COMMITTEE
CLAIRE VALLIS
CHAIR
Hello I am Claire, one of the original founders of ETSW. I am a IT manager and busy mum. I own an oversized grey Irish bog monster and a miniature version that is my daughters pony. I enjoy all aspects of owning a horse from competing to happy hacking. I used to event but have since moved away from eventing to concentrate on dressage, but we can still be seen out and about flying around some XC!
Bridget Wills
AREA 12 TEAM MANAGER
Hi, I’m Bridget I grew up on the Shropshire / North Wales border and moved to Somerset a few years ago with my husband. Horses have always been in my life and after joining the pony club at 12 I went on to represent both Wales and Great Britain in mounted games. Those days are far behind me and now I try to event. I like to collect horses, I have my retired eventer Liquorice, a crazy bay mare Holly, Moo my Appaloosa x Arab and his half brother Raffy Appy X ID and a Shetland for my daughter.
JOANNA PITMAN
Team Quest Team Manager and Area 12 Rep
I grew up in Somerset and have worked with various types of horses for over thirty years. I trained and worked at Millfield and also worked for Andrew Nicholson. I have a husband and two grown children. I now work in a garden centre/large DIY chain and have two native horses I compete. My wonderful Welsh sec D is my therapy. I like to encourage everyone to have a go at everything and be as good as the professionals.
ESTHER BRYANS
SAFEGUARDING, RISK & ACCIDENT OFFICER
Hi, I’m Esther I work with teenagers in 2 very different roles for the council and a local School. I spend my down time enjoying my ‘ginger Ninga’ aka Kizabelle on camps and fun rides. Just bought a baby Connie to join my horsey gang and looking forward to seeing members at training events with her.
SUSAN JOHNS
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Hello, my name is Susan (Sue for short). I have a spotty called ‘Casper’ who’s my partner in crime. We dabble in dressage/show jumping and cross country. Casper loves cross country. I like to think that we’ll have a go at anything, within reason. I also have a 19 year old pony called ‘Taylor’ that I’ve owned since he was 10 months old (he’s too small for me), but thinks he’s a 16h stallion most of the time.
SHELLEY SNELSON
TREASURER
I am Shelley and I joined the Committee as Treasurer in 2019. I run a flexible working consultancy and recruitment business; allowing businesses to offer their people a better work life balance. This also allows me time to spend with my lovely horse Smurf. We have been together for over 7 years and enjoy doing a bit of everything. We are often found at camp and riding club training!
ADELE PITCHER
SECRETARY
Hi I am Adele. My main love is eventing and I currently own 3 horses. Henry who at the grand old age of 25 retired from a successful eventing career this year, Luna, who I hope will be my new eventer, and my baby Jay, who is now 4 years old and is just starting out. I also work part time dealing with Pensions and have 2 children and a long suffering husband.
JO JENKINSON
TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR
I've loved horses and ridden since a child, working towards my BHSAI in my teens and working in professional yards. In the past I’ve been on the Congresbury Horse Show Committee, have been Beaufort Hunt Point to Point secretary and taught at several Pony Club camps. I have a love of TBs and my current horse is a 7 year old ex hurdler who is very lovely. My next aim is to get to grips with dressage to music!