Lisa Leathborough is a criminal justice lawyer who lives locally in the Vale of Belvoir with her husband and two children. Lisa first got involved with Belvoir Vale RDA when her daughter, who was born with cerebral palsy, started riding at the center to help strengthen her core. Lisa’s daughter, then five, fell in love with riding horses and been going to Belvoir Vale RDA ever since.
“I have been so impressed with the approach at Belvoir Vale RDA; it has always been inclusive and empowering for the riders, with the instructors’ approach tailored to each and every individual rider, depending upon what they want to gain from the session, whether it be therapy, time spent with the horses, increasing confidence, or even to compete in RDA competitions.”
Having taken her daughter to lessons and watched for many years, Lisa applied to become a trustee this year and has been appointed as a parent / carer trustee with responsibility for ensuring that the charity complies with governance requirements both from RDA UK and the Charities Commission.
We asked Lisa for her thoughts on Belvoir Vale RDA and why she has chosen to join the Board of Trustees. :
Belvoir Vale has had a huge impact on our lives. My daughter’s physiotherapists have commented on the strength of her core which we largely attribute to riding. We cannot underestimate how much this has helped to build her stamina and ability to do so many other activities and everyday tasks more easily.
She has always enjoyed riding lessons but loves the fantastic new facilities that provides greater variety – indoor and outdoor arenas as well riding tracks for off road hacks. She has competed in regional and national RDA competitions and had some success at both which has increased her confidence, not just as a rider, but as an individual. She attends mainstream school, so this has been the one activity she does where she competes with others with disabilities. It has made her realise how much she is capable of but has also helped to take away the fear factor of exams generally. The support from Lesley, Abi and all the volunteers has always been truly exceptional.
In 2022 we joined Belvoir Vale RDA’s summer riding holiday at Clwyd in Wales. Mia loved the ability to bond and look after her pony for the holiday, as well as riding every day. But it was so much more than just the riding holiday; she forged a strong and valued friendship with another Belvoir Vale rider of a similar age she had not previously met and they remain good friends today, riding together every Sunday. As a parent, I met and had the chance to talk to parents of other disabled children, sharing stories, advice and support, again making friends that have endured long after the trip.
Being around Belvoir Vale RDA, its people and its lovely ponies has even encouraged me to take up riding. My husband bought me 3 lessons for a birthday present and I loved it so much I have continued under Abi’s expert tutelage!
My daughter and I love Saturday mornings, helping where we can and learning the basics of horse care, just being with the ponies, being out in the fresh air, physical exercise and being with a great group of people.
As a trustee, I am excited to be involved in such a progressive group, always wanting to provide the very best opportunity to the most people possible. All of this has been possible due to the passion, commitment, dedication, and time afforded so generously by all those involved at Belvoir Vale RDA.
