Latest from Horse & Hound in Disabled

Willberry Wonder Pony backs new Happiness Horsebox to help disabled and the seriously ill enjoy the ‘magic’ of horses

Becky Murray — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 18:03:49 +0000

A purpose-built horsebox that will enable people with life-changing injuries and illnesses to enjoy “magical” rides with horses has launched its services around the UK.

The not-for-profit Happiness Horsebox is the brainchild of British Horse Society and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) coach Liz Morrison. Liz came up with the idea five years ago as she had become more aware of the variety of disabilities and illnesses affecting people throughout their lives, including some of her friends.

The lorry, built by Haynes Horseboxes, has been fitted with a hydraulic platform to allow disabled riders to be lifted on to a horse, so they can enjoy rides in “special places” such as the countryside, instead of being restricted to arenas. The box also offers a warm living space, which can be overlooked by two horses, aimed at hospice and care-home visits, during which individuals can spend private time with horses. It can also be booked by para riders for competitions.

Liz started fundraising for the project, and although Covid delayed the build of the horsebox, it has now been completed and was unveiled at the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn open day in April. More than £80,000 was raised for the horsebox, including funding from the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony, the Greenham Trust, the Country Land and Business Association and Sport England – with support from WTTL driver training.

“Through my RDA coaching I became really interested in what we can do to help people with disabilities. I realised one of the biggest issues is getting people on to a horse, unless you have a lifting platform like you get in some of the bigger RDA centres,” Liz told H&H.

“Enjoying a lovely ride in the countryside is one of these magical things, but it’s the most inaccessible thing if you’ve got a disability so I said ‘Let’s put a lifting platform in the lorry’.”

Liz hopes the project can expand in the future to include more horseboxes based in different regions.

“We are interested in partnerships so we can get more funding and make the horsebox as cheap as possible for people to use when they need it,” she said. “We would like to be able to subsidise it for someone who, say, has cancer and wants to have a last magical ride with their horse somewhere beautiful and private.”

Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony donated £12,000 to the Happiness Horsebox.

“Before Hannah was so tragically lost to us she was invited by many leading equestrians to go and have a horsey experience riding their horses or visiting their yards, from the likes of Piggy March to many others,” Miles Toulson-Clarke, a Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony trustee, told H&H. “Hannah found during her darkest time those experiences gave her some light and hope, and made her forget all about her horrific illness. When Hannah set up the charity she wanted to be able to provide similar experiences under ‘Willberry’s wishes’.

“Often we’re asked by people who are extremely ill to have a horsey experience but quite often they might find the physical act of riding a horse extremely difficult, so when Liz got in touch with us we were keen to support it because it sounded like a fantastic initiative and we knew it would be very complimentary to our Willberry’s wishes programme. We always have Hannah on our shoulder, thinking whether she would approve or not, and we know she would approve of this.”

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Disabled riders’ charity has eight weeks to raise £425,000 to secure its home

Becky Murray — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 19:03:02 +0000

A charity founded more than 50 years ago to help disabled riders is appealing for support to help secure its future as the land it occupies is to be sold.

The Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Holcombe, Bury, has been given until 31 March to raise £425,000 to buy the site, before it goes on the open market. The charity was founded by Margaret Haes, who saw the benefits of riding for people with disabilities, and today the centre hosts160 disabled and able-bodied riders.

Debra Batchelor, who sits on the charity’s management committee, told H&H that after Margaret died in 2008, her estate was split and the riding centre was eventually sold to its present owner, from whom the charity rents the land. She said the charity could potentially continue to lease the land if it is sold, but wants to secure its future by buying it.

“We want some certainty that if we invest in the site, we’ll actually be around to enjoy it. Any lease would be for a short period, you have the question of rent reviews, breaks in leases, and you wonder what the rent might be in a few years’ time,” she said.

“As a charity, when applying for any grants or public funding from, say, Sport England, organisations want the peace of mind that you’re going to be there for at least seven years with no breaks in your lease – plus a lease restricts us on what we do with the buildings.”

