Committee

PABRC Committee

Chairwoman

Claire Sheldrake

I have been part of the club since it started and have been the chair person for a number of years now. Being part of this club has given me the confidence to learn and participate in many disciplines with both of my horses and I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
This is me enjoying riding club camp with my horse Hamish

TREASURER

Kathryn Cresswell

I have always been passionate about horses, which runs in my family.

In 2009, I joined PABRC and was lucky enough to ride a beautiful loan mare called Ruby. She had a big heart and a big jump, she taught me how to listen and have stickability, which I needed for my forever horse, Paddy – also known as the cheeky one in the riding club.

We participate in all disciplines but one of our favourite things to do is hacking on the Quantock Hills.

As part of the committee, I hope I can help the club give others the same fabulous support and fun I’ve had over the years.

AREA TEAMS / XC CLINICS

Jenny Winslade

I’ve always had a fascination with horses ever since I sat on my cousins shire horse as a toddler but I never had the opportunity to ride them as a city girl. As a teenager I managed to save my pennies up and demand my dad drive me to a riding school for a weekly lesson!

It was only in my early 30s, full time vet and married to a beef farmer on the levels that I had my 1st old fat mare and plod is all I did.

Then 3 children later in 2013 I started my mid life crisis in earnest – got Bert a TB and discovered the joys of riding club – pony club for adults with the addition of wine when at camp – how perfect! Started jumping and dressage and have been addicted ever since. I’ve still got Bert retired, 25 and a field companion and have had a few suitable and some not so suitable horses – currently on 2 more in ridden work – Dennis a big, handsome Irish draught with the brain the size of a pea and Oreo a cob x who has a considerably bigger intellect. I’ve dipped my toe into competing – BD team quest, hunter trials and I have even completed a BE 80 but with an enormous cricket score so I lack any discernible talent but will happily give most things a go. I love a lesson and particularly a jumping or xc lesson so joined the committee to help organise more of these, I love the encouragement and support you get from other members.

Secretary

Ann Butler

I don’t have a typical ‘horsey’ background as I grew up in North London and learnt to ride when I was 11, on Hackney marshes… (and no that’s not the name of the horse!). I then didn’t ride again until my late 20’s but tried to make up for it quickly and competed in most things from low level eventing to Endurance, Quadrille and TREC (my navigation skills are legendary!). I have been a member of the club since the beginning and joined the committee not long after. I’ve got a pure bred Irish Draught and a small rescue pony. They live at the end of my garden along with several rescue chickens!

dressage

Lucie New

I started riding when I was 7 and not being lucky enough to own my own horse meant that I would have a go at most things so I could get my horsey fix! I’ve played polo, competed at endurance, show jumping & xc. I have a Spice(y)little ex-racer that I retrained she loved dressage and dancing to music but is now retired and keeping her best friend Finn company. Finn is basically a big black Labrador in disguise, we have enjoyed having a go at most things, he’s a typical warmblood but has a heart of gold and is the most vocal horse I’ve ever known!

I joined the club in 2011 & decided to join the committee a few years later I wanted to help support this lovely friendly club. I organise our monthly open dressage competitions.

SHOWING/SHOWJUMPING

Sue Morgan

At 57 I have a “love” (some may say “insane addiction “) for horses. I have been lucky enough to own my own horses …. attending Pony Club then continuing onto Riding Club.

I can not imagine my life without a horse … or 2.. or 3 & I have competed all of my riding life.
I joined the Poldens and Bridgwater Riding Club to compete without pressure on my mare who is happy to win one class and come last in the next!! The other members are so supportive … I love being a member.

membership secretary

Frances Kelly

I moved to Doniford from South East London a number of years ago, having just lost my young horse Schmiler. Ozzy my best boy ever came along next and we had some wonderful years together before he went over the rainbow. I loved my Ozzy to the moon and back, my kids and Hubby would say more than them but hey ho!

I also have Sunny Jim, my loveable oaf of a warmblood and Lulu a young cob who I hope to have a lot of fun with in the coming years.

I joined the committee to try and give something back into the club having benefitted so much from it already myself. I am looking forward to meeting more of the members as I don’t currently know all of you. Here’s to a fantastic 2023 for us all

WEEKEND LESSONs/WEBSITE

Becky Davies

I think I fell in love with horses before I could walk, but never actually owned one until my mid twenties! I’ve been extremely lucky to own a couple of incredible horses since; currently I have my wonderful 26 year old retired Dutch warmblood Sheena who ive had since she was 4 & I evented with to Novice level, & Sonny who is a very cute & fluffy yearling colt Quantock pony. I’ve also been very fortunate to own Evie & Czara, a beautiful wb cross who competed at BD to Medium level … both of whom i sadly lost far too early. Over the years between them we’ve had a go at most things, from team chasing to dressage to music & everything else in between. I’m not sure where I’d be without horses really (certainly not employed … I’m also a full time McTimoney equine chiropractor & physical therapist by day!).
I love being part of such a supportive, inclusive club who’s members are just fabulous (both 2 legged & 4!). It really is like being part of a big horsey family!

