New regional chair for Scotland

British Dressage is delighted to announce that a familiar face to the Scottish region and the Regional Committee has been selected as the new Chairman for the country. Caroline Paterson, who’s been an active Judges Representative since 2018, will take on the Chairmanship from 1 January 2021. The vacancy arose due to a family move south of the border for the current Chair, Sharon Lindop.

A resident of Scotland for 11 years, Caroline started her working life in the fast moving supply sector with two global brands, FedEx UK and McDonald’s. A decade was spent with the fast food giant working her way up to managing an outlet, before ending with the position of Field Marketing Executive where she was responsible for 75 restaurants. At FedEx, she was General Manager at the Leicester depot where she learned a great deal about managing people, operations, customer service and communications, all key skills for the Chair role.

In 2009, she took the decision to retrain and follow her passion for equestrianism. She’s now a full time coach and holder of her UKCC Level 2 which she skilfully combines with judging, being on list 3a. Caroline has a very wide client base but has a keen interest in Pony Club and grassroots riders and has been instrumental in nurturing competitors into BD’s popular Quest competitions, including several trips to the Championships to support her teams and riders.

Caroline commented; “I’m really excited about taking on the role from being Judges Representative. I’ve worked with the committee for a few years and am looking forward to further developing and strengthening BD Scotland. I’m fortunate that I’ve experienced dressage in all roles which gives me a great grounding and understanding. My previous working life also puts me in good stead as an experienced communicator and team player. I also pride myself as being a diplomatic thinker, good listener and force for positivity so hope I can bring passion and drive to the role. I have lots of ideas already!”

An active competitor, Caroline has two mares in training which she keeps at her family home. When not spending time with her husband and their four Labradors, she’s a keen baker. Her skills won the Northern Region Bake Off competition in lockdown earlier in the year!

Emma Devoy, Regional Development Officer for Scotland said; “It’s with much sadness that we wave goodbye to Sharon as she’s been a hugely positive and proactive driving force across the region and offered great support to me as RDO. Sharon has been very ‘hands on’ and really made a difference to growing the community of dressage across Scotland. The Regional Committee and I are very much looking forward to working with Caroline in her new position. She has already proved to be a valued member of the committee as Judges Representative and brings a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm to the role.

“I want to thank Sharon for her dedication and I’m certain she’ll continue to be involved in some way. On behalf of everyone in the Scotland region, I want to wish her well on her new chapter. I’m very excited for the future under Caroline’s direction.”