volunteer profiles

Here are a few of our long term volunteers.

We have many more; but we need many more.

Tracey Gormally

"I grew up in rural Lancashire where I was lucky enough to have my own horses throughout my teenage years. In my twenties I worked as a trail guide in the USA, taking tourists on rides up mountain trails in New Hampshire. Since then I have been less involved with horses, until this last year, when I have become involved with SBS through my daughter taking up riding-this has rekindled my own love of horses.

At SBS I usually help out on Fridays by preparing the horses, leading on the under 5's riding lessons and acting as a mentor to new adult volunteers. I also enjoy helping with outdoor community events, where SBS supply the pony rides, and Open Days at the stables. I have learnt a lot from doing the ABRS stable management and equitation training that the adult volunteers are completing at the moment- this has been useful in reminding me of things long forgotten! The rest of the week I earn my living as a psychologist and am starting a small art business making sculptures.

Larnie Moule

"I first started at SBS when I was 14 and I have been here nearly 3 years. I first started at Stepney as a friend encouraged me to come. I was very shy when I first arrived. Since then I have made loads of new friends and I am a happy confident person. SBS has taught me lots of new things as I did not know anything about horses. I have recently sat my BHS Stage 1 exam and passed it. I am on the Youth Committee which has helped me to improve my communication skills and taught me to overcome problems. In the future I would like to work with kids with behavioural problems and being at Stepney has taught me some useful skills which will help me with this.

Joanne Turner

Joanne's daughter was avid fan of The Stables TV series and persuaded her Mum to find out where SBS was and to bring her along for a vist. That was back in 2007 and they have been here ever since! As her daughter was under 12 at the time Joanne needed to stay on-site while Charlotte enjoyed the horsey stuff - during this time Joanne got to know other volunteers who encouraged her to lend a hand.

Joanne is not at all horsey - in fact they terrify her but she is a brilliant example of how anyone can volunteer at SBS. Joanne is the volunteer manager of our Gift Shop and has helped it go from strength to strength, and is now responsible for all stock ordering, shop layout and sales, not to mention making delicious cakes to sell every Sunday!