New Chairman for BD’s Eastern Region

British Dressage is delighted to announce the Board of Directors ratified Lotte Olsen as the new Chairman of the Eastern Region last Monday (03 August 2015). Based in Blackmore, Essex, Lotte has been involved with dressage for over two decades as a judge, committee member and rider and will be well known to many in the region.

Lotte takes over Chairmanship from Rachel Hillier, who decided to stand down after five years at the helm of the Eastern Region. A career in finance and governance, coupled with her diverse dressage knowledge and experience, impressed BD Chief Executive Jason Brautigam and BD Chairman Penny Pollard during her interview. “Lotte brings many strong attributes to the role. To have a great grounding in finance and business will be a great asset to our Eastern RDO, Katherine Perry, and I’m sure that Lotte’s enthusiasm and leadership skills will help to develop BD in the region,” commented Jason.

Lotte was BD’s Finance Director for seven years, finishing her term in 2005. Her guidance was invaluable during the transitional period when we separated from the British Horse Society in 1998 and helped the fledgling company turn a surplus during her time in position.

Lotte describes her riding career as ‘enthusiastic amateur’ having ridden up to medium level. She currently campaigns ‘Eddie’, an Irish Sports Horse, owned by friends, and they’ve enjoyed great success having qualified for regionals in both winter and summer seasons this year. Being 17, Eddie, or Danewood Clover, is eligible for this year’s new series with the Veteran Horse Society which they’re looking forward to heading to the championships for at elementary and medium. Lotte is a list 4 BD judge and is a regular on the centre line across the region. She was also a Games Maker in 2012 for the Paralympics as a writer as well as involvement at Olympia CDI. As well as Eddie, Lotte shares her home life with partner Simon, two children Sophie (16) and James (13), five month old Poppy, a fox-red Labrador and Ben (the cat).

The role starts with immediate effect and Lotte is relishing the challenge ahead; “My aim will be to make sure that every BD member, current or potential, is kept fully informed about what’s going on in the region. Also that everyone has a fair and equal chance to participate in BD activities, and at a level that is comfortable for them as individuals. I’ll seek to provide my committee with effective leadership and, with BD’s strategic objectives at heart, build on the strengths of the Eastern Region,” said Lotte.

She summed up by saying; “I’m an open, honest and transparent person. Integrity and fairness are very important to me, so I hope the members will find me approachable with a listening ear. It’s my sincere wish that every member in the region should find their engagement with BD rewarding and fulfilling.”