Meet the Discovery Team

Jo

Head of Discovery and DSL

Jo Harding joined HorseWorld in June 2026 as Head of Discovery. With over 20 years' experience in education and youth development, she is passionate about helping young people build confidence, discover their strengths and access opportunities to thrive.

Drawing on both professional expertise and her own experience of overcoming class barriers, she is a strong advocate for learning beyond the classroom and is committed to changing the national conversation about where learning and engagement can begin, particularly for young people who don't thrive in traditional educational settings.

In her role at HorseWorld, she is excited to build on the organisation's impact by listening to young people, championing lived experience and exploring new ways to create meaningful opportunities for those who need them most.

"I'm passionate about first chances, second chances and every chance after that. Too many young people have experienced poverty, trauma or other challenges beyond their control and haven't had the opportunities that others take for granted. Every young person deserves the chance to be seen, valued and supported to realise their potential."

Sharon

Discovery Development Lead

Sharon has devoted her life to working with horses, gaining extensive experience across the equestrian industry. She studied at Hartpury College and has held a variety of roles, including teaching equine studies and working at HorseWorld’s Visitor Centre. After starting her own family and becoming mum to twin boys, Sharon returned to HorseWorld in 2007. She went on to develop the innovative Discovery Programme, which combines her passion for horses with her commitment to supporting young people. Today, Sharon continues to lead and grow the Discovery Programme, helping students build confidence, resilience, and life skills through the unique connection between humans and horses.

Lorraine

Discovery Operations Coordinator and DDSL

Lorraine began her career in the equestrian world after visiting the careers office with no clear idea of what she wanted to do and little did she know that her hobby could become a career! She started as a Trainee Riding Instructor at a riding centre in Cannock, West Midlands, spending two wonderful years there. She then gained further experience working as a groom at a show jumping yard and a brief stint with Hunters.

Lorraine later moved to Bristol and into the education sector, where she enjoyed many successful years supporting young people and adults to build their confidence, develop new skills and improve their prospects for employment or further education. She found it incredibly rewarding to help people recognise their potential and take their next steps towards a brighter future.

In 2024 Lorraine joined HorseWorld as our Discovery Operations Coordinator. With her positive outlook, warm personality and fantastic organisational skills, Lorraine plays an essential behind-the-scenes role in keeping the Discovery Programme running smoothly.

Her supportive nature and dedication help the team provide the very best experiences for both the young people and horses in our care.

“Great things begin when young people recognise their potential and believe in what they can achieve. At Discovery, that belief can be the first step towards unlocking what’s possible.”

Deborah

Senior Facilitator and DDSL

Deborah joined HorseWorld Discovery in 2020, building on her background in supportive roles within education. Most recently, she worked as Sixth Form Lead in an independent school, where she helped students with learning difficulties prepare for further education, employment, and develop important life skills and wellbeing. Her role at HorseWorld brings together her professional skills, life experiences of raising a family, and her passion for horse riding. As Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deborah is committed to ensuring that every young person feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Kayleigh

Facilitator

Kayleigh has been a dedicated member of HorseWorld for over 15 years, caring for and training our much-loved horses. Her passion for equine welfare and her natural ability to connect with young people make her an invaluable part of the team. In 2021, after stepping in as interim Yard Supervisor for nine months, Kayleigh joined the Discovery Team. She went on to qualify as a Discovery Facilitator and now thrives on working directly with the young students who visit HorseWorld. Alongside her professional experience, Kayleigh is also a proud mum of two. Her energy, enthusiasm, and love of sports shine through in everything she does – whether she’s supporting the horses, inspiring young people, or bringing positivity to the team.

Kara

Facilitator

Kara combines her role at HorseWorld with her work as a part-time teacher in South Bristol and Forest School Leader, bringing together her experience in education, outdoor learning and her lifelong passion for horses. This allows her to support children and young people to thrive in alternative learning environments beyond the classroom.

Prior to her current roles, Kara was the Manager of a local Forest School nursery, where under her leadership the nursery was graded Outstanding. This role strengthened her passion for outdoor learning and her belief in the positive impact that nature-based experiences can have on children’s wellbeing, confidence, and development.

Kara has owned a variety of ponies since she was very young, and spending time outdoors and connecting with nature has always been a big part of her life. Her lifelong connection with horses, alongside her experience in education and outdoor learning, makes her role at HorseWorld a natural fit.

“Not all classrooms have four walls. I’m passionate about giving children the opportunity to learn and grow through experiences with horses and the outdoors—building confidence, resilience and connection in an environment where they can truly thrive.”

Sarah

Facilitator

Sarah came from a background of working with SEN children on a 1-1 basis. By joining the HorseWorld Discovery team in March 2025, it has been possible for her to blend love for and experience of working with both horses and children. Besides travelling and having two children of her own, she is a qualified yoga teacher and herbal medicine practitioner. She values spending time in nature as a way of balancing modern life.

Tess

Facilitator

Tess joined HorseWorld Discovery in December 2024 having previously worked as a Primary School Teacher in the state and independent sector and also as a tutor for children with SEND. She has worked with and owned horses for most of her life and now enjoys teaching for Mendip Farmers Pony Club as well as having three horses of her own. Tess really enjoys the combination of teaching and working with horses at HorseWorld.

Louise

Discovery Groom

Lou joined as a Discovery Facilitator in 2019. She now works part time as a Discovery Groom whilst studying BSc (Hons) Equine Science at Hartpury University. Lou enjoys the variety of her role and seeing the interactions between horses and students. In her spare time, Lou plays bass guitar for musical theatre productions and likes to spend time with her two cats.

Christie

Discovery Groom

Christie’s journey with HorseWorld Discovery began in 2016, when she first joined as a student on the six-week programme. Inspired by her experience, she chose to stay on as a volunteer for six months, supporting the team and assisting with the horses. Her dedication and passion for equine care led to an Equine Groom Apprenticeship at HorseWorld, which she successfully completed before accepting a full-time role with the Discovery Team. Today, Christie is responsible for caring for the Discovery horses and ensuring they are happy, healthy, and ready to support the young people who come to the programme. She especially enjoys training potential new Discovery horses and finds it rewarding to see them grow in confidence as they begin working with the students.