Webmaster - Mandy de Belin

My first stint on the CDR committee started back in the 1990s! But I’ve returned, this time taking charge of the website (I work for IBM, so am a qualified she-nerd). I spend my spare time cuddling and riding my fell pony, Joey (a worthy successor to fell pony William, after whom the William Pony Power trophy is named). I’m also a keen historian, and given the slightest encouragement, will bore anyone for hours on the subject.

Committee Member - Jill Webb

My parents were never horsey but whilst a toddler in a pushchair, I was besotted each time I saw a horse!  My first venture on horseback was when I was around 5, on Tuppy - a family friend’s pony - with the leathers wrapped around the stirrups to make them short enough and accompanied by owner on bicycle. I am eternally grateful to the founder members for CDR’s existence and I joined six months after its official creation when small numbers met informally to ride planned but generally, unmarked routes.  Old timers may remember me storming round on my late, much loved, ‘un-tireable’ and often unstoppable grey Connemara-Type; the reason I got into long distance riding. Along with Karen, my riding companion, I organised the Candleford ride in 1999, which covered the current Jubilee route but with added loops.  Between us, we now organise, Kensham, Cholsey and Burydown rides and are looking for additional venues.  It gives me great pleasure to see riders achieving their distances but especially, enjoying themselves. The photo shows Griff, who has partnered me since 2002, as a 7yo.

Route Checker Admin - Joy Lewin

Horses have been a big part of my life since 8 years old when I started riding. I was lucky enough at 13 to get a pony and then had lots of fun in pony club and hunting, which became my first love. After a break because of work commitments I took up riding again in my early twenties. Although I competed  hunting was still my passion and I hunted with the Aldenham Harriers for many years, becoming Joint Secretary for several seasons. During that time I dabbled in a bit of point to pointing and can say I trained a winner, something I am very proud of. I have also had the privilege to ride in some amazing places around the world, including  Jordan  and  India. These days as age starts to catch up and the nerve is not what it was I enjoy my long hacks and the Chiltern Distance Riders, which gives me a focus to keep my horse Scottie fit and well, as well as enjoying the friendship of its members,  just like in the hunting days!!

Committee Member - Jane Alexander  

I became involved in Endurance via the Pony Club, accompanying 2 youngsters around Milton Keynes, on their inaugural event and ending up with a photo in the Pony Club Annual. Shatzar is my 'First Pony', after the boys outgrew him and I have been participating in EGB events for  6 years over varying distances of up to 40km, but as Shaz is now rather elderly (said in a very quiet voice) we now stick to 30km and below.

Committee Member  - Julia Dalley

I learned to ride at 8 and was lucky enough to get my first pony at 12. I owed two further horses and took part in pony/riding club activities, fun rides, etc. However, at 22 I decided to hang up my hat for a while due to the time and cost of running a horse!  Needless to say it wasn’t long before I was getting rides with friends and started riding a friends horse for many years. The death of my father spurred me into taking it up seriously again and about 9 years ago I met Monty, fell in love and got hooked all over again! Sadly Monty was put down in September 2018 but during COVID I found another Monty (!) who is just as good as the first! I am a ride organiser and I joined the committee to assist in the running of the club.