Committee members

Meet our team of hard working committee members who are all volunteers

Ann Affleck

President

I was born on the Black Isle and moved to Cheshire because of my father’s work. My parents made the error of buying a house near the kennels of the Royal Rock Beagles, where I promptly found my second home and then began my lifelong addiction to all things horse and hound. The kennelman, Bert Shaw, taught me much of my knowledge of handling horses and dogs and even managed to persuade my father to part with the princely sum of £10 for my first pony. A diminutive grey, probably lifted from the Welsh mountains by the gypsies selling her— unbroken pony and non-riding child! We learnt fast together.

Since then to my parents’ horror, horses were a magnet and I rode anything and everything I could get near. Horses have provided me with fantastic memories, the amazing caballos de passo in Peru with their alpaca and silver decorated saddles; a mounted lion hunt in Chile with guns blazing all around and a mounted trek in Colombian jungle to see some beautiful carvings, accompanied by a dancer from the New York Metropolitan Ballet wearing paper bags on his hands to protect them from the sun.

Since then The South Lammermuir Riding club has been my main interest, with excursions into long distance riding and dressage. Through the club I have made many friends, enjoyed competing at championships, had some hilarious times but most of all have increased my knowledge of all things related to horses and horsemanship.

 

Maura Fair

Chairperson

I’m Maura and I joined the committee in October 2024. I live near Gordon with my husband and son. Having been a riding member for a number of years, learning much and having fun at club events, I thought I would join the committee to see if I could help out. Horses have played a part in my life ever since I decided I wanted to be a better rider than my best friend at primary school! We have two lovely mares, Samandy an ex-racehorse and Ruby, a warmblood/thoroughbred cross whom my son also rides. I enjoy competing in dressage and showjumping.

In my spare time, away from doing ‘horsey stuff’ I enjoy writing fiction. My first novel, ‘Murder at the Meridian Club Ball’ was published in 2024.

I’m looking forward to what the new year brings for the riding club and attending club activities.

Caroline Stewart

Vice Chairperson

Hi I’m Caroline, I grew up in the Berwickshire and have been a member of the riding club for twenty nine years (shhhh). I am a qualified BHS freelance instructor, as well as Neue Schule qualified Lantra certified bit and bridle fitter I am currently studying Masterson method in bodywork for horses. In my spare time I breed and compete my own horses and I am now onto my third generation of homebred horses from my original PC pony that started it all off. With my horses I compete in most disciplines, but mainly British eventing, I’m also often a part of south Lammermuir teams. This is my second year on the committee and like all the other committee members I’m looking forward to what the new year brings.

Lorna Bairden

Secretary

I’m Lorna, the club Secretary. I live near Chirnside with my husband Graeme, 3 horses Otto, Nugget and Loki plus 2 dogs, Tulip and Nobby. 

I’m semi retired and now have my own small pottery business, so I’m either covered in clay or mud.

I learned to ride at the age of five then gave up when I left home. I later got back in the saddle and have spent the last 20+ years enjoying the equine world again.

I really enjoy improving my riding, not to be terribly competitive but for the benefit of my horse. 

I look forward to meeting more of you at future events.

 

Jayne Ainslie

Treasurer

I’m Jayne and my role in the club is Treasurer. I live in Duns with my partner, two children & dog Maggie. I work as a hairdresser and have my own business in the town.
Horses have been part of my life from the age of 10 yrs old. At the moment we have two horses, an ex-racehorse “Bob” and my daughters cob “Oreo”. I enjoy hacking and having regular schooling lessons to help retrain Bob. I competed a lot on my old horse Oscar and would love to get back to doing some events with Bob.
I’m excited about the future of the club. We are an enthusiastic committee and want see the club build and grow. I am especially looking forward to all the clinics and training days on offer to help build my confidence to get back competing in the future.

Lynn Aitchison

Membership Officer

My name is Lynn Anderson and I joined the Committee in October 2024. I was keen to join the Committee as I have benefited from lessons and instruction over the years and felt that I’d be able to help out. 

I have had horses for more than 40 years and find it difficult to imagine life without them!

At the moment I have Flynn and Carter – Flynn is my old, semi-retired hunter who is now 22 years old – Carter is an 8 year old, ex-racehorse, who has benefited from the Riding Club events and is turning into a lovely horse. 

I would encourage people to join the Club, great fun with like-minded people, every day is a school day, especially when horses are concerned!! 

 

Jenny Foster

Teams Manager

 I have worked with horses all my life as a groom, mostly with racehorses and I’ve been in a mixed yard for the last 15 years. I like to compete mostly show jumping but I do like XC as well. I joined the riding club in 2008 and have been involved in the team most years unless injured, I have qualified and been to the championships in Lincoln 3 times now. I don’t have time for many hobbies, but I do enjoy boogie bounce, I try to go a few times a week for enjoyment and it keeps me fit to ride all these horses.

Hazel Heron

Committee member

I’m Hazel, a new member of the Committee as of October 2024. I’ve lived in Berwickshire since I was four, moving up from North Yorkshire with my first pony Bertie the Shetland. We joined the Pony Club, where I had many years of fun. Sadly though my current horse Rocky – a 6 year old, Irish Draught isn’t the type for Mounted Games! I’m looking forward to getting him out and about to some of the SLRC events!  

Emma Haigh

Committee member

I have been a member of the riding club for many years and represented the club at area competitions in dressage and show jumping and competed successfully in British Dressage, British Show jumping, British Eventing and also team chasing

During my career I have worked with 5* eventers, show horses, High goal polo ponies and in racing  with NH and flat horses, yearling breaking and sales

I enjoy teaching and passing on my knowledge and skills to others

 

Danielle Wilkinson

Committee member

I’m Danielle, I live in Duns with my Husband, 2 boys and Bertie the Border Terrier.

I became a committee member of the SLRC in 2025. I have ridden and been around horses since the age of 3 however this year I bought my first horse after years of loaning and riding friends horses.

My horse Jimmy is an ex racer, I’m excited to see what this year brings for him as I retrain him and I know the riding club clinics will help me lots with this.

Other Committee members are

Sally Dropchinski

Ali Colquhoun

Fiona Traquair