Teachers & Coaches | Royal Armoured Corps Saddle Club, Bovington

BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY APPROVED CENTRE & PONY CLUB CENTRE PLUS

TEACHERS & COACHES

Alternative Provision Teacher

RAC Saddle Club Staff Photos (4)

Bekah Evans

Bekah Evans is a dedicated secondary school teacher with over 20 years of experience, bringing passion, expertise, and commitment to every learner she supports. She works tirelessly to ensure that young people achieve the best possible outcomes, helping them gain meaningful qualifications that open doors for their next steps into adulthood.

With a strong background in Computing, Bekah has a proven track record in successfully delivering Functional Skills in Maths and English at all levels. Her adaptable teaching style and genuine care for her students make her a valued member of our team, supporting learners to grow in confidence, develop key skills, and achieve their goals.

With postgraduate qualifications in Education, Bekah has researched extensively the development of learning and the challenges that social media presents to the mental health of young people. This expertise provides an added advantage in delivering a one-to-one, personalised learning approach, ensuring each student receives the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

In our alternative provision setting, Bekah’s approach focuses on meeting each young person where they are, inspiring them to aim high, overcome challenges, and prepare for a positive and successful future.

CLTH Coaches

RAC Saddle Club Staff Photos (3)

STEPH BUCHANAN BEM
BHS Performance Coach

With over 35 years of experience in mentoring young people, Steph Buchanan has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation through her role as a BHS Performance Coach. As the lead coach for the Changing Lives program, she has positively impacted countless lives, fostering confidence, resilience, and emotional growth in the youth she mentors.

Steph’s dedication to her work has not gone unrecognised. In 2022, she was awarded Coach of the Year by the British Horse Society, and in 2024, she received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding contributions to mentoring young people at the saddle club. Her qualifications, including Safeguarding Level 3 and Mental Health First Aid, equip her with the skills necessary to support young people effectively in their personal and emotional development.

In addition to her coaching, Steph is a trustee of Willdoes, a charity established by her sister in memory of her nephew William, who tragically passed away. Through this role, Steph continues to honor William’s legacy by providing vital support for young people.

Steph is excited about the future! Integrating educational pathways with the transformative power of horses. She believes in the unique ability of horses to mirror emotions, helping children to be present in the moment and process their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

RAC Saddle Club Staff Photos

LISA BONFIELD
BHS Stage 2 Coach

Inspiring the Next Generation of Equestrians at RAC Saddle Club

The RAC Saddle Club’s alternative provision is significantly enhanced by Lisa Bonfield, a dedicated BHS Changing Lives Coach Mentor for the educational program. Lisa’s journey in the equestrian world began at the Saddle in the early 90s, and after taking time off to raise her four children—three of whom are passionate equestrians competing with their own horses—she returned to the club to share her extensive knowledge and experience.

Lisa is known for her nurturing and inventive approach to training young people, skillfully guiding them along their educational pathway to help them achieve their goals. With her BHS coaching qualifications, she has become an incredible mentor who the kids adore. Her ability to connect with them and inspire them is evident in their enthusiasm for learning and competing.

In addition to her role as a mentor, Lisa serves as a Pony Club coach and team trainer for competitive members, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of equestrians. Her dedication to fostering talent and passion in young riders is a testament to her love for the sport and her desire to make a positive impact on their lives.