Gillian Yarrow

Vice Chairperson and RDA Head Group Coach

I seem to have been an instructor with Carlisle RDA for too many years to mention! I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do; there have been so many children who have enjoyed riding with the RDA on a Tuesday or a Thursday. Some that no longer ride with us will stop me in the street for a chat and a catch up, it is great to see how RDA has helped them.

I have a cushion that says “Grab life by the Reins”, this is a great saying. Every one of our riders has a different disability that they have to face, I get to see their faces light up, and the children start to communicate with their horses, its great therapy for them.

I would like to thank each volunteer who helps, I may be the instructor but it is all about teamwork that makes us work. The success and growth of the group over the last few years amazes me.

Anneli Dix

RDA Group Coach

I have been with Carlisle RDA for about 15 years now. I have ridden since I was 7 and loaned various steeds over the years. I was lucky enough to carry on riding and compete through my university years in show jumping and novice and elementary dressage. I work full time for the NHS and have a four year old son and an Italian Spinone called Sprocket. Unfortunately I now keep my feet firmly on the ground to a dodgy back and leg.

Leeanne Dobson

RDA Group Coach

I live near Ivegill with my partner Stephen and 16 year old daughter Emma.

I owned a pony from the age of 11 and have been collecting them ever since.

I left school at 16 to work at a riding school but got a bit homesick after 2 years so came home, one of the horses, Mighty Mouse, came with me as he kept bucking everyone off. Then worked in point to point and racing yards. Loved working with the racehorses, driving to the racecourses, plaiting the horses up ready for their races. I rode in a point to point once but my horse fell at the third fence so we didn’t get far! It’s definitely not as easy at it looks.

I was given a beautiful x racehorse that was sadly too slow for racing but great for everything else. His name was Sir Harry Rinus and we loved to do x-country competitions. I now have a horse called Floyd, who I bought as a 2 year old and broke in, he has competed in British Dressage competitions up to Elementary/Medium. Emma has horses called Tilly and Frank and we have a Shetland pony called Ralph. So horses and the rest of our menagerie keep us very busy.

I started volunteering with RDA 4 years ago and really enjoy spending time with the riders, ponies and other volunteers.