The charity, which has 15 horses and ponies, has included the buying price, stamp duty, fees, plus a “little bit extra for the unknown” into the £425,000 fundraising goal. Donations can be made at the the centre’s Crowdfunding page here.

“We’re a relatively small charity, which is why this is such a big challenge. We benefit all sorts of people in addition to our riders; we offer supported volunteer placements for young people with additional needs, placements for students, we have apprentices, so we try our best to spread our reach to all parts of the community,” she said.

“If we owned the land we believe we could offer even more. We would like to create an education room in the future and offer professional courses with our British Horse Society-accredited coaches.”

Debra said the fundraising target is a “big ask” but that the charity is “very determined” and has taken inspiration from London-based charity Park Lane Stables, which raised £1m to buy its home when the centre’s lease was not renewed.

“When we first looked at this we thought ‘No way we can achieve this’, but Park Lane gave us a little bit more hope, they managed to achieve it but it was a long journey. We’re hopeful that success could be repeated,” she said.

“To raise the money would be wonderful, because we know the impact the centre has on our riders, their families and their carers. We can’t thank people enough for any donations, everything counts.”

Calls for greater efforts to enable disabled individuals to work in the equestrian industry H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:50:13 +0000

As some disabled individuals are finding they are unable to complete their equestrian qualifications after being accepted on courses, H&H investigates the issue and asks what the solutions are...

Blowing a breath of fresh air through the equestrian industry in terms of inclusivity in relation to physical disabilities could have benefits across the board.

This is the view of students and teachers who have come across barriers – not necessarily in riding, but in working with horses.

H&H spoke to Jemima Croft, who is studying for a foundation degree in equine science and management, and staff from Myerscough College, Lancashire.

Jen Greenhalgh and Charlotte Brigden, head and assistant head respectively of equine at the college, agree with Jemima that while huge progress has been made in riding for those with physical disabilities, recognition  of disabled workers in the industry is not well established.

Jemima, who has functional neurological disorder which causes many complex neurological and joint issues, moved to Myerscough a year ago. Despite the fact she had been unable to complete practical assessments in her previous foundation qualification, the college accepted her, and has ensured she has everything she needs to progress.

But as she was told by examining bodies that she could not undertake the lungeing assessments, she does not have that part of the qualification. Jemima sometimes uses a wheelchair and sometimes sticks, and lunges with a stick in each hand, while being able to control the horse, which the bodies do not feel is safe.

“Myerscough has been my first positive experience as a disabled person in education,” Jemima told H&H. “There’s so much in place there; there’s not been a single time I’ve felt disabled. I was able to get on with my studies, without having to prove myself.

“But because I don’t lunge like an able-bodied person does, I can’t progress.”

Ms Greenhalgh told H&H changes to vocational qualifications were brought in as a result of a report some years ago.

“There had been options for people who were unable to complete mandatory units; with some adjustments, it was possible to have successful students, and Jemima would have been one of them,” she said. “But the qualifications were said to be not fit for purpose. So they were revamped, and now are fit for purpose, if you can do everything.

“Now, with Jemima’s lungeing, there’s no option or moveability. So we see someone like her, totally capable if you make reasonable adjustments, but there’s not enough ability for her to progress and get the qualification.”

Jemima’s concern is that if she cannot get qualified, she will not be able to become a disabled worker in the equestrian industry.

“I feel my disability isn’t what makes me disabled, it’s more society,” she said. “I’ve had my issues eight years and am pretty clued up on what I can and can’t do; the bigger issues are put in place by other people, making me more disabled than I actually am.”

Ms Greenhalgh believes the industry has scope to reflect on its views and actions in this area, and that while cost is sometimes cited as a barrier to “reasonable adjustments”, “I think sometimes we need to blow some fresh air in, and look for possibilities, rather than closing doors”.

Jemima agreed, adding: “This needs to be positive. Why don’t we look at the fact there’s a minority group here that could have a positive influence?

