The British Dressage Board of Directors unanimously ratified Susie Cumine as the new Chairman of the South West Region last week. Based near Corsham in Wiltshire, Susie will take over her post on 1 January when Alicia Andersen finishes her term of office. Having been involved with dressage across a multitude of roles for over 30 years, Susie will be a familiar face to many.
As part of the interview panel, BD Chairman Penny Pollard said of the appointment; “We are delighted that Susie has accepted the role of Chair for the South West Region. She is already a very enthusiastic and valued volunteer for British Dressage, as a writer and a judge. This experience and knowledge will help our members, especially as she plans to create an environment that is even more inclusive and transparent. We expect that her passion for dressage will also encourage new members to join our special community.”
Susie was is a Founder Life Member of BD so has been a committed supporter through a large part of BD’s history. She learnt to ride whilst living in Hong Kong on an ex-racer before buying her first horse on returning to the UK, a three year old Hanoverian. She met David Hunt and based ‘Marcel’ there where her dressage passion grew.
A family move to Wiltshire led to the setting up of her home, Sandpitts Farm where she established a competition/training yard with the late Jane Gregory. They were partners for an exceptionally busy 11 years. Susie started Cupido on his competition journey, competing him to Advanced Medium before handing the reins over to Jane in 1993. He realised a dream for them both in representing Britain at World, European and Olympic level. Jane went on to gift Susie a share in Lucky Star which meant she made it to a second Olympics, returning to her former base in Hong Kong in 2008. Susie’s final competition horse was Cymba who she campaigned to PSG level, including an appearance at the National Championships.
Susie is also loves training and learnt much as an onlooker at Jane’s sessions on Cupido with Sjef Janesen and Conrad Schumacher. She also regularly attends conventions and conferences to keep up to date with current thinking. In 2009, she started as a trainee judge and is now a List 4.
Away from horses, Susie is a regular volunteer with the Young National Association of Decorative Fine Arts Society and the Kington Langley DFAS. She’s also raised significant sums for charity and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards through running, including the London Marathon and Great North Run. As a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, she set herself the small challenges of walking across Baffin Island, climbing Newtonoppen in Svalbard and skiing to the South Pole!
Susie proudly said; “I’ve watched our sport evolve, seen the varying pressures of expectation and have a great appreciation of the aspects of dressage plus the dedication it takes at all levels. I hope my wide understanding of the sport will help me deliver dressage to everyone. I’d like to get involved in the many layers of BD so that we can see how to include more participants, help more people to understand the sport through information and education.”
Her vision is clear; “I look forward to working with the South West Regional Committee and Mandy Heath to help develop plans for future with understanding, empathy and enjoyment.”