New Chairman appointed for BD Southern Region

New Chairman appointed for BD Southern Region

The British Dressage Board of Directors has unanimously ratified Sam Osborn as the new Chairman of the Southern Region. Based in Haslemere, Surrey, Sam takes over the post with immediate effect as Dan Watson has finished his term of office.

Sam has been on the Southern Committee for two years as one of two BYRDS Reps and has been actively involved in dressage since 1989 when she became a member of the newly created BYRDS (British Young Riders Dressage Scheme).  A committed supporter through a large part of BD’s history and development, she has ridden all her life, initially starting in the show ring until having lessons with David Hunt with whom she has trained ever since.

Her daughter, Phoebe, is a keen member of BYRDS and, although Sam doesn’t compete herself, she’s very active within the region and enjoys working with young riders and grass roots riders, encouraging them to become involved with BD.

BD Regional and Volunteer Manager Sue Harrison said of the appointment: “I’m delighted to welcome Sam as the new Regional Chair for Southern Region.  Sam has done a tremendous job in growing BYRDS during her time as BYRDS Rep.  As she now takes on this new and exciting role, I know she’ll continue that development throughout all areas within the Southern Region.”

“Sam takes over from Dan Watson and I would like to thank Dan for giving his time so freely and for all his hard work during four years as Regional Chair.”

In the past, Sam has had extensive involvement with The Pony Club, enjoying a seat on the committee of the Chiddingfold branch for three years until 2011, during which time she held the post as Secretary. She was then appointed as Assistant District Commissioner from 2012 to 2015, which no doubt stood her in good stead for her BYRDS Rep role.

Currently, she organises a number of clinics, dressage and showjumping competitions at Parwood Equestrian in Surrey, working with British Showjumping and British Eventing, as well the local Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs. She’s also working towards her UKCC Level 2 exam and is training to become a listed dressage judge.

“I’m very excited to be taking over the role of Southern Region Chair from Dan,” said Sam. “I’m looking forward to working with both the regional committee and the members within the Southern Region.  I would welcome any ideas or suggestions that members may have, so please do get in touch directly with me.”

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.