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Abi Walker

RDA and Riding School

Abi Walker has had a life long love of horses becoming a groom and then managing BelleVue Stables in Colston Bassett. Abi has BHS Stage 1,2 and 3 and BHS Level 2 and 3. She also has BHS Ai for teaching. Abi has been involved with Belvoir Vale RDA since its inception in 2015, starting out as a volunteer, then becoming a coach and now moving to work full time as Equine Manager at the Belvoir Vale RDA center. Abi is also a mum to her 11 year old son.

Abi remembers the group starting out with one pony and a small number of riders and very quickly understood the significant emotional and physical benefits of riding and interacting with the horses. Abi remembers one particular child who was suspected mute. During one session, the pony sneezed and the young rider laughed! They continued to communicate from that point, grew into an adult, and are now successfully finding their way in the world.

Abi says, “it’s hard work but also rewarding, fun and a lovely place to be surrounded by our wonderful, furry, four-legged friends, without which we would not be able to operate.”

Back to all our team

"It has been wonderful to watch Mia’s progress"

It has been wonderful to watch Mia’s progress…she has gained in confidence as a person…Being able to compete and attain some success in regional and national RDA competitions is something she is rightly proud of; it is a sporting achievement she can share with her non-disabled peers and school.

Lisa - Parent of rider

"I look forward to going every weekend"

I’ve seen first hand the difference being around horses has on the participants, learnt so much about various different physical and mental conditions that has allowed me to support friends, family, colleagues outside of RDA. I look forward to going every weekend, it has given me more than I could ever have imagined and I love every second.

Amy - Adult Volunteer

"RDA has drawn me out of my shell"

When I first started volunteering I was a fairly shy 13 year old but RDA has drawn me out of my shell and helped me to develop essential skills for my future such as teamwork and communication. The most rewarding part is seeing not only the improvements that the riders make over the weeks and months, but also the joy and happiness it brings to the riders and their families.

Alex - Young Volunteer

"I should have done it years ago"

As a retired PE teacher and with my ‘horsey’ background I have found an ideal way to use my skills, and have fun while doing so – I should have done it years ago!

Sue - Adult Volunteer

"A space where dreams could still be realised"

Things had become incredibly difficult for us as a family and Belvoir Vale RDA opened up new possibilities and a space where dreams could still be realised. I love the focus on what we can do, and the environment where support and positivity shine through. Belvoir Vale RDA is a place where fun and personal development are achievable in a safe and supportive environment.

Marion - Parent of rider & supported volunteer

"Being a competitor at a national event"

In 2024 I competed at the Regional Dressage Championships at Scropton and qualified for the RDA National Championships at Hartpury. The trip to Hartpury enabled me to be part of the RDA team working from early in the morning till partying late at night and enjoying all the fun of being a competitor at a national event. It was an incredible experience and inspired me to book a trip to see the Paralympic Dressage Competition in Paris 2024, where I was part of even more magical moments with horses.

Lucy - Rider & supported volunteer

"It’s great for his overall confidence"

Barnaby loves being around the horses. He enjoys the horse care and volunteering equally as much as the riding. He enjoys being part of the Saturday morning team and it’s great for his overall confidence, self esteem, independence, social skills and well being to feel he’s making a contribution.

Lynsey - Parent of rider & supported volunteer

"Now he smiles when we get to the stables"

When he first started Tom had low tone and couldn’t keep his balance without being fully supported. Now he smiles when we get to the stables on a Sunday and he often engages with those walking along side him. His core strength has improved to the extent that he needs less support and can do short bouts of trotting (his favourite because he loves bouncing and going fast!).

Helene - Parent of a rider

"Seeing her do well makes me so proud"

Belvoir Vale RDA helps people who have a disability do exciting things they may not otherwise get to do. And my sister is very good at riding now! Seeing her do well makes me so proud.

Sister of a rider

"I love going riding"

I love going riding and spending time with the people and horses there. I recommend it to anyone who is thinking of giving it a go – as long as you don’t ride Alfie as he is MY best friend!

One of our wonderful riders

"It has been such an important part of their lives"

My children have loved the opportunities they have had with Belvoir Vale and we are so very lucky to have such wonderful ponies and facilities but also to have the chance to compete which they would never have had, and to compete safely and within their abilities. It has been such an important part of their lives.

Helen - Parent of sibling riders

"Belvoir Vale RDA has helped Joseph in lots of ways"

We believe that attending Belvoir Vale RDA has helped Joseph in lots of ways, not only the physical benefits but also social and communication skills, listening and following instructions, discipline and obviously learning to ride.

Les - Parent of rider

"Since joining I have grown in confidence"

Belvoir Vale RDA is such a popular facility but it is so worth waiting for a space! Since joining I have grown in confidence recognising my body’s ability to work with a pony, similar to able-bodied friends.

Allanah - Rider

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