Our Coaches

Jenny Stidston

How long have you been a coach?
I have been a coach for 36 years.

What were the main reasons you became a coach?
The main reason was initially to work with horses. But once I realised the difference horses made to the lives of our riders, I was hooked!!

What is the best thing about being a coach?
There is no best thing. Every part of being a coach is as enjoyable as all the others.

From the joy of working with these big patient animals who make such a difference to people’s lives, to the riders whose lives we help to change, to working with a wonderful caring group of volunteers who are all here for the same reason. It is all fantastic, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Penny Pryce

How long have you been a coach?
I have just qualified as a RDA Coach Level 0 (in November 2024) but have been with RDA Peninsula as a volunteer since November 2022.

What were the main reasons you became a coach?
To help support the excellent work being undertaken at RDA Peninsula by my coach, the other volunteers and our horses. It also allows me to take on a greater role in teaching and assisting our riders.

What is the best thing about being a coach?
I believe that being a coach will be very rewarding and I look forward to the future with RDA Peninsula.

Sarah Oliver

How long have you been a coach?
I have recently become a Level O coach after volunteering for Peninsula RDA for just over 3 years.

What were the main reasons you became a coach?
I am in awe of all the RDA horses. We can learn so much from these beautiful creatures. Each horse offers their own unique personality & teaching role. I have greatly enjoyed helping and supporting the participants. The RDA Peninsula team of coaches & volunteers are such a warm, friendly and supportive team of which I feel blessed to be a part of.

What is the best thing about being a coach?
Being a part of the big picture, helping the participants grow in confidence and watching them increase their riding ability is incredibly rewarding.

Carolyn Bain

How long have you been a coach?
I have been a coach for 10 years in Australia and 20 years in the UK.

What were the main reasons you became a coach?
I have always worked with horses and have a real passion for them and  knowing how therapeutic they are led me to become involved with RDA.

What is the best thing about being a coach?

It is such a rewarding experience. Watching the children react to the horses in a positive way and seeing the smiles on their faces makes it so worthwhile. The intuition of the horses always amazes me and working alongside such fantastic volunteers is great too.

Jane Joycey

How long have you been a coach?
I became a Level 0 coach in 2024 and recently completed my Level 1 coaching certification in 2026.  Every session is an opportunity to keep learning and developing as a coach.

What were the main reasons you became a coach?
I started as a volunteer and quickly discovered how much I loved working alongside our horses, riders and other volunteers. Our coaches are fabulous and have been incredibly supportive, so after achieving my Level 0 coaching qualification, it felt like a natural progression to continue my development and achieve my Level 1 coaching certification.

What is the best thing about being a coach?
The most rewarding part of being a coach is seeing the positive impact that our horses and the RDA Peninsula team have on our participants’ lives. Watching riders develop confidence, independence and new skills while riding and interacting with the horses is incredibly special.

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Elinor Hannay

How long have you been a coach?
20 years.

What were the main reasons you became a coach?
The encouragement/persuasion of Pauline Perry and I enjoy teaching.

What is the best thing about being a coach?
Working with the children or adults who come riding. I enjoy working with the volunteers and of course the horses. I believe it is a great organisation.