Farewell to ‘passionate and dedicated’ side saddle stalwart

By SSA

Vanessa Hood, a lifelong member and stalwart of the Side Saddle Association died suddenly on 30 December 2025, aged 73.

Vanessa was one of the first 200 members of the association and was a highly respected competitor, judge, senior examiner and instructor. She was national chairman for two terms, standing down from her second tenure in March 2025, a past chairman of her beloved Area 5 and of the judges, examiners and training committee as well as joint show director of the National Side Saddle Show for two years.