A new DO for North & East

British Dressage is delighted to welcome Kate Toone as the new Development Officer for the North & East region, taking up the reins of the role in March this year. 

Bringing together farming, finance and fancy footwork, Kate Toone is due to begin her role as North & East DO from Monday 2 March.

Kate is a farmer’s daughter living in South Leicestershire with her husband, Ian on his family’s farm. After leaving school, her working life naturally began with animals. Having grown up around both small and large livestock, Kate trained as a Veterinary Nurse, developing a solid grounding in animal care, responsibility and a strong work ethic. This early career provided valuable hands-on experience and instilled a lifelong respect for animal welfare and practical problem-solving.

She later chose to take a new direction and transitioned into a career in finance, where she has spent much of her professional life. Her most recent role is Credit Control Manager at Lloyds Clinical, where she is responsible for leading a team of five and overseeing the collection of vast sums each month. This position reflects Kate’s significant expertise in leadership, financial management and operational oversight.

Alongside her success in the corporate sector, Kate has remained closely connected to rural life and the equestrian world. These longstanding ties continue to shape her identity, values and passions, bridging professional achievement with deep-rooted countryside traditions.

Talking about her equestrian connection, Kate said: “I come to this role with a lifelong involvement in owning and competing across various disciplines. Ten years ago, my equestrian journey changed when I lost my horse and transitioned from rider to owner. I maintained my involvement with horses through my best friend, whose daughter, Nancy, competed in British Dressage. This ignited my passion for the sport and led me to become the half-owner of a two-year-old Hanoverian filly with Nancy.”

“Fast forward to today, she is now a rising nine-year-old.  I have had the pleasure of watching her train, develop, and progress through the levels and experiencing the thrill of seeing her compete at Petplan Festivals and Championships, Regionals and Winter Championships.”

Kate is looking forward to taking up the reins as she concluded: “Through my involvement in the dressage community, I have gained a strong understanding of the pathways, challenges, and opportunities within the sport. I am thrilled to be taking up the role as Development Officer North & East and look forward to building positive relationships with members and stakeholders, supporting the continued development and enjoyment of dressage to all at all levels.”

Get in touch

Please note, queries in the North & East region should be directed to North & West DO Nikki Birt via email or phone (07495 013192) until Kate joins the team next month.