“I’ve got hypersensitivity and can feel a horse is going to spook before it does, I’m very good at problem-solving, because I do that every day.

“There are things a disabled rider can do or pick up on that an able-bodied person couldn’t. That could help develop the industry.

“There’s so much been done for riding for people with disabilities, but I just want to work and can’t; if we could apply that positivity to the workforce, and have an open mind, I think that would solve the one thing holding us back.”

Rachel Wade, whose 17-year-old daughter Ash was told by her college she could not complete certain practical assessments owing to her lack of vision, agrees about the need for change.

“Absolutely there are health and safety considerations,” she told H&H. “But Ash does these things every day. I’m confident she can pass but they’re not even allowing her the chance to fail because she’s blind; that’s wrong.

“The worst thing the college has done is not just deprive her of her education; they’ve imposed their limiting beliefs on her.

“Education should be at the forefront of empowering people with disabilities, but every person in Ash’s class is seeing that she can’t do things because she’s blind. What message does that send?”

British Horse Society (BHS) director of education Alex Copeland told H&H the BHS’s aim is to “promote equity, diversity and equality of opportunity in assessment, and facilitate the widest possible range of candidates”.

“A reasonable adjustment is an alteration to an assessment that will enable a candidate to participate on a fair basis,” he said.

“Although adjustments cannot be made to the assessment criteria, the BHS makes many reasonable adjustments to the process to ensure candidates can access the qualification. Examples of this include adjusted or specialist tack, providing a translator or person who can sign, and allowing additional time.

“The BHS welcomes applications from candidates requiring reasonable adjustments, and we carefully consider each application. On average, we arrange around 250 assessments every year, in all parts of the UK, for candidates who have requested reasonable adjustment on the grounds of permanent or temporary conditions.

“Our efforts are ongoing, with a working group to focus specifically on how we can continue to enhance our reasonable adjustment process to ensure all our qualifications are widely accessible. The group consists of our qualifications awarding body Activity Alliance, Riding for the Disabled Association, and other industry professionals. This aims to complete in autumn 2020.”

The Department for Education told H&H all students must have equal access to assessment.

“All qualifications have special arrangements and consideration to ensure all students can access assessments,” a spokesman said. “Colleges can, and should, apply to their awarding organisation for consideration for any students affected by circumstances out of their control or may be suffering from a condition or illness that could disadvantage them.

“Changes brought in following the Wolf Review of Vocational Qualifications in 2011 did not affect the need for all awarding organisations and all providers to ensure that all students had equal access to assessment.”

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Badminton to offer care service for disabled visitors

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 11:55:18 +0000

Badminton Horse Trials is to become the first international sporting event to provide day care provision for disabled visitors.

The charity Hop Skip and Jump is launching its “care at the event” facility at this year’s horse trials (7-10 May) in Gloucestershire.

In a marquee next to the disabled car park the charity’s trained staff will welcome and care for visitors of all ages whatever their disability.

The dressage, cross-country and showjumping phases will be shown on a screen and there will be a range of activities organised.

“It is our wish for families who care for all those with a disability to be given the opportunity to enjoy a special day out at Badminton,” said Celia Carter, chairman of Hop Skip and Jump.

Badminton final scores

“Our staff will help provide hours of fun and laughter, while the family are free to walk the course, watch the showjumping and dressage as well as visit the shops,” she added.

Badminton event director Hugh Thomas added: “We were very excited when Hop Skip and Jump approached us. To make our event more accessible to disabled and disadvantaged people and above all their carers is a great step forward.”

The “care at the event” facility will be open from Thursday 7 May to Saturday 9 May from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday 10 from 10am-4pm.

Reservations can be made in advance by emailing: office@hopskipandjump.org.uk or by telephone on 01453 836390.

“Care at the event” has been developed from “care in the high street”, an initiative to provide respite care in centrally located spaces including shopping centres and football stadiums.

This year Hop Skip and Jump is opening three new “care in the high street” centres in Cardiff, Horsham and Wigan.

