Our Board of Trustees
Barbara Robertson
Meet our Operations Director
I’ve always had a deep love for horses. Even as a child—though I never owned one myself—I was lucky to have friends who did, and that early passion never faded.
When I retired four years ago, a friend introduced me to the RDA. I began volunteering one morning a week, helping with rides and getting to know the incredible horses and riders. It didn’t take long before one morning turned into two—then three.
Seeing the joy on the riders’ faces, and the pride shining in their parents’ eyes, was truly life-changing. That experience inspired me to train as a coach, giving me the chance to support our participants more directly and share in their progress and triumphs.
Over time, I also took on new responsibilities, eventually stepping into the role of Operations Director. In this position, I’ve been able to draw on my professional experience to help ensure our centre runs smoothly and sustainably—so that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of even more riders.
Through it all, caring for our herd remains one of my greatest joys. Each horse has its own distinct personality, and every moment spent with them reminds me why I fell in love with this work in the first place.
Lisa Harper
Meet our Fundraising & Social Media Director
I’ve always loved horses, and when my daughter began riding at RDA, I started volunteering — and I’ve never looked back! The team and riders are absolutely brilliant, and what began as helping out has grown into a huge and rewarding part of my life. I’ve recently qualified as an RDA Coach, which has been such a proud achievement. On show days, you’ll often find me cooking in the café, but my main role is looking after our social media and fundraising — helping to make sure we can continue to support the children and young people in our community.
Lauryn McAleese
Meet our HR Director
I have always had a deep love of horses and felt a natural connection with them. Some of my happiest memories are of learning to ride from the age of six and briefly owning a horse. My cousin is a service user of the RDA through her school, and seeing the joy and confidence it has brought her inspired me to learn more about the charity’s work.
With over eight years of experience as an HR professional across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, I bring a strong background in governance, compliance, and employee relations, along with a particular passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). I am eager to continue supporting the RDA in a professional capacity, helping the charity achieve its goals and maintain its unique and valued role in our community. At the same time, I truly enjoy being part of the organisation as a volunteer and coach in training.
Christine Hankin
Meet our (longest standing volunteer ) Pony Welfare Director
I’ve always had a deep passion for all things equine, and horses have been a constant influence in my life since childhood. During my career in the corporate world, I found it increasingly important to balance professional life with something more personal and meaningful—something that allowed me to work with horses while giving back to my community.
About 25 years ago, that desire led me to the RDA, where I began volunteering alongside my daughter. What started as a small commitment soon grew into a lifelong passion. I began riding regularly again, qualified an RDA Coach and a British Horse Society Coach, and, more recently, as an Equine Assisted Services Practitioner.
It has been a true privilege to work with such an inspiring team of volunteers and riders, and, of course, our wonderful herd of ponies. Watching our RDA group go from strength to strength over the years has been immensely rewarding, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our community.
Louise Bullock
Meet our Secretary
With a life long love of horses and being a fierce advocate for animal welfare, for the past twelve months I have volunteered with the RDA and loved every minute of it, even being in the dark yard in sub zero temperatures trying to tie haynets for hungry horses with numb fingers!
I have been riding horses from a young age and competed locally in the amateur showjumping league in my late teens and early twenties before moving to Australia for 12 years. I have been lucky enough to ride horses for a variety of people and currently enjoy working with our own horses at RDA. I have seen such dynamic progression even in the past 12 months I look forward to being involved in continuing to develop this amazing resource for everyone.
Gail Wilson Downey
Meet our Chair
I was raised on a farm and got my first pony when I was seven — that’s when my equine addiction began, and I have had a horse in my life ever since. After a rewarding career as an HR professional, I’m now privileged to combine my industry experience with my personal passion, as Chair of our wonderful RDA ~ It’s an honour to lead an organisation that transforms lives every day through the unique connection between horses and people.