N EWLY elected chairman Jo Claridge is "thrilled" to be taking the helm for endurance riding in the UK and says she is already working hard with the everyday challenges that the role brings.

The former South West group chairman who lives in Cardinham, near Bodmin, takes the place of John Yeoman who stepped down after a three-year term of office.

"It's a big responsibility and I'm looking forward to moving the sport forward and making sure that everyone knows who we are and can come and join us," says Jo, who not only rides when she has the time, but also breeds Arab horses for endurance.

She talks of the many exciting initiatives to be introduced, with the biggest challenge for 2010 to send an elite team to the World Equestrian Championships in Kentucky in September.

"The costs are alarming at £20,000 per rider, and because we are not an Olympic discipline we do not get any support. However, we must give our dedicated riders the opportunity to compete at this level."

Plans are already in place for series of "Kentucky Training Rides" to raise funds, and each entrant will receive a commemorative stable plaque.

As rides liaison for the South West, Jo says she is keen to continue to increase the selection of rides. "In a couple of years we increased the rides available in Devon and Cornwall from three to 18 and the group has continued to grow. We want to encourage grassroots riders to have a go as well as have enough competitive rides so the more serious can qualify up through and work towards teams."

She adds: "My personal interest is to get people out on their horses and ponies and to enjoy a nice ride – we have fantastic countryside and once you start I promise you get hooked."

As someone who regularly crews for her daughter Rachael, a senior squad member, as well as husband Peter, Jo is also keen to promote the social side of the sport.

"The whole family can get involved and have a wonderful time – it's a very friendly and supportive sport," and she is quick to point out that "you don't just have to have an Arab". "We've had everything from Fells, Dales and Icelandics to Thoroughbreds successfully competing."

She laughs: "It's still a bit of a myth though that the sport is for middle-aged ladies wearing brightly coloured clothing, but it is changing."

Jo explains how the Pony Club (PC) initiative, which aims to encourage young riders into the sport, has been very successful.

"Letting PC children come to our rides at members' rates has proved a good initiative and a good way for them to qualify. The framework is now in place and we hope to see it grow – last year's inaugural PC championships were a huge success, the children loved it."

Commenting on her new role, she says: "I already spend a lot of time travelling to our headquarters in Stoneleigh for committee meetings as well as representing EGB at British Equestrian Federation meetings, which are very interesting as you meet representatives from all of the 16 member bodies from vaulting to dressage."

She explains how funding is a "continual concern" as EGB seeks financial support through Sport England and sponsors.

With a full contingent of 15 on the management committee, Jo is hoping she can share the load a little.

"EGB is fortunate to have very keen members – since my announcement I have been deluged with questions."

She smiles: "My computer greets me with over 30 e-mails each morning that need dealing with, but I welcome the fact that the management committee is all so enthusiastic."

In between these, the phone calls and meetings, Jo has a family of 12 horses to look after on a daily basis at her home in Cornwall, including her seven- year-old Arab gelding Azaraell.

In previous years she competed at the Golden Horseshoe, twice gaining a bronze medal in the Exmoor Stag, but admits nowadays she is happy to go at a slower pace.

"Azaraell is very gentle and laid back and we suit each other," she says. "We are quite happy to go on the local rides when time allows.

"Although we missed the social ride at Lanyhydrock this Christmas – it was so popular it was oversubscribed... it's a bit much that the chairman couldn't get in!"

On a more serious note she adds: "It's great news that it's a sport that's going forward and I am thrilled to be part of it."