For more information visit: www.hopskipandjump.org.uk

New route opens for disabled carriage drivers

Caroline Bankes — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:30:02 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Disabled carriage drivers now have more scope to enjoy their sport after a new route was opened in the Marlborough Downs yesterday (Tuesday 2 September).

Farmers in the Marlborough Downs Nature Improvement Area (MDNIA) have upgraded 2.2km of tracks for the disabled drivers.

Former chief of the general staff — the professional head of the British army — General Sir Mike Jackson opened the route.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“This driving route provides a remarkable opportunity for anyone with a disability as they can access the Marlborough Downs and experience its stunning surroundings within the peace of a horse-drawn carriage,” he said.

Bryony Fuller, one of the first to drive the route said: “I simply treasure the time I spend with the driving group. It allows me to get out in the fresh air and experience the breath-taking Marlborough Downs whilst also meeting with likeminded people.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Funding for the resurfacing came from the MDNIA

, a partnership between farmers, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Wiltshire Council.

Additional funding was provided by the landfill communities fund and local grants.

More information on the MDNIA

Chariot gives disabled boy new lease of life

Caroline Bankes — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:00:59 +0000

A nine-year-old disabled boy can’t wait to get out and about with his pony this summer, thanks to specially adapted equipment bought for him by a childrens’ charity.

Ethan Smith from the Wirral has congenital myopathy, a rare muscle disorder which makes walking difficult.

He cannot ride his 16-year-old pony Bee as sitting on her dislocates his hips and knees.

But he is now driving Bee round the fields in an iBex Saddlechariot supplied by the charity, Dreams Come True.

The tailor-made all-terrain vehicle enables people in wheelchairs to drive ponies independently.

Ethan driving Bee in the iBex Saddlechariot (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bee accepted the iBex straight away said Ethan’s mother, Andrea.

“She took to it like a pro with no hesitation whatsoever, which is quite unusual for a pony that has never been trained to pull a vehicle,” she said.

Andrea’s other two children, Brooke, seven, and Faith, four, are also disabled and are enjoying driving Bee in the “iBex.”

The family have had Bee for seven years.

“Bee understands Ethan, they have such a unique bond and they really trust each other and adapt to each other naturally,” said Andrea.

The much-loved pony is kept in a field close to the family’s house.

The iBex Saddlechariot was engineered by Nick Sanders at Rowan Oak Livery in Brecon.

Mr Sanders said: “It gives people in wheelchairs the independence to drive ponies in full safety as it incorporates a unique quick release system. This invention incorporates both a wheelchair ramp and a seating unit.”

Ethan is able to drive his pony directly from his power chair or be lifted and put in to the seating unit with his sisters.

His mother Andrea described the iBex as “life-changing” and said it will enable Ethan “to get out and have fun in the fresh air all year round”.

NB: Horse & Hound recommends that horses are broken to drive before being introduced to pulling any type of carriage and that drivers wear appropriate safety clothing including gloves and a safety hat.

£21,000 funding for disabled riding kit

Martha Terry — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 09:00:15 +0000

3 UK riding centres will receive free equipment for disabled riders. This is thanks to a £21,000 share in Sport England Get Equipped’s £1.1million funding of sports equipment for disabled people.

The selected centres — Newham Riding School & Association, London, Conquest Centre for Disabled Riders, Taunton and Morpeth Group Riding for the Disabled, Northumberland — will benefit from new kit, such as to wheelchair-accessible mounting ramps, reins, saddle pads and stirrups, a driving carriage and a new horse, as well as specialised training.

The Get Equipped programme was designed to build on the success of the London 2012 Paralympics, and fulfil the demand for more equipment for sporting organisations which are struggling to provide facilities for disabled participants. Sport facilities were eligible to apply for a maximum of £10,000 per project. 236 facilities applied, across 33 different sports — and 141 projects received funding, including 3 of the 4 riding centres that applied.