I organise weekend lessons & look after our website & social media side of things

VICE CHAIR/ CAMP

Sarah Horne

I originally joined the club when I had just bought my slightly special (if you know you know!) but horse of a lifetime Whistle. He is now living the life of a king retired in the field having turned his hoof to everything. I have wanted to stay involved with the club due to the friendly, low key nature of it, and help as much as possible with events, and enjoy seeing all the members enjoying their beautiful four legged friends. I organise our residential camps.

vouchers / evening lessons

Kirsty Small

One of my earliest memories involves horses, a riding lesson, and an unplanned dismount mid-nap (clearly, I was born to ride!). These days, my equestrian life is a bit more balanced, thankfully. When I’m not navigating the complexities of international employment tax for work, you’ll find me in the saddle, finding my zen amongst the beautiful Quantocks. My journey has taken me from the adventurous highs (and questionable decisions!) of my pony club and show jumping days to the elegant world of dressage. The transition was purely accidental, sparked by a ‘project’ horse named Timmy, who, 22 years later, is still the equine love of my life (and a very efficient lawnmower!). Together, we climbed the ranks from Prelim to PSG – a testament to his incredible spirit and, perhaps, my improved riding skills. I’m incredibly lucky to have a second horse of a lifetime, my own black beauty, Kitty, who is just as special and I hope we will be just as successful. Joining this club was driven by a desire to help my then-fiery steed find her social side (and, let’s be honest, boost my own confidence!). It’s been an amazing experience, not just for the horsemanship, but for the incredible friendships I’ve formed with such a fantastic group of like-minded equestrians.

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Naomi Parker Jones

I grew up riding in the desert and beaches of the United Arab Emirates and although I had the most amazing access to a variety of horses it wasn’t until I was living back in Somerset in my 20’s that I actually owned my first pony. I have been a Quantock pony advocate ever since, having now owned and ridden 4 over the years.

These days, I have a new Quantock partner, Castiel, and we’re up for having a go at anything when I can fit it in around a busy life as an insurance agent, mum and dairy farmers wife.

I am new to the committee in 2025 although I’ve been a club member on and off for over 10 years.

socials

Meg Hutchinson

Horses have been my life, ever since I can remember.

My grandma and I shared this passion, which lead her to spontaneously buying a little black cob when I was 11 – Jack. Our journey over the past 17 years has taken us to BE, BD and many places in between, and also lead love I have now of this incredible species. Being on the committee is the complete circle for me, as Claire gave Jack and I out first rosette 17 years ago too!

The love didn’t stop at Jack, with me buying an unruly 18hh 4yo warmblood (I was well over my head!!!) that no one else wanted (they were sensible!!) who turned into the most incredible dancing partner, and best friend. We sadly lost him in the summer of 2024, and he will never be replaced. But his willingness and love of life spurred me to carry on and find a new friend.

Recently my new partnership in my 2nd 17’1 giant warmblood – clearly I don’t learn… will be just as inspiring, as we work up the dressage levels together. Maybe if I’m brave enough, dip our toes into leaving the ground… purposely!

I’m really excited to be sharing the running of socials, as I love to learn. So creating events that the club can take horsey info away from, really excites me!

socials / clothing

Adele Francis Kleeman

I don’t have the typical horsey background. I grew up in foster care in Kent and my carers had horses in the garden! – I really landed on my feet! I spent every summer growing up with my best friend and her many ponies! This is where I really learnt to ride and met Todd. When I was 18 I moved back to Surrey and purchased my TB x Knabstrupper who sadly smashed my confidence over the years! She later had a field accident so we turned her away. Then comes my happy accident! My over grown 15hh not even 2 year old, Fern! We lost mum (lily) and I was left with my then yearling. I was offered the opportunity to have my childhood cob Todd on loan! This is where I found the ridding club as I was determined to get my confidence back and get out and about! You can find us ‘trying’ most things at least once! But we enjoy our monthly dressage! He’s an old boy now so we will make the most of the time we have! (20, but most days you wouldn’t know it) If you don’t find me out with Todd you’ll find me in a ring photographing all kinds of horse events! This special club gave me back the social side of horses when I didn’t know anyone. I cant wait to get involved and help run the Social side of things, the club gave me so much and really help made Somerset feel like home!