British Dressage Selector and Board appointments

British Dressage is delighted to welcome three new international selectors and a newly appointed Director who will join the BD Board.

Following the retirement of Jane McGarel Groves as Para Selector and Leanne Wall as U21 Selector at the end of their terms, plus the election of former Senior Selector Jill Day as the new Chairman of British Dressage, three selector vacancies were advertised this autumn. We are delighted to announce the recruitment of three respected figures in the sport, who will be joining the selection panels that are vital to the success of the British international teams.

Anne Keen has been appointed as the third Senior Selector, working alongside BD International Director Judy Harvey and Jenny Ward. Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, having dedicated many years to the sport in a multitude of roles. During her career in riding, coaching and performance analysis, Anne spent six years supporting the younger generation as Chef d’Equipe of the British Junior and Young Rider teams, alongside her work as a List 1 judge. Anne’s attention to detail and passion for top level sport has transferred to eventing, where she has fulfilled the role of FEI International Eventing Ground Jury Member, whilst she’s also experienced first-hand being part of the World Class Programme as an owner.

Joining Chief Selector Joyce Head and Islay Auty on the Para selection panel is former U21 Selector and List 1 Judge Pam Bushell. Pam was an integral part of the youth selection process during a golden era for Britain’s Pony team, appointing riders between 2014 and 2017 when three medals were secured, alongside a further four individual medals, including double gold. In the senior ranks, Pam supported Horse Sport Ireland as a selector for the 2019 FEI European Championships, where the goal of Tokyo 2020 qualification was successfully achieved. Away from selection roles, Pam’s career in judging extends from numerous National and Winter Championships to the Para dressage sphere, where she’s a respected National Para Judge. Pam is a keen supporter of the sport as an owner and has also dedicated much of her free time to supporting local initiatives in riding clubs and RDA groups.

Stephen Arnett will take up the vacant position on the U21 selection panel, supporting Chief Selector Nikki Herbert and Richard Baldwin. As a long-standing and committed BD volunteer, Stephen has dedicated much of his career to the development of youth athletes, having supported the former Talent Spotting initiative, the Young Professionals Programme, BD Youth regional events and squad assessments, and the successful BD Youth Foundation Academies, as well as being Chairman of the Wales region for a number of years. Stephen’s knowledge in coaching and performance development will be of great value to our U21 selection panel as we look to build upon recent success on the international stage.

We’re also pleased to announce a new appointment to the BD Board of Directors, where Richard Lane will take up the new independent non-executive Extra Director position for an initial term of four years. The role will provide further independent oversight at Board level, as well as specific expertise and guidance for our legal policies and governance frameworks.

Richard recently retired from his role as partner at Wright Hassall, where he spent 30 years as a litigation and sports specialist. He was part of the management board of the firm for 24 years and spent eight years as managing partner. Having acted for both British Dressage and British Showjumping during his time with Wright Hassall, alongside support of other sports NGBs, Richard will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the BD Board.

British Dressage CEO Jason Brautigam commented; “We’re delighted to add a fresh perspective to the BD Board, with the appointment of Richard Lane as an independent non-executive director. This position will make an important contribution to our overall strategic direction, underpinned by the principles of good governance, and I’ve no doubt that Richard’s background and skillset will be of great value in supporting the Board and senior management team.

“I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the three new selectors joining our Senior, Para and U21 panels. I am sure that Anne, Pam, and Stephen will all make a significant contribution to British Dressage. With the sport experiencing a fantastic year on the international stage in 2022, we look forward to building on that success as we continue on the journey towards Paris 2024, alongside the development of our future stars.”