Prince Philip games, one day events, and hunting (I was dead keen in my late teens).  I’ve also done team-chasing (in the early years when it was an extra class at hunter trials), and point-to-pointing (had a few rides on my own horses for a several years with places but no wins).  I also learnt to ride side-saddle and rode to our wedding.  I held an Amateur licence to ride under Flat racing rules for a number of years, and rode out for a local flat trainer in my spare time, again places but no wins.  I have shown, getting various places and wins, in hunter classes, riding horse, and hack classes.  The highlight being 3rd at Hickstead in the inaugural RoR Thoroughbred Show horse class, held on Derby day in the International arena.  More recently I have done some in-hand classes with my young horse.  I am an Advanced endurance rider but have never ridden more than 50 miles in a day (and wouldn't want to!) but I did get a National placing one year.

I joined the SWDG riding club a few years ago and have done some of the competitions and clinics. I have now taken up dressage riding and am in my first year of affiliated competition, at Novice level, gaining a few BD points! I have 2 horses - my ex-flat racehorse who is now doing dressage, and a three year old TB/warmblood I bought last year and who is currently being backed. I'm hoping he will jump as well as do dressage. I also work full time, have four terriers, and a husband! 

HELEN DUNNING

Dressage on Grass Organiser

 I have lived in Batcombe, Dorset, (which is a fantastic place for riding and getting horses fit) for six years and am married to Malcolm.  I was brought up in Suffolk, on an arable farm, until I met Malcolm, then I travelled the show circuit selling saddlery and lived in Hampshire. I have hunted all my life, but am now concentrating on eventing and bringing on two young horses.  I thoroughly enjoy being involved with SWDG and love the support the club gives its members.

DELERIE CHAMBERS

Team Manager – Dressage to Music

MANDY BLUCK

Junior Teams