Meet our committee
Great Western Harness Club is run by a 'flat committee'.
Unlike traditional committees, there is no Chairman or Vice Chairman, it operates on a model of collective responsibility and equal decision-making. While the roles of Secretary and Treasurer do still exist, these are for functional purposes only, every committee member has an equal voice and an equal vote.
Read a little about each of us and don't hesitate to get in touch!
For all enquires about our club or events, please email greatwesternharness@gmail.com and one of us will be in touch
Secretary (including membership)
Dionne (Dee) Ball
Dee started looking into carriage driving when she was no longer allowed to ride due to an injury. She and her husband joined GWHC in October 2024, initially coming along as spectators while searching for a suitable driving horse/pony. Rumble joined their herd in July 2025, and they were ‘encouraged’ to bring him and his carriage along to a fun clear round cones event. Unlike his owners, with all the gear and no idea, Rumble knew exactly what he was doing, and thanks to the support received from the club, they have finally started their carriage driving journey. Dee joined the committee in May 2026 becoming the secretary shortly after, and she also took over as scorer for the latter half of the 2025/26 Indoor Carriage Driving season, and as the Devon and Cornwall Regional Organiser for Indoor Carriage Driving.
Treasurer
Phil Ball
Since joining GWHC in October 2024, Phil has been a regular volunteer at club events, helping with setting up courses and timing competitors. In addition to Rumble, he and Dee have a 17hh Warmblood called Twister whose aim in life appears to be trying to unseat his rider mid canter on the Moors, and a very chunky (58″ girth!), extremely placid Irish Cob called Molly who has been driven in the past. They’re hoping to take her for some driving training next year now they have managed to fit her for a harness.
Child Protection Officer
Julie Booton
Julie has been a member of the club for the past 4 years, and drives Fin aka Ginger. She loves getting out with the ponies and being part of a social friendly club, making it accessible to everyone. She especially loves to encourage the young drivers. Julie has a background in driving shires and loves the indoor driving leagues where she can improve each time throughout the seasons.
Bernadette Stacey
Bernadette took up driving a couple of years ago as a hobby outside of her everyday farm life and running Equus Health. She has a real passion for indoor driving and loves the cones and obstacles. During 2026 she was also very successful on the showing circuit.
Lynn Combes
Lynn has always been keen to help out at GWHC events and was recently persuaded to join the committee. She is a keen horse rider and enjoys attending county and equestrian shows.
Georgia Booton
Ginge was Georgia’s riding pony, and was retrained to drive. Georgia and her Mum Julie both drive him now and backstep for each other at events.
