FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12 2026
Endurance GB, the national governing body for endurance riding in Great Britain, has announced the appointment of Maggie Pattinson as Team GBR Senior Squad Chef d’Equipe — a key leadership role guiding Britain’s senior endurance riders on the international stage.
The appointment follows a rigorous national selection process and places Pattinson at the forefront of Great Britain’s senior endurance programme as preparations begin for upcoming FEI championships.
Her first championship in the role will be the FEI Endurance World Championships for Seniors, to be held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. Ahead of this, she will attend the FEI Endurance European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Jullianges, France, in 2026 in a shadowing capacity — a strategic move, with the same venue set to host the Senior European Championships in 2027.
A lifetime shaped by horses
Now based in Surrey, Pattinson’s life has been defined by horses from an early age. She first rode at the age of two and has since developed decades of experience across riding, coaching, team leadership and horse welfare.
Her career has taken her across the globe, with riding and professional experience in countries including Canada, Switzerland and Mongolia. She has produced horses to FEI international endurance level and built a reputation for thoughtful, welfare-led horsemanship.
“Horses are simply part of my DNA,” Pattinson said. “Everything I’ve done — professionally and personally — has revolved around them.”
Proven leadership on the international stage
Pattinson recently concluded a 12-year tenure as Chef d’Equipe of the England Home International Endurance Team, where she became widely respected for her calm authority, strong welfare focus and ability to build cohesive teams under pressure.
She also plays a senior role in the internationally renowned Mongol Derby — one of the toughest equestrian challenges in the world — contributing to rider preparation, welfare oversight and high-level decision-making in extreme conditions.
“These environments teach you that pressure changes everything,” Pattinson explained. “Clear thinking, calm leadership and always putting the horse first are essential — especially when it really matters.”
Endurance GB leadership response
Endurance GB Chair Larissa Whiley commented:
“Maggie impressed the interview panel with her depth of experience, clarity of vision and unwavering commitment to horse welfare and team culture. She understands that championship success is built over time, through trust, communication and teamwork.”
Performance Director Annie Joppe added:
“Maggie brings a rare blend of empathy, authority and international experience. Her leadership will be invaluable as we prepare British riders and horses for future championships.”
Looking ahead
Pattinson says her focus will be on both immediate championship preparation and the long-term development of British endurance.
“Success isn’t just about individual results,” she said. “It’s about building depth, supporting riders early in their journey and creating teams that truly work together.”
As Team GBR looks ahead to a demanding international calendar, Pattinson will play a central role in shaping Britain’s presence at the highest level of the sport.
“I’m incredibly proud to represent Team GBR,” she added. “I want people to feel inspired — to believe that with commitment, teamwork and a genuine partnership with the horse, anything is possible.”
