Incoming Chairman Sam has been Deputy Chairman of RDA since 2006 and has been actively involved in RDA for over ten years. She has held a range of positions including Instructor, Northumberland County Instructor and North Regional Chairman. In addition to her commitment to RDA, Sam is a keen and experienced horsewoman. She represented Great Britain as a junior rider at eventing, and continued to advanced level as a young rider. For the last six years Sam has been a joint master of the Morpeth Hunt and she has close ties with the Pony Club as both an instructor and committee member.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of RDA Chairman,” said Sam. “I am looking forward to visiting more of the 500 RDA groups around the country. Having been involved with RDA for more than 12 years I know how much benefit and enjoyment RDA gives its 18,000 riders and drivers. In our 40th anniversary year we are not just celebrating RDA's achievements, but looking forward to helping even more riders, whether they are at an RDA Group or heading for the RDA Championships or even the Paralympics.”

 

Chief Executive of RDA, Ed Bracher, commented: “Jane has been an inspiring and dedicated Chairman who has given her unswerving support to individual Groups and to the charity as a whole. We will miss her enthusiasm and commitment, and her willingness to roll up her sleeves and do whatever necessary to help others.

 

“Sam has been a huge support to Jane during her time as Deputy Chairman, and has been a tireless volunteer for RDA for many years. She comes to this new role with great plans for RDA: to help us increase the number of opportunities to ride and carriage drive, to offer Groups the training and support they need to meet the challenges for the charity moving forward and to make sure we can build on our strengths and continue to deliver the best possible experience for our participants. We welcome her as our new Chairman and know she will be a real asset to the team.”