Our Committee
Meet the committee who put their time in to running such a fun and supportive club!
Carl Hester MBE- President
Cheltenham and District Riding Club are priviliged to have Carl Hester MBE and olympic gold medalist as our president! An ispirational rider and trainer we are very lucky to have him supporting our club.
Check out his website to see more insights into his amazing yard, fantastic horses and brilliant achievments.
Michelle Holder – Chairlady
I have been involved with the club for many years.As the longest standing committee member(since 2005) I have had different roles on the committee....In previous years I was the showjumping team manager and up until recently the dressage team manager.
I have represented the club in all disciplines and love to be part of a team. I own two ex racehorses who have both shown successfully at county level in the ROR classes. I compete at BD and I am also a trainee BD judge.I decided to take on the role as chair as I am enthusiastic and easy to approach so please let me know if you have any ideas or questions regarding the club.I hope to bring new ideas and fun to this brilliant club.
Noel Ennett – Treasurer
I have been on the committee of CDRC for some years now.
I started riding in my late 30’s to keep my daughter company in her lessons. I have had a number of horses and enjoy Eventing, Drag and just hacking through the woods in good company. (preferably ending up at a pub!)
I am also a member of the BRC National Executive Committee, Chairman of BRC Area 18 (of which CDRC is part of), and a BRC Official Steward officiating at Area Qualifiers and National Championships.
Chloe Donochie - Secretary & Camp Organiser
Devon born and bred I moved to Gloucestershire in 2006 and can honestly say if it wasn't for the riding club I wouldn't still be living here now. Having met many friends, I now have lots of happy memories of club outings, events and training.
Me and Willow (my little super cob) have had a varied life together have a go at most things. Most recently due to a touch of arthritis for the 21 year old we mainly compete in dressage now.
Caroline Bevan – Dressage Team Manager
Following a short break from committee to sort out a new hip and a new horse, I'm happy to be back riding with you all. A new role organising dressage teams and training is keeping me busy.
Having grown up on a racing yard and spent most of my childhood in Lambourn it seems fitting my latest horse is an ex chaser.
No pony for me as a little girl, instead our lovely stable staff would spend afternoons leading my brothers and me around the fields on some of the more tolerant horses ,showing us how to ride with our knees up by our chins , sometimes I was just given a leg up and shut in paddock where I rode around until bored on the yard favourite. Different times :)
I look forward to seeing you all out and about and with some of our Riders already off to the Championships it looks like 2024 could be a good year for the Club.
Arlene McKenna – Showjump Team Manager
I joined CDRC way back because I wanted to learn more & have access to good training. I had friends in the club, but didn't realise how many more friends I was going to gain.
I'd never done a riding camp (✔️) I'd never done dressage (✔️) I'd never competed in any teams (✔️)
I try to organise regular training with accredited coaches, & will do my best to facilitate what (& who) the members ask for.
I own 2 horses that are in varied stages of their lives & experience, & enjoy competing BE, BD, & BSJA (as well as playing at showing) When work & dates align, you'll see me out with the Draghounds, & I'm happy for anyone wanting to 'have a go' to come along for company
All I ask, please be patient as I work full time & do what I can when I can
Lisa Iliffe – Mercian Team Manager
This is to encourage people to take part in teams events at a lower level.
We cover all dressage , show jumping, showing and arena eventing.
Starting at intro for dressage , cross poles for jumping up to 70cm.
At this level there is no pressure just come and have ago.
Pippa Wilson – Polework Coordinator
I have grown up around racehorses.
Frequently found hanging upside down under my grandfather’s racehorses in the 1980’s, I guess I was destined for a life in the saddle.
I own and run my own equine business at Cheltenham Racecourse, and I try to be a friendly and welcoming face at many RC events.
I organise all the polework training and am always available to help new members!
Maxine Hanslow – Dressage and Pole Training
Alison Cupper –Junior Co Ordinator
Jane Ferson – Social Events
I have been a member of CDRC for many years, I have 2 horses my main one is Tallulah which I am still schooling and hope to out competing this year.
I’m a florist by trade and enjoying arranging events and socials.
Any suggestions of social gatherings let me know.
Debbie Shields – Social Events
I am Debbie, Jane’s side kick in the social events. I’ve been a member of CDRC for about 9 years, where does the time go!
I have a retired flat racehorse called Charlietoo. We love a bit of novice team chasing, Hunter trials, eventing, show jumping and dressage.
You can often hear me shouting “Good boy Charlieee “ when we manage to jump a jump and not knock it down 🤣🤣