Lesley Davies has been the driving force behind RDA in the Vale of Belvoir and the incredible facility that now stands at Cropwelll Bishop. A lifelong lover of horses, it was only at the point of retirement from her family’s successful Pharmacy business that Lesley was prompted to look for a new challenge – one she wanted to make sure involved horses!
It was through a friend that Lesley originally got involved in Nottingham RDA in 2005 and from the first session she was hooked! Since then, Lesley has dedicated herself tirelessly to RDA in the region, being a member and Regional Chairman of North Midlands RDA Committee as well as Nottinghamshire County Coach. Lesley is an RDA Coach and has EQL Level 2 Certificates in Coaching Equestrian Riding and also The Principles of Coaching Sport.
But, not wanting to stop there, in 2015 Lesley had the idea to set up a new Belvoir Vale RDA Group based at BelleVue Stables in Colston Bassett. Since its founding Lesley has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees as well as one of the group’s coaches. Creating the same welcoming, fun atmosphere that Lesley loved so much about her time with Nottingham RDA, the Belvoir Vale group quickly grew in popularity and outgrew its original site; and, when the opportunity arose to create a new, purpose built, state of the art centre at Colston Bridge Farm, it was Lesley that lead the design, planning and construction.
Lesley’s enthusiasm for RDA has helped her build an incredible team in Belvoir Vale who all share Lesley’s passion for helping others through equine therapies. When asked about this, Lesley says: “I know the power of horses in enhancing people’s lives. I see it every day in every session as our participants grow in ability, strength and confidence, as well as having great fun! Our participants often join as young children and stay with us through to their teenage years, some going on to become volunteers so they can support other participants in their riding as they have been supported, which is a remarkable journey.
“Many of our wonderful volunteers tell me that they get so much more back from RDA than they give to it, I can only agree.”
