Meet the Team

Helen Yeadon MBE Co- Founder and Managing Director

Helen was awarded an MBE in 2023 New Years’ Honour List in recognition of her services to disadvantaged young people and to former racehorses.

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.

Ben Ferris – Alternative Provision Teacher

Ben has been teaching for over 20 years in primary schools in London and Wiltshire. His family have a small holding in the New Forest, so has grown up with horses, cows, pigs, chicken and sheep. Ben says: "This job is perfect because I can combine my love of animals with my passion for education and helping people make a positive change in their life".

In his spare time Ben loves watching and playing sport and taking the family dog ‘Fred’ for long walks in the countryside.’

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 - Head of Fundraising and Communications

Sasha took over the role as fundraiser at Greatwood in 2012 and continues to combine this with her work as a freelance radio broadcaster working as BBC Berkshire’s Horse Racing Expert since 2008. After graduating from Leeds University with a BSc Hons. in Animal Science in 1998, Sasha started working in the horse racing industry. Sasha juggles work with a busy home life as mother to five.

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 20 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 and we were delighted that she returned to us as the Senior Rider Groom. A mum of 2 children, Susie also adopted a Greatwood horse, Cole Harden and has recently gained the ‘TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement’ qualification.

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.

Ellie Carter - Groom

Ellie graduated in 2023 with a first class degree in Equine Science, she has been riding for over 15 years and a riding instructor for 5 years. Ellie likes to attend the races frequently going to Ascot each year and Newbury. When not busy with the horses, Ellie like to takes her dog Alfie for walks.

Jo Smith - Groom

Jo has been riding for over 30 years. As a child she had 3 horses Folly, Flicka and Bunty and spent her childhood showing and jumping her beloved horses. Jo at the age of 18 married a soldier and spent the last 19 years travelling all over the country and some of the world working with horses in places such as Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Germany, with the last 5 years as a polo groom. Jo's hobbies are taking part in various running events such as half marathons and walking her 2 dogs and is a mother of 2 children and 1 horse.