Our People
There are many people involved in the day to day life of the Pony Centre but here is our core team, patrons and trustees.
Meet The Team
Sister Mary Joy Langdon
CEO & Founder
Sister Mary Joy Langdon BEM, Fellow of the RDA, BHS APC, Pony Club accredited coach, ABRS Principles Dip. UK Sports Coach Educator L3 M.Uni Open
Mary Joy is the CEO and founded the centre in 1989. She has a life time of experience with horses & children.
In 1976 at the age of 25, she was the UK's first ever female firefighter to be formally admitted to a brigade. In 1978 women firefighters were accepted everywhere in the UK.
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Mary Joy joined the religious congregation of the Infant Jesus Sisters in 1984. This congregation's mission is to educate & help children & young people which she continues to do today at the Pony Centre.
Mary Joy is an RDA coach and mentor.
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Patrons & Supporters
Martin Clunes OBE
Martin became Patron of the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in 2015. Over the years he has been a great supporter of all that we do at the pony centre. He regularly presents awards and has even been seen rolling on the sand in the arena with the children whilst demonstrating the Stop, Drop and Roll exercise.
Anneka Rice
Anneka Rice first became involved in with the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in 1994 when her TV programme ‘Challenge Anneka’ built our indoor arena in 72 hours. Anneka continues to regularly support our charity and recently she presented medals at our Mini Olympics.
Resident Artist
Romaine Dennistoun
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Romaine is our artist in residence at the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre. Romaine runs junior art classes at WSPC. She also produces beautiful paintings and sketches depicting the daily life of the Pony Centre using pen, ink and watercolour. She works directly with her own selection of 8 watercolours. Working from life and searching for that defining line which says ‘Shetland' or ‘Shire’ is what makes it hugely exciting to draw these horses.
The Trustees
Janice Gardner
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Janice and her family have been friends and riders at the pony centre for approximately 7 years. She became a Trustee in 2016, acting Chair in April 2021 and she was appointed Chair in July 2021. In her day job, she is a full-time litigation solicitor who has spent her career fighting for people who have suffered life changing injuries.
Graeme Drummond
Treasurer
​Graeme is an accountant with a career across a range of commercial organisations. He has 2 children at university, 2 Miniature Schnauzers (much easier to deal with) and is a Man City fan. Once fell off a donkey at a school fair. Joined the Board of Trustees in February 2022.
Selma Hassabu
Independent Trustee
Selma lives in West London with her husband, children all of whom are frequent visitors at the pony centre, as supporters and riders. With a long career as a financial services lawyer Selma has also always dedicated time to supporting communities, charities and causes close to her heart. Selma joined the pony centre as a trustee in March 2023.
Tracey Spensley
Secretary
Tracey worked in a number of communications and engagement roles at global conservation charity, WWF, for over 15 years. She is cares deeply about sustainability and protecting the planet for future generations of people and wildlife. Tracey has a teenage son and 3-year-old Cockapoo, Millie, and she joined the Board of Trustees in May 2021.
Emily Thomas
EID officer
Emily joined the WSPC in 2021 but has been involved with the RDA since her teens. Currently working for an environmental organisation, she's been in fundraising for fifteen years and is passionate about raising money for good causes. Emily lives in Bedfordshire and has two boys, one cat and many garden birds!
Addy Windsor-Clive
Finance & Strategy
Addy started her career in venture capital before moving into the food industry, where she ran her own business. She joined the pony centre in 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for homeless shelters around London and looking after the ponies at the WSPC
Pat White
Safeguarding
Pat joined the Board of Trustees in 2013. She has worked with animals and their owners since emigrating from the US in 1968. Training and caring for horses and dogs have always been a focal point of her life. Welfare and living in peace with companion animals are at the heart of her work as an Accredited Animal Behaviourist (AAB) and Chairman of the Hammersmith Dog Training Club. She is co-author with Bruce Fogle of Complete Puppy & Dog Care.
Tonya Ellis
Horse Trustee
Tonya is a Director of the family business and a BHS Accredited Professional coach. I have been a past employee and a good friend of the Pony centre for over 30 years.
I am also a proud mum to Lara and Jodie. Mabel is the newest addition to our family, she is a 15.2 Traditional Gypsy Cob and she is learning to be a confident and competitive show horse.