New Leadership for South & East Region

British Dressage is delighted to announce the appointment of Pam Bushell as Regional Chair and Mathieu Smith as Vice-Chair for the South & East region.

Pam Bushell is an active member of the British Dressage community, currently serving as BD Para Selector for the teams representing Great Britain at the Paralympics, World and European Championships. Before this she spent four years as Pony team selector and sat on the Youth committee during that time. Pam has also dedicated much time to her role as a List 1 judge, and regularly judges at competitions of all levels across the region, nationally and internationally for Iberian horses – having been an owner and keen supporter of the breed.  

“I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to be involved as Chairman for the South and East region of BD having been an active member of the committee in the past as Judges Representative for eight years,” Pam commented.

Away from the dressage arena, Pam remains an avid horse owner with six at home, including her grandson’s pony whom she says is “now developing a keen interest in dressage like his mum and grandma!” In the saddle, Pam has ridden warmbloods, thoroughbreds and Iberians, and now enjoys the role of owner, with daughter Natalie in the saddle of four of her horses. “I also have three dogs, mostly rescued from Europe, and enjoy cooking and gardening in my spare time. I’ve been married to my long suffering, non-horsey husband for 43 years and have eight grandchildren.” 

Pam explained that her motivation in taking on the role was out of a love of our sport, understanding the need to give back to dressage in a voluntary role.  “I really enjoy meeting like-minded people and supporting riders and members in their aims and goals and look forward to being actively involved with the committee and the regional members.”

Pam will be supported by newly appointed Vice-Chair Mathieu Smith, who added “It’s with immense pride that I take up the position of co-chair for South and East region, I feel honoured to work alongside Pam, Sharon Walker and Katharine Perry to build a stronger, even more diverse and inclusive region for all to succeed and building on the amazing foundations that Lotte Olsen and then Katie Powell have formed.”

Mathieu brings a wealth of experience from training horses from young horse to Grand Prix level in Europe, including working for Paul Schockemohle in Germany and specialising in Young Horse development and championships.  

“I have a real passion for British Dressage and our region,” Mathieu continued, “building on the Youth and Para aspect of our sport is really important to me and I’d love to see team competitions grow and expand. There is such a diversity of riders and horses in our region, and I feel that we can continue to grow our competitive edge.”

Mathieu intends on aiming to grow a business plan for sponsorship in the region. He also continues to be an active competitor in the region and looks forward to seeing everyone out and about at events across the South & East.

British Dressage Chief Operating Officer, Ben Waterhouse, who oversees activity and development across all six BD regions, commented: “we’re delighted to welcome Pam and Mathieu on board as part of our dedicated network of regional volunteers. They both bring years of commitment and experience and are able to offer knowledge from several points of view – rider, judge, coach and owner – which will be invaluable to ensure the regional experience is of the highest standard. Along with Development Officers, Sharon Walker and Katharine Perry, I’m looking forward to working with Pam and Mathieu during their terms as Chair and Vice-Chair.”

British Dressage is hugely grateful to the volunteers who contribute so much to all areas of the dressage community. We look forward to welcoming Pam and Mathieu to the British Dressage Regional leadership team.