British Dressage confirms outcome of 2026 Director elections

Following this year’s Director elections, British Dressage is delighted to confirm that Jill Day has been re-appointed to the BD Board as Chair, while Anne Keen and Paul Hayler have been appointed as International Director and Officials Director respectively.

In line with the British Dressage Articles of Association, the positions of Chair, International Director and Officials Director were all put forward to the membership for election this year.

Jill Day and Anne Keen were the sole candidates put forward to the membership vote for the roles of Chair and International Director respectively and were elected unopposed on a straight yes / no vote by the membership.

For the position of Officials Director (previously Judges Director), two candidates were approved and put forward for election by members.  Paul Hayler received the majority of votes and has therefore been appointed to the BD Board.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard Baldwin for also putting himself forward for election, and for his significant contribution to the Judges Committee over the past four years.

Full details of the election results will be announced at the British Dressage Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8 October 2026, when these appointments will come into effect.  All three Directors are elected on a four year term, until October 2030.

Jill Day, Chair, commented: “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all members who supported my re‑election as Chair of British Dressage. I am genuinely honoured by your confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue in the role for another term. I look forward to working with you all with renewed optimism for the years to come.”

Anne Keen, International Director, commented: “I feel privileged and excited to take up this role and want to give a big thank you to all who voted for me. I look forward to working with everyone to promote correct training, development and performance of our international riders across all age groups.”

Paul Hayler, Officials Director, commented “I’m very excited to have been voted onto the BD Board as Officials Director and to be working on helping move the sport forward together. A huge thank you to everyone that has voted for me.”

Members are encouraged to take the opportunity to speak to Jill Day, Anne Keen and Paul Hayler at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships this week, to ask any questions they may have.