Meet some of the people at Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled
Barbara Johnstone, MBE – Founder Member.
I became involved initially with Riding for the Disabled when we took the family pony to Gogarburn Hospital to join in the activities of the Hospital’s RDA Group. The family and pony were embraced into the activities of the Group – weekly riding sessions, RDA competitions and a one-off event called Horseman Sunday – a religious open air service in the Queen’s Park, rows and rows of horses and ponies, the Minister in full clergy regalia only to disrobe at the end of the service to reveal full riding gear. I guess Gogarburn was responsible for me getting the bug.
Some thirty years ago I later worked at Barnardo’s Ravelrig and was allowed to stable and graze the family horse within the old Victorian stable block and grounds and when the children resident within Barnardo’s showed an interest in riding, a couple of horse owners decided to set up a Riding for the Disabled Group and, as they say, the rest is history.
In all my working life I never worked so hard or felt so pressurised as I do volunteering with Ravelrig, but I wouldn’t have it any other way – I love it, what a buzz! I can honestly say I enjoy all aspects – caring for the ponies, meeting with riders and their parents, organising events and fundraising, supporting and training volunteers and working with corporate and community work parties. While I maintain my qualification, coaching is not something I particularly enjoy now, but maintain it to take over in the absence of the regular coach.
Elaine Jefferies – Trustee Chairperson & Volunteer Co-Ordinator.
I became involved with Ravelrig during the Summer of 2008 volunteering one morning a week helping with the care of the horses.
Over the years my role and time commitment with the Group has expanded. First taking on the responsibility of Volunteer Coordinator, then becoming a Trustee and ultimately having the honour of being voted Chairperson of Ravelrig RDA, October 2016.
My working career of administrating multimillion-pound grants including budget management as well as planning and coordinating national and international workshops has been a benefit to the Group.
The pleasure of seeing the enjoyment our riders, their families and our amazing team of volunteers get from being part of the Ravelrig RDA community is so rewarding.
Anne Keown – Trustee & Coach.
Laura Shishodia – Trustee, Secretary & Safe-Guarding Officer
Alan Taylor – Trustee
Following his retirement from the Building Industry after 37 years of service, in September 2016, Alan volunteered his time and joined the Development Team, working on our Indoor Arena Project. In 2017, he was invited and accepted to be a Trustee, along with the Development plans, Alan also works to maintain the gardens, buildings and plant machinery on the RDA site. Alan believes that Ravelrig RDA should be run as a business, with transparent roles for those concerned. Alan’s main focus is the future development of the Stables.
Whilst not being a ‘horsey person’, Alan’s time on a ‘day to day’ basis is focused on the maintenance of the grounds and vehicles belonging to Ravelrig RDA.
Alan said ‘ It’s a good to be part of an organization who have the desires and capabilities to be even more successful in providing the much needed service they already deliver – albeit, mostly in the rain! It’s exciting times for Ravelrig RDA’
Deb Heatly – Trustee, Fundraising & Promotion Co-Ordinator.
Having watched our son Craig thoroughly enjoy his riding for the past 15 years or more at Ravelrig RDA, and at a time when I have more free time on my hands, I am very happy to now find myself volunteering at Ravelrig. More than anything, I am happy to be giving something back to a Charity that has given our son so much already.
Our family has always supported Barbara and the ‘Ravelrig Family’, but when asked by Barbara to help organize a ‘Car Boot Sale’ in the summer of 2020, I could not refuse. I found myself really enjoying a project that was helping the Stables with their finances and found working amongst the Volunteers very enjoyable.
One Car Boot Sale led to a second in the autumn of 2020 and, from there, I was delighted and honoured to be asked to join the Trustees’ Committee in September, 2021. I hope that over the next few years I will meet the expectation and continue to organize many ‘Family Fun Filled’ Events over the coming year.
It is an exciting time to be a part of this group and I am delighted and heartened to accept the opportunity of the Trustee position.