Meet The Team

The Magpie Centre wouldn’t be the special place it is without the people behind it. From our dedicated instructors and volunteers to our trustees and support staff, every member of the team plays a vital role in bringing the benefits of riding and carriage driving to our community. Their passion, expertise, and commitment ensure that riders and visitors feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Together, they create the friendly, caring environment that makes the Magpie Centre truly unique.
Natalie
Natalie
Centre Manager

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
12 Years

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Meeting people from all walks of life that come to volunteer

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
Being part of luna being born

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Being with my own horses

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Chocolate digestive

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
I love any thing to do with dinosaurs 🦕

Jody
Jody
Coach

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
8 Years

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Enabling people to achieve their goals

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
Too many to mention

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Relax with a large gin and play with my own horses

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Jammy dodgers (Real ones)

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
The late Queen Elizabeth’s racing advisors sister used to baby sit me

Carla
Carla
Coach

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
I started as a volunteer and then became a member of staff about 18 months ago.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Seeing clients enjoying their lessons and achieving their goals.

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
Watching how competitive members of staff can be during the summer holiday games sessions.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Spending time with my horse, cats and husband.

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Jammie Dodgers

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
Now that would be telling!!

Abbie
Abbie
Administrator

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
I started as a volunteer in February 2022, employed since May 2023

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Meeting different people on a day to day basis.

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
When I had my first carriage driving lesson with Jody back in 2022.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Enjoy days out with my family and cruising around the world!

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Custard cream or Rich Tea

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
I am obsessed with watching period dramas!

Lisa
Lisa
Coach

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
I started off as a volunteer, been a staff member for around 4 years

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Helping people achieve their goals/dreams.

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
I am always smiling, there is something every day at the centre that makes me smile.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Socialise, spend time with my children and eating out.

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Shortbread with chocolate chip

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
I can drive a 42 tonne lorry

Joanna
Joanna
Coach

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
Currently in my 25 year with the magpie.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being able to make a difference to peoples life’s.

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
Watching Pudsey ride a horse.

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Seeing friends (mostly horse related friends)

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Jammy dodger

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
I like gardening

Christine
Christine
Coach

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
Nearly 5 years

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Watching our clients form partnerships with our equines and seeing them grow on their journeys.

Share a moment at the centre that’s made you smile.
Learning to be a rodeo rider & your colleague wetting themselves with laughter

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
Horses and shopping

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Fig roll

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
Confident facade

Annabelle
Annabelle
Coach

How long have you been part of the Magpie Centre team?
2 years 4 months but prior to that I was a client

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Being told by a student that she likes me as her teacher

What do you like to do when you’re not at the Centre?
I like Auctions, Antique fairs and collect teddy bears

What’s your favourite biscuit?
Biscof

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you!
I was born before mobile phones were invented