From Volunteer to Coach: Katy’s RDA Journey of Confidence, Growth, and Giving Back
When Katy finished her A-levels in July 2023, the idea of going straight to university felt overwhelming. Unsure of her next steps, she decided to take a gap year, a decision that would lead her to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and a life-changing journey into coaching.
“My mum discovered the RDA and so I started volunteering with Wyfold RDA in September 2023, I very swiftly fell in love with the horses, the community and the feeling of helping people.”
From the beginning, Katy immersed herself in sessions, building strong bonds with participants and volunteers. “The smiles and achievements I was able to watch participants make was incredible! But it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to make more of an impact.”
That opportunity came when Diane, Wyfold RDA’s Group Chair, asked her a simple but life-changing question: “Have you ever thought about coaching?”
“I leapt at the opportunity, I wasn’t sure whether it would be possible as I was only 19 and had decided I was going to university in Wales in September 2024. It gave me 10 months to get my coaching qualification. But I was determined.”
In November, Katy began her pre-coach training and quickly moved on to teaching under supervision. With encouragement from her mentors, Diane, Jane and Kim, she threw herself into the learning process. Over the following six months, she travelled across the RDA South Region to complete training modules, including First Aid.
“I had never felt so independent before and it made me feel strong, every training session I went to I was the youngest person there so very quickly doubt crept in, ‘Was I old enough? Experienced enough? Would people take me seriously?’ But they did. In fact, everyone was incredibly supportive and loved the fresh energy and ideas I could bring as a young person.”
By June 2024, just seven months after starting, Katy officially qualified as an RDA Group Coach. She spent the summer coaching regularly at Wyfold, learning more each day about how to support her riders and create meaningful, fun sessions.
“The joy I feel watching my riders succeed is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, knowing that I have helped them to feel proud of themselves, to feel stronger and to increase their self-esteem is the most incredible feeling.”
In September 2024, Katy began her studies at university in Wales. But her connection to RDA remained strong. “I missed RDA so much that in April 2025 I took on a regional role as the South Region Publicity Officer so that I could stay involved with RDA from all the way in Wales,.”
Taking on that responsibility brought new challenges, particularly with her dyslexia and anxiety, but the RDA community stood by her.
“Creating posts, going to new places to visit groups, and even attending the National Championships was scary, but with the support of my RDA family and the determination to watch my riders succeed, I have been pushed to do things I thought were impossible.”
Katy’s commitment, courage, and care didn’t go unnoticed. In 2025, she was recognised nationally with the Young Coach of the Year Award.
“I am beyond honoured to be awarded a Young Coach of the Year 2025 award! RDA has become a huge part of my life over the last few years and even whilst I’m away at university getting my degree, I look forward to coming home and teaching. I feel my riders’ successes as if they are my own, and it is a pleasure to find ways to make them smile and help them achieve their goals!”
Now, Katy is already planning her next steps, with even bigger goals in sight.
“I may be at university, but I plan on becoming a show jumping coach and moving up from a group coach to a coach because I love coaching, and RDA is one of the most supportive and inspiring organisations.”
Her journey is a powerful example of how RDA changes lives, not just for participants, but for young people discovering their purpose, passion, and voice.
“I’m not an RDA participant, but RDA has made me who I am today. I am braver, stronger, and more independent. I have more self-belief, and I want to succeed!”
Her advice to anyone thinking of stepping into coaching?
“If you’re thinking about taking the step into coaching, do it! RDA is one of the most incredible organisations, it brings so much joy, so much excitement and I feel really feel passionate that young people should be part of this.”
