Meet the Team

Kirsten Disley – Education and Wellbeing Lead

Kirsten is a qualified teacher and prior to joining the team at Greatwood had been working in Primary schools in Berkshire and Wiltshire for around 20 years. She has always had a keen interest in developing and nurturing the emotional literacy and wellbeing of those she teaches. A qualified Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Kirsten is passionate about education and opportunity being equitable for all.

At Greatwood she is delighted to be combining her love of nature and the outdoors with the opportunity to make a positive difference to outcomes of children and young people.

Robyn – Teaching Assistant

Robyn has joined Greatwood as a Teaching Assistant, following five years at a local primary school as a SEN Teaching Assistant, delivering both 1-2-1 and group support. She is a great addition to the team and is looking forward to developing her animal handling skills.

In her spare time Robyn loves going kickboxing with friends and spending quality beach time with her family and French Bulldog, Kilo.

Sasha Thorbek - Fundraising & Communications

Sasha took over the role as Fundraiser at Greatwood in 2012 and still combines this with being a freelance broadcaster; having been BBC Radio Berkshire’s racing ‘expert’ since 2008. Sasha has had the privilege of commentating on such prestigious race meetings as Royal Ascot, The Hennessy Winter Festival and Champions Day to name but a few and was lucky enough to have been broadcasting live when Yates won his 4th Gold Cup at Royal Ascot; Frankel won his 14th and last ever race; Sir AP McCoy rode his 4,000th winner at Towcester and then his last ever race at Sandown in 2015.

After graduating from Leeds University with a BSc Hons. in Animal Science in 1998, Sasha started working at Newbury Racecourse and experienced racing from many angles during her 18 years there, this included marketing, sponsorship, race planning, PR, Owners’ & Trainers’ Representative and finally as Royal Box hostess.

From 1998 to 2015, Sasha also managed her own National Hunt and Flat racehorse syndicates as well as individual owners, including the high profile and successful Newbury Racehorse Owners Group. As racing manager, Sasha was not only involved in co-ordinating every aspect of running the syndicates and advising owners but also in the selection of the horses and exercising them.

Sasha juggles work with a busy home life as mother of five children; she has been lucky enough to have race ridden at Newbury Racecourse for Nicky Henderson on four occasions but is still chasing an elusive win!

Vicky Candy - Charity Administrator

Vicky has joined Greatwood as Charity Administrator in 2023. Since graduating with a Master's degree from the Royal Agricultural College, Vicky has worked within the agricultural supply trade and in equestrian event organisation. When not working she enjoys spending time with her horse, Ebby and supporting her son's rugby team.

Susie Vigar-Smith - Head of Equine

A familiar face at Greatwood, Susie started her career here over 15 years ago. Keen to avoid a second attempt at competing in the camel race at Cheltenham, Susie will now be carefully considering the tasks our Managing Director sets her. Susie has spent 15 years working in breeding and bloodstock, and has enjoyed doing sales for some of the largest consigners. Susie also has experience in eventing and show jumping. We are delighted that Susie has returned to us, as the Senior Rider Groom, responsible for the re-start of our re-homing programme post lockdown. A mum of 2 children, Susie can be found on the yard with her black Lab, Auzzie, who has settled in well with the other dogs at Greatwood. Susie has also recently adopted a Greatwood horse, Cole Harden.

Belle Copping-French Groom

Belle has spent the last 2 1/2 years gaining a vast amount of experience within the stud industries. She completed an equine management course and was a Competition Groom at Sparsholt College. Belle enjoys spending her time going on walks with her two dogs, Yaga & Rodney and building up her partnership with Greatwood horse, Compton Blue.

Billie Lorraine Groom

Billie has spent 8 years working in the racing industry and has gained Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Equine Management and Biology. She has also worked in eventing and equine assisted psychotherapy, and started riding at the age of 4. In her spare time Billie enjoys painting, particularly painting oils of racehorses and dogs.