Meet The Team
Karen Manzi-Bourdon
I own many beautiful and talented PRE dressage horses that compete at all levels and I absolutely love dressage and the Iberian breeds. I enjoy the thrill of ownership, although I don’t compete myself I have fabulous riders who share the journey with me. I have a small stud and breed top quality PRE’s using my own two stallions Deseado CCV and Resuelto XX.
Emma Latham-Hill
I’m Emma and I live in Cheshire. I have two horses and have previously ridden up to PSG with my PRE stallion. I have a young Lusitano too which I’m training up the levels currently.
Pamela Bushell
List 1 Bd GP judge and National Para Judge. Currently Chair for Bd South and East Regions and Bd Para Selector for European and Olympic teams. Owner of Iberian and warmblood horses, has been involved with MCI for many years as judge and owner.
Natalie Banks
Natalie is a BDCC Level 3 Coach and experienced International Rider including competing for GB as a Pony and Junior Rider and more recently at the Young Horse World Breeding Championships. Natalie has also competed for the MCI GB Team numerous times winning individual and team medals. She has a passion for training and competing Spanish horses and loves being a part of the MCI family. As the new Rider Rep, I'm really looking forward to supporting our National and European Team Riders with any queries or concerns along with being a friendly face for new and old members. Bring on 2025.
Tasha Wakeley
I have a small training livery yard based in Bedfordshire. I caught the “Spanish bug” at 15 and since then have never looked back. I compete 3 beautiful horses on behalf of my lovely owners. I have successfully competed internationally and nationally up to inter 1 level. My goal is to compete at GP one day soon.
I started my MCI journey back in 2017 in Turin and since then I’m proud to say we have won many championships, titles and medals. I’m really looking forward to taking on this new role, where I hope we can all work together towards more team medals, but most importantly of all having an absolute blast along the way.
Lucie Evans
Owned by some Spanish horses and run ragged as a school teacher by profession, I have organised the National Championship show for 4 years now, and stewarded, scored, written for and helped out at a few before that! Looking forward to maybe riding my horse someday soon
Katherine Short
I have been an active member in the equestrian community for a number of years, being on many British Riding Club committees in that time, organising shows, being an Area Rep and Official Steward. I have had a love for Iberian horses for nearly 15 years, and have regularly competed in MCI, including at the first UK MCI championships. I did my PhD in evolutionary genetics, and so I have a passion for horse lineages and breeding and enjoy having conversations on this topic! I look forward to helping riders (and horses) on their MCI journey and answering any questions you may have.
Luisa Zissman
Luisa Zissman is an entrepreneur, media personality and amateur equestrian. Her love of Iberian horses started the age of 16 on a trip to Spain to purchase a horse with a friend. 10 years later she returned to Spain & bought her first PRE and first Lusitano. Her Lusitano went on to compete at Grand Prix with professional rider Amanda Petts. Luisa competed in the MCI GB for the first time this year with her new PRE and also owns a Lusitano currently ridden & trained by Amanda. A passionate advocate and influencer for amateur equestrians Luisa is a huge fan of the MCI and is keen to encourage more people to compete and take part. Taking on a place on the committee Luisa hopes to bring a fun and diverse energy to the team!
Amanda Petts
My name is Amanda Petts, I am a British horse society accredited professional. I have lots of competition experience having competed up to Grand Prix level on multiple Iberian horses. I had the honour of representing team GB at the MCI European championships this year. I am thrilled to have been invited to join the MCI committee and cannot wait to contribute my passion and expertise to help our team reach new heights.
Justine Armitage
I have been part of the MCI team since the UK first joined in 2015 and we sent just 10 people to compete in Belgium since then team MCI GB has grown into what it is today and I am very proud to be part of it. I live in North Wales and I compete, train and breed Lusitano's it's so good to involved with like minded people who all love Iberian horses.
Charlie Hockin
Charlie Hockin is an International Equestrian Commentator and Voice Over Artist as well as running Hock PR, a PR and Marketing agency, a creative marketing and PR agency that specialises but not exclusive to working with lifestyle, property, rural and equestrian businesses.
Outside of work, Charlie enjoys dressage, sailing and all aspects of country life.
