Meet the Discovery team
The friendly faces on HorseWorld's Discovery Courses
Our skilled team are experienced in working with young people who are struggling in mainstream school or in their development of essential life skills.
Graham
Head of Discovery - Safeguarding lead
Graham joined HorseWorld Discovery in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as Assistant Principal in a specialist SEND school. As Safeguarding Lead, he is deeply passionate about supporting every young person who comes through the Discovery Programme and is committed to ensuring the very best outcomes for each student. Since joining the team, Graham has also developed a real enthusiasm for the horses. He values the powerful role they play in helping young people build confidence, resilience, and trust, and enjoys being part of the unique connection between students and equines.
Deborah
Senior Facilitator - DSL
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.
Sharon
Facilitator
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.
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.
Jess
Facilitator
Jess recently joined the HorseWorld Discovery team, after working as a primary school teacher in Bristol. With additional training as a yoga teacher and TEFL instructor, she has had the opportunity to teach in Asia and New Zealand. Jess is excited about the chance to blend her teaching experience with her interest in horses and looks forward to contributing to the team in her new role.
Kara
Facilitator
Kara previously worked as a teacher in a primary school in South Bristol. Prior to this, she was the Manager of a local Forest School nursery, where she developed a strong passion for outdoor learning. Kara has owned a variety of ponies since she was very young and spending time in nature has always been a big part of her life. Working at HorseWorld allows her to combine her love for the outdoors with her experience supporting children and lifelong connection with horses.
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.
Lorraine
Discovery Operations Coordinator
Lorraine began her career as a Trainee Riding Instructor in Cannock, West Midlands, before moving into the education sector, where she spent many successful years. After being made redundant, she was keen to explore a new direction and joined HorseWorld in 2024 as our Discovery Operations Coordinator. Known for her positive outlook and happy personality, Lorraine plays a vital behind-the-scenes role to ensure the smooth running of the Discovery Programme. Her organisational skills and supportive nature help the team deliver the very best experience for the young people and horses in our care.
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.
Lorna
Senior Discovery Groom
Lorna became part of the HorseWorld team in 2022, bringing with her three years of valuable experience from Redwings Horse Sanctuary. As a Discovery Groom, she finds her role incredibly rewarding, particularly when helping to train new Discovery horses and watching them build meaningful connections with the young people on the programme. Outside of work, Lorna is kept busy caring for her own two horses and a much-loved tortoise. Her dedication, compassion, and hands-on experience make her a vital part of the Discovery team.
Milly
Discovery Groom
Milly joined HorseWorld as a part-time Discovery Groom in July 2024 while studying for her MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy. She loves working alongside the horses and supporting them on their journey into the HorseWorld Discovery Programme. In her spare time, Milly enjoys exploring new walks with her dog.
Rosie
Discovery Groom
Rosie joined HorseWorld as a Discovery Groom in 2023, after previously working in the photography sector for three years. Rosie loves working with the horses and ponies and finds it very rewarding to be part of their journey onto the Discovery programme. In Rosie’s spare time, she enjoys working on her photography practice and riding her loan horse.