New Chairman for Wales Region

British Dressage is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chairman for the Welsh region. The current Chairman, Steve Arnett, completes his eight year tenure at the end of the year and will hand the leadership of the region to Mike Mullis on 1 January 2019.

An ex Regular Army Officer and Police Chief Inspector, Mike learnt to ride in his time with the Army as he took up Modern Penthalon, representing Great Britain at the World Championships in 1973. He developed a love for dressage and has been a member of BD for over 15 years. He shares his passion for riding with his wife and they have five horses together ranging in age from two to 23.

Following a spell with the Criminal Justice System in Wales where he worked with various organisations to ‘achieve more with less’, he now works in the family business. This affords him the time and opportunity to compete including reaching Petplan Equine Area Festivals, the Veteran Horse and Forces Equine Championships, which he describes as “my Olympics”. Mike has been actively involved with the Army Cadet Force for over three decades and is also currently President of the Cadet Force Commissions Board.

On his appointment Mike commented; "I’m honoured to be appointed to this position, and am looking forward to what will face me. My 35+ years in the Cadet Force gives me a lot of experience of operating in a voluntary organisation at all levels, and the importance of working with the members who make up the organisation. I’m looking forward to the challenges of being Chair of BD Wales and getting to meet members, venue owners as well as others who can help us to continue to improve Dressage in Wales for our members at all levels.

"I believe that my career, hobbies and sporting success, will help me understand the ambitions of the members, allow me to help where I can to allow others to achieve their dreams and to do all I can to make the sport fun and enjoyable for all involved as well as those who have not tried our sport."

He concluded; “As I have gone around to various competitions, I have come to understand the passion we all have about horses and dressage, and it amazes me still how people can get their horses to do amazing things. I look forward to playing my part over the coming years to help all members in Wales and beyond to achieve their equine aims within the scope of my abilities as Chair of BD Wales."

Recruitment for the position has been done to give a five month handover period where Mike will shadow Steve in the role so he is well prepared to take the role on full time.

Vanessa Archer, Regional Development Officer for Wales said; “It’s with much sadness that we wave good bye to Steve as he’s done so much for the Region. He’s been very ‘hands on’ and really made a difference to growing dressage in Wales and I’ll miss his support. However, the regional committee and I are very much looking forward to welcoming Mike and working closely with him to carry on the forward moment with his extensive skillset. I want to thank Steve for his dedication and I’m certain he’ll continue to be involved in some way and I’m very excited for the future under Mike’s direction.”