People | Mentors

What are RDA Mentors? The Mentors guide the new volunteers through their training from the initial form filling to the gaining of the nationally accredited Green Card, at a pace which suits the trainee. The Mentor will also encourage volunteers who have their Green Cards to build on their experience, to attend Training Sessions within the group and at RDA County level, and to attend extra training courses such as Child Protection and First Aid which are run regularly by the group.

Tuesday: Frances Archibald
Wednesday: Sandra Barbour
Thursday: Denise Grey
Friday: Val Nimmo
Saturday: Frieda Christie

Tuesday – Frances Archibald

I was looking for something worthwhile to do and was very lucky to hear Gill speaking about RDA. I knew very little about horses but decided to give it a go. Here I am 15 years later still enjoying working with our children and adults and seeing the improvements that riding our beautiful ponies give to them.

I had to learn to groom, tack up, lead and side walk at the beginning and we had no mentors then, so I know we play quite an important role. I also help to make new volunteers feel part of the team.

Wednesday – Sandra Barbour

With work and two children I wanted something else to do and saw a poster for the Muirfield RDA, having ridden as a child I expected to work more with the ponies but have found over the years I am working more with the riders and thoroughly enjoying myself. Its great to see their confidence and abilities in many areas (not just riding) grow. My daughter has attended with me for a few years now and is now an able helper in her own right – working on my son now!

Thursday – Denise Grey

I began helping with sessions when the group operated at Appin and West Fenton when my daughter started school. A few years after that I became involved with East Lothian Pony Club and eventually became district Commissioner for the county. I returned to Muirfield Riding Therapy a few years ago. I am now Thursday morning session Mentor and guide new volunteers through their training. 

It is great fun and I really enjoy seeing people gradually become more confident in all the tasks required to run the sessions.

Friday – Val Nimmo

I have been a volunteer with RDA for over 20 years initially at the Drum and then at West Fenton. I have also been a sharer first with Smartie and Sonic then with Drambuie and Rocky.

The rewards are great for the riders and volunteers but we must not forget our wonderful ponies. I am sure that they know that they are doing something special.

Frieda ChristieSaturday – Frieda Christie

When I first joined Muirfield RDA four years ago my main aim was to gain more experience around horses. However, I have since found working with the disabled riders and their families both satisfying and rewarding. I have also made a number of good friends who share the desire to be around horses while helping others enjoy their company too. Being a mentor has added another dimension to the work I do as it has given me a chance to get to know new volunteers while helping them to achieve the skills that will make them good helpers.