In 2022, as we brought on new horses, riders and volunteers, we have also been training new coaches to help allow us to offer more sessions and reach more children & adults who will benefit from therapeutic riding. We recently interviewed Hannah Hughes, of HRH Education & HRH Horses, to find out about her journey to becoming our latest qualified coach at Horsley, Bookham & Leatherhead RDA.
Welcome Hannah,
We are thrilled to have you as a fully qualified coach at Horsley, Bookham & Leatherhead RDA heading into 2023. We’d love to hear about your journey to become a coach and what you’re looking forward to in the coming year. Let’s get started.
What attracted you first to H,B & L RDA?
I was teaching at Wyvenhoe when I was approached by one of the trustees who asked if I would come and be a coach for the RDA. Then we went into Lockdown so I kept an eye on the movements of the RDA and when the new arena and set up was ready –I got in touch with Sheri to see if she needed some more coaches, which happily she did.
How did you first hear about us?
I rode at Wyvenhoe as a child, then worked there before returning years later to coach there so always saw the RDA in action from there.
When did you start coaching training? And how have you found the process?
I started the training for the RDA coaching in March and completed it in November, I really enjoyed it although I have had previous training and coaching experience so I found it more informative in helping me to know how to adapt riding for RDA students and deliver appropriate sessions.
Can you tell us (generally speaking) about the kids you teach, and the ponies?
I’m very lucky as I am able to teach three school groups with the RDA and they are all very different, I am able to use the smaller ponies, the medium sized ponies and the big guys! Which is great to help vary my teaching and sessions.
My school groups on a Monday are all about sensory stimulation and fun, building confidence and core strength in the riders, whereas the Tuesday groups are all about building confidence and self-esteem in the young riders and progressing their riding skills, core strength and independence in the saddle.
What do you love most about being an RDA coach?
I am a specialist inclusive education teacher for children of all ages and abilities outside of the RDA and I also freelance coach and train equines so for me, working for the RDA combines my two job roles, passions and loves in one go! In the future, I hope to open an equine therapy assisted learning school and so the RDA is an amazing stepping stone to support me along my journey there.
What are most excited about for the new term?
I’m excited to run some new training in January, see all our students and ponies again and also get to know a new group who are starting with me in January.
Would you recommend becoming a volunteer in 2023?
Absolutely I’d recommend being a volunteer if you love horses and helping children to develop their confidence.
I think the RDA is a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn about the community and get involved with a local charity which reaches people from all walks of life!
There is always something going on and there is always someone on hand willing to help or just be a friendly face – and this is something we need more of in our word! So be a part of something that will make a huge difference to the people of our local community and join today!
About me:
I am a specialist teacher so I work with children who have special needs, both home schooled and otherwise, I tutor children from preschool to GCSE outside of school hours and I train and teach freelance equine clients in the local area.
I have two horses myself: one is 31; a big fit, healthy Friesian cross and the other is a gypsy cob RSPCA rescue who is now 8 and I was lucky enough to train and break him in myself. Both keep me busy along with my businesses and animals at home (one cat, two ducks, two rabbits and a collection of tropical frogs and fish!).
I’m a passionate, dedicated and ambitious individual who loves working with horses and children, in early 2023 I am getting married and we’re hoping that later in the year, we will finally find our forever home, which will enable us to start up our equine therapy school.
So that’s me! Looking forward to seeing returning and new volunteers in 2023
Hannah Rachel Hughes
HRH Education & HRH Equine
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