Hannah Brook, Newham Riding School & Association trustee, said the grant would fund new stirrup toe caps, balance straps, reins, an overhead tracking hoist, a double-sided mounting platform, an arena leveller and saddle pads.

“It will enable us to create a more sustainable facility and provide an enhanced experience for larger numbers of disabled people, including those with more complex needs,” she said.

Maggie Still, the British Equestrian Federation’s head of participation, said the support was “greatly appreciated”.

“[It] will be directed to those people delivering at local level who need it the most,” she said. “It will play a big part in bringing riding to more people in better places and therefore driving an improved quality experience.”

Disadvantaged young people undertake 1,800km charity trek

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:08:42 +0000

A group of under privileged young people last week set off on an 1,800km journey across France to London raising money for charity.

The White Horses Charity is an organisation that raises funds and awareness for disabled people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A team of eight young people and the White Horses group leaders set off on 8 May to complete the challenge.

Also taking part are eight horses – two Camargue horses driven in tandem pulling one covered wagon, one draught horse which also will be used in harness for a second wagon and five other Camargue horses.

In 2008 Andrew Clark took part in the ride. They travelled to the Camargue in the south of France and rode back from France to London, raising funds for the Riding For The Disabled Association and French equivalents of the charity.

This year the 1,800km journey will be undertaken again.

“At the time I was considered to be one of thousands of ‘disadvantaged young people’ that we have in England and France, and I was selected through the Prince’s Trust to take part in this journey,” Andrew, who is now 23, told H&H.

“Take it from it me; riding eight hours a day, in all weathers, for six months and camping every night can get pretty tough.

“I hadn’t ridden before and I was scared of horses. It was a real challenge, I was just told to hold on and go with it and I really enjoyed it. Since I’ve come back I’ve trained as a saddle fitter. The charity really does changes the life of those involved as well as greatly benefiting the RDA.”

For more information or to donate visit: www.sllassoc.com

Epic charity challenge for disabled carriage driving team

Charlotte White — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:19:55 +0000

A group of disabled carriage drivers and helpers set off on Tuesday (27 September) to drive from the Scottish borders down to Birmingham in 13 days.

The epic drive is being led by competition and display carriage driver Amanda Saville and her ponies from the Chariots of Fire Driving Centre.

It has two aims, to raise money for Sports Driving Unlimited, which provides pony driving activities for people with disabilities, and to provide the drivers, some of which are wheelchair users, with a real adventure.

Chairman of Sports Driving Unlimited Rosemary Flexney said: “They set off from Boreland on Tuesday and drove through Lockerbie, Gretna Green and on to Carlisle where they stayed at Greenlands EC for the night.

“Then on Wednesday they drove to Kendall Rugby Club where they camped for the night and held a try driving session for local disabled people yesterday.

“And today they are on their way to Morecombe.”

The intrepid band aims to arrive at Cadbury’s World in Birmingham on Sunday 13 October.

Three groups of drivers and ponies will take part each day, covering around 60 miles a day.

So far the ride has raised around £5,000 for Sports Driving Unlimited.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/b2bdrive.

Disabled beauty queen shows talent riding side-saddle

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:03:06 +0000

This year’s Miss Coventry, Kirstie Logan, is hoping to charm the Miss England judges with an unusual talent — riding side-saddle.

Kirstie, 20, is not only set to show off her niche skill, but she is the first disabled beauty queen, suffering from chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

At one point, Kirstie feared she might have to stop riding all together.

But Kirstie’s mother, former national side-saddle champion Christina, who is also disabled, suggested Kirstie try side-saddle six months ago.

“It is so elegant. I want to promote it and show you don’t have to give up riding if you compromise,” said Kirstie.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (24 June, ’10)

Riding for the Disabled Association benefits from Vodafone volunteer

Horse & Hound — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:41:28 +0000

Millers Nook Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) centre has gratefully received an extra pair of hands, thanks to Vodafone.

Carly Atkinson is one of 500 winners of Vodafone’s World of Difference competition to be awarded a £2500 grant to spend two months volunteering at a charity of her choice.

