South & East Regional Committee

Katie Powell is an active BD competitor, holder of BHS Horsemanship qualification Stage 4, a qualified BHS coach and is currently working toward her BDCC.  In addition to this she runs the highly regarded rehabilitation and livery yard at Nodwood House in Surrey. 

Her corporate experiences with different companies and the skill set she has developed should be very useful to the role of Chair for the South & East Region. Having come full circle back to working with horses, just as she had ambitions of doing as a teenager, it seems only fitting to give something back and try to provide support, leadership and experience to our members in the South & East.

Katie has immersed herself in the development of Nodwood House over the past five years, whilst competing her own horses and supporting her daughter’s youth competition schedule. Now, with the team she wants in place on the yard she feels able to dedicate the time to this role.

Teresa is a rider and coach.  She holds her Level 3 UKCC and is currently working towards her Level 4 Coaching Qualification.  Teresa is also our Norfolk CCO and aims to be a supportive point of contact for all our coaches.

Rachel is a BHSI keen to bring relevant subjects to coaches and zooms on specific hot topics.  Rachel is also interested in exploring ways to overcome financial barriers through funding and grants so that all coaches can access training.

Karen brings a wealth of experience to the committee, having previously held corporate roles and committee positions within riding clubs. She is also a BHS Coach and a British Dressage Judge. She's a fun and engaging member of the team, making a very strong youth section of the committee, working alongside existing committee members Jess and Ben. 

Having been through the BD youth system herself, Jess can relate to riders and help them start their journey with BD Youth.  She is passionate that the children (and ponies!) enjoy themselves whilst learning about all aspects of equestrianism. Jess will always greet you with a smile and welcome you to the family! She is a very bubbly and enthusiastic person who, you will find out in time, loves everything to do with Disney! 

Ben got involved in British Dressage through the Inter County Challenge. He is keen to encourage grass roots riders in, and help them plan their dressage journey. 

Sam works for NHS Resolution by profession and started riding as a hobby in 2007, purchasing her first horse, Jim Murphy a few years later and becoming a member of British Dressage in 2015, attending camps and riding on Senior Inter Regionals teams  

Sam loves being involved in the behind the scenes running of dressage shows and was awarded the Eastern Supporter of the Year award in 2019.  She loves everything to do with British Dressage and is very much looking forward to giving something back to the sport.

Nic works as a Commercial Manager for Speedgate Enterprises Ltd looking after Purchasing, Marketing and Human Resources. She lives in Fawkham in Kent with her husband and two Wirehaired Dachshunds who are keen South and East mascots! Nic has ridden since she was a child and has represented the Southern region at two Inter Regionals and one Home International. She is now excited to have a new young horse who she is looking forwards to bringing up through the levels.  

Jo, a grade 5 Para rider herself helps support the other para riders in the region, ensuring they are aware of training and competition opportunities. She also offers guidance on classification process and works with some local RDA groups.  Jo also sits on the Para Technical committee helping to develop the sport at BD HQ

Fiona is based in Sussex and is a List 1 Judge, Tutor Judge and Judge Educator. She has a wealth of experience from Pony Club to top level, training and working with riders.  Fiona has competed herself to European Young Rider level.  Fiona looks forward to meeting and chatting to our many fabulous judges in the South and East Region about the new system, progression, training and judging.

Having ridden since childhood, Katie turned to dressage in recent years and is competing at Elementary level with her horse of a lifetime. She loves being part of our fantastic region and tries to get out for training days and camps as much as possible, alongside juggling her own PR and marketing business. Katie can usually be found taking photos for the social media pages and is one of the first on the dance floor when everyone is celebrating together!

Nikki is a marketing professional who works with riders and sponsors regularly.  She is a regular team member and has been involved in region for several years.  

Craig is currently CCO for Kent and therefore very well placed to find out what riders, coaches and judges want from the region.  Craig aims to be proactive with setting up events and communicating with members