Our People

Our people care make Gaddesden Place RDA a special place to be

Our Coaches

All our coaches have nationally recognised qualifications as RDA coaches:

Christina
Regional Coach
RDAC, UKCC Level 2, Instructors exam RDA Hong Kong,SE Asia Bar, Vaulting Coach Level 2

“I love seeing our riders and vaulters transform through their interaction with horses. It’s a privilege to be part of that”

Margaret 
RDAC
UKCC Level 2

“The horse provides vast amounts of therapeutic value which we can harness for our riders.   Huge joy and satisfaction for all 😊”

Julie
RDAGC

“Teaching our riders is so rewarding, seeing them glow with confidence and the pride they have in themselves, makes my day. It’s a pleasure to teach what you love.”

Jo
RDAGC
Hippotherapy CPTRH

“However hard a week, being part of people’s experience and connection with our amazing ponies on a Friday reminds me of what is important in life.”

Val
RDAGC

“I am motivated by the smiles on rider’s faces at the sheer enjoyment of their connection with our ponies”

Laura
RDAGC

“I love empowering the riders I coach to achieve their goals and grow in confidence”

Susanna
RDAGC

“What I love about coaching is seeing the growth and development of our riders no matter how big or small this is and the pleasure it gives them at the end of a lesson.”

Qualification Explained

RDAC means RDA Coach, a qualification awarded by the UK RDA National body, which enables them to coach at any RDA Group.
RDAGC means RDA Group Coach, a qualification(s) awarded by the UK RDA National body, which enables then to coach only within their home group.
UKCC means UK Coaching Certificate. This is a qualification in disabled riding conferred by Equestrian Qualifications GB in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation and Sports Coach UK, Britain’s central agency for coaching.
All instructors also have appropriate First Aid qualifications and regularly attend refresher courses and are DBS checked.

Our Trustees

Our trustees work hard in the background to keep Gaddesden running smoothly and ensuring we can continue to provide exciting equine activities year-round. This involves making important decisions about our ponies, organising fundraising events, or sometimes even mucking out stables and fixing fences in the paddock!

  • Chair: Sarah Reid
  • Treasurer: Robert Parker
  • Secretary: Carol Baxter
  • Ann Smiles
  • Susanna Fagg
  • Chris Grant
  • Tracy Bradbury

We are always looking for more help, so find out how to get involved as a volunteer here.