Twenty-year-old student Carly, chose her local RDA centre, near Bolton in Lancashire, and is so far a month into the project.

“I’ve been helping out running the yard and leading during lessons and it’s been great,” Carly says. “I definitely want to carry this on and any spare time I have I’ll spend here.”

As well as yard duties, Carly, who is from Pemberton, near Wigan, has contacted equestrian retailers across the country asking for donations.

The Millers Nook centre, which has been the target of two major tack robberies in the past two years, has received contributions from Eddie Palin’s Liveryman, Robinsons Country Leisure, Dengie and Spillers thanks to Carly’s efforts.

“Carly is such an asset to us,” said Kath Miller, owner of Millers Nook. “Volunteers are getting scarcer and scarcer and Carly’s such a joy to work with – it feels like we’ve won the lottery!”

Preparing to start nursing college in April, Carly has enjoyed her placement so much she has decided to stay an extra month.

Millers Nook has 80 disabled and special needs clients on its books and employs just two full-time staff. They rely on volunteers to help with lessons and looking after their 20 horses.

Former graded Friesian stallion excels as RDA horse

Charlotte White — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:01:37 +0000

A former graded Friesian stallion and dressage horse has shown old horses can learn new tricks by becoming one of the trusted mounts of a Riding for the Disabled (RDA) group.

Samson, aged 19, was donated to the Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, near Middlesborough in November 2008 when his owners, Neil and John Howe of Potto, North Yorkshire, decided to move abroad.

The 16hh Friesian horse was not gelded until late in life, having stood as a graded stallion for six years, but has settled into life as one of 20 horses and ponies at the riding centre and is described as a “safe and comfortable ride”.

Chairman of the trustees at the Unicorn Centre, Julie Elphee said: “Some people did wonder if a Friesian would be a suitable RDA horse but Samson has become a useful addition.

“His ability to react according to the rider on board has resulted in him becoming very popular.”

And Jane Slevin, of the Friesian Horse Association said: “Friesian horses love human contact and I think that’s why Samson is so in his element at Unicorn, however although they are kind and willing they are not always a novice ride.”

She said a Friesian, called Riemkje, was on the British para-dressage squad with Emma Kent for a number of years. The mare has now retired.

The Unicorn Centre would be interested to know if there are any other Friesian horses working with RDA groups.

Tel:01642 576222.

Don’t panic about new vetting regulations, says BHS

Horse & Hound — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:34:30 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) has told equestrian employers not to worry about a new government “vetting “scheme.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) will be introduced in phases, starting in July next year, as a register of people working with children and vulnerable groups.

Ellie Layton of the BHS said: “Everyone who works with children and vulnerable groups will have to comply, but we’re advising people not to panic yet.

“We’ll let people know the details over the next two or three months.”

The new scheme was initiated following the Soham murders in 2002 and is being run by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in conjunction with the existing Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, which enable employers to check criminal records of potential employees at a cost of £36.

The VBS is intended to be further reaching than the CRB, and include information “beyond that held by police”.

The ISA said responsibility will rest with employees to register themselves, though many employers will foot the bill. Volunteers must also register, but at no cost. The VBS will be administered with the CRB, and the combined cost will be £64.

Teresa Patrick, owner of Cloud Stables in Reading, Berks, said: “Riding schools don’t make much money anyway. The checks sound quite expensive and may have an impact on how much work we do with disabled riders.”

Janet Baker, owner of Bold Heath Equestrian Centre, near Widnes, Cheshire, said: “I think it’ll have an impact — enough riding schools are closing down anyway.”

Voluntary registration starts in July with mandatory registration for all new employees and volunteers from November.

All employees and volunteers working with the target groups must be registered by a date that will be set in 2015.

This news story was first published in H&H (24 September, ’09)

Riding for the Disabled Association organises world’s biggest riding lesson

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:05:02 +0000

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) hopes to unite riders around the globe this autumn for the world’s biggest riding lesson.

On 30 September, disabled and able-bodied riders in the UK and abroad will complete a simple routine devised by the RDA as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations.

Event chairman Doug Smith said: “A global lesson with the same routine on the same day has never been done before, so we will set a world record.”

The RDA hopes at least 5,000 riders will take part and riding schools in the UK, US, Portugal, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong have already signed up.

“Anyone who rides anywhere in the world can join in,” added Mr Smith. “We want riders to unite — once we’re on a horse we’re all the same. Anyone who rides could need the RDA at some point.”

The first lesson of the day will be launched by the Princess Royal at Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs, Essex — the first purpose-built riding centre for disabled people in the world.

To take part, register at www.rda.org/40th

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (6 August, ’09)

School for disabled children appeals for a new pony

Horse & Hound — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:05:15 +0000

A school for children with physical disabilities in Sussex is appealing for someone to donate a pony for the children’s riding lessons after their much loved pony Lela died.

Horse riding is very important to the 80 pupils at Chailey Heritage School in Lewes, East Sussex, who suffer from cerebral palsy and a range of other disabilities.

Lela had been with the school for thirteen years and was an important part of school life. The children ride in an all-weather arena on site at the school.

Riding instructor Michelle Quibell said: “Lela was a very special pony who touched the hearts of everyone she met and brought such joy and happiness. She also brought such fun to the adults who rode her.”

Michelle says they’d love to have a pony which is placid but sturdy.

If anyone feels they can help, please call Michelle on 07949 698460.

BETA International supports Riding for the Disabled

Horse & Hound — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:14:20 +0000

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) will receive a complimentary stand at next year’s BETA International annual equestrian, country and pet product trade show as the event’s official charity of 2010.

Each year BETA International gives a charity a complimentary stand at its show, which is a unique opportunity to gain valuable contacts within the commercial sector.

The UK-wide charity has 500 member groups and 18,000 volunteer helpers. It provides riding and carriage driving for 23,000 adults and children with physical and learning difficulties. The RDA is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2010.

“RDA has enriched so many lives by bringing horses and people together in a unique way. We look forward to welcoming the RDA team to BETA International 2010,” said Claire Thomas, commercial manager of BETA International organiser EMC.

BETA International 2010 will be held at the NEC, Birmingham on 21-23 February.

For more information about the show visit: www.beta-int.com

Connemara society donates jubilee pony to Riding for the Disabled

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:54:52 +0000

A Connemara pony has been donated to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) by the British Connemara Pony Society (BCPS) in honour of the society’s Diamond Jubilee.

‘Jubilee Jim’ was officially presented to the president of the RDA, the Princess Royal, at Gatcombe Park on Friday 18 January.

The six-year-old gelding was found by Peter Fitzsimons, chairman of the society’s Diamond Jubilee committee, after much searching for a suitable RDA pony.

Mr Fitzsimons told H&H: “We tried several ponies before we decided on Jim. He just has the most fantastic temperament, even the Princess commented on how placid he was at the ceremony. He is ideal for the RDA.”

Jubilee Jim was bred in Ireland and arrived in England as a yearling. The BCPS spent the year fundraising, organising events and requesting donations, to raise enough to buy Jim for the RDA.

To mark their 50th anniversary 10 years ago, the BCPS donated a pony to the RDA. So for the BCPS diamond jubilee, which was celebrated in 2007, members wanted to repeat the gesture.

RDA centres across the country applied for the new pony to join them. A long list of applicants was whittled down to 40 and then to a shortlist of five. The final five went to Surrey to see the pony and to prove that they were the most suitable.

The BCPS finally decided that Jim would be go to Newbury RDA in Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire.

Mr Fitzsimons said: “All five deserved the pony, but Newbury succeeded in convincing us that they were the right centre for Jim.”

Newbury RDA currently has about 60 disabled children from local schools riding at the centre and run riding lessons five days a week. They have seven ponies in work and around 100 volunteers.

Newbury RDA chairman Jo Stevenson-Hamilton said the centