Sue Mitchell – District Commissioner, New Forest Hunt Pony Club
Some roles are shaped not by intention, but by a quiet willingness to step in and support others. Sue was nominated for her ability to give so many young people a sense of achievement, creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, and find their place within the world of horses. Becoming District Commissioner was not something she set out to do. It grew naturally from her involvement, from wanting to support a community that had given so much to both her and her children. Horses had been part of her life from an early age, family trips to the New Forest, learning to ride when she could, and finding ways to be around ponies wherever possible. It was something she had always loved, even before it became something she could fully access.
When she had children of her own, that love carried forward. She wanted them to have the opportunities she had not, and through that her own involvement deepened. What began as support gradually became something much more, playing a role in helping shape the experiences of others. For Sue, horses bring something unique into people’s lives. They teach resilience, how to navigate both the highs and the lows, and how to work as part of a team. Within the Pony Club, it is not just about riding, but about everything that surrounds it, the learning, the horsemanship, the shared experiences that help young people grow in confidence and capability. It creates a space where they can feel they belong, where they can discover what they are capable of.
Spending time with Sue, what stands out is not a desire for recognition, but a genuine appreciation for the collective effort behind it all. She speaks openly about the importance of giving something back, of being part of a team, and of recognising the many volunteers who make it all possible. Because for her, this is not about individual achievement. It is about community, about showing up, about supporting others, and about quietly helping the next generation find their way.
If you’d like to follow Sue's journey and the work she does, you can find her here:
Website: www.branches.pc.uk.org/newforest
