Our Regional Committee

Carrie Payne, an active member within the region and former Regional Training Representative, will take up post in January 2024, working alongside current Regional Chair Susie Cumine until the end of  this year to ensure a smooth transition. Carrie is a seasoned competitor, having taken part in affiliated dressage since the early 90s and witnessed the transformation of British Dressage from its conception to its modern form. As a retired Financial Advisor, Carrie understands the demands on riders who balance busy working, family and equestrian lives, having fit all ‘her boys’ - equine, canine and husband – around working long hours for her career. 

I am a BD Ukcc level 3 qualified coach, a List 2 and para dressage judge. Now retired after spending 30 years working in the Equine department at Duchy College, coaching beginners to advanced level throughout these years. An active member of BD since 1975 competing regularly and have been lucky enough to ride to PSG. I am now the Senior Training Rep and the Coaching Rep for the South & West Committee.

I have been involved in British Dressage since I was 14 years old and took part in the various Youth Activities (BYRDS) until I was 25 doing the Talent Spotting Scheme on two of my horses. When I was 18, I helped with the training in Cornwall BYRDS with Helen Sisson and enjoyed teaching the younger fledgling riders especially.

I currently train two Pony Clubs on a regular basis and am the BD Youth Rep for Cornwall, where I enjoy encouraging riders both at the start of their journey and working to develop the older riders progress through their training.

Clare is also a UKCC BD Specific Level 3 Coach, BD Youth Assessor, BD List 1 Judge, BD Judge Educator, BD Para Judge, Level 3 in Tutoring and Assessing as well as a BHS II freelance Coach and Rider – competing up to Int 1 level on my own horses and training people of all ages up to PSG level dressage / Adv eventing.

I am a BHS Accredited Professional coach and have my UKCC 3, I have an up-to-date Safeguarding certificate and First Aid certificate. I have worked in a variety of settings including Racing, Dressage, Eventing and 10 years working in a riding school - working my way up from working pupil to yard manager.  For the past 20 years, until very recently I have owned and managed my own livery yard, we are now currently looking to purchase and develop a training facility. 

During that time, I have been a freelance coach to a broad range of clients of all ages and abilities, studied Psychology and Psychotherapy at University and have become an Advanced Centre 10 Coach studying Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches with Charlie Unwin.  I have recently completed a 6-month Accelerator programme with Sarah Huntly, during this course I have designed a 5-week Mindset Matters programme offering riders dismounted sessions to cover topics such as Goal Setting, Performance Profiling, Focus, Confidence and Mindset. 

For the past 10 years I have been Somerset County Co-Ordinator for BD Youth and Seniors. I have enjoyed the role greatly, being part of a supportive team and helping to organise clinics and training has been brilliant fun, with a highlight being Somerset Youth riders winning the Inter County Challenge 2020. 

I am also a trainee judge, having passed the DVD and Written paper and a mock exam, sadly with the disruption of Covid my practical exam was cancelled but I am keen to complete this as soon as possible. 

Sara-Jane Lanning is an International Rider, List 1 Judge and Tutor Judge and UKCC3 Coach. She was formerly on the judges committee for 8 years, so regularly sees the sport from all sides. Sara runs her own yard at home in Hampshire and is frequently out competing on her team of horses from Novice to Grand Prix. ‘I was lucky to have the support of several list one judges as I worked my way up the levels so look forward to giving back that support to others in my new role’.

I have ridden since the age of 7 and competed in all disciplines up to the age of 30 when I decided to focus solely on dressage. I have competed successfully up to a few years ago when I sadly lost both my horses but continue to be involved through my work with British Dressage South & West. I have volunteered for them for 4 years and been on the committee for the last 3. I love being part of the team, the camaraderie and have made some wonderful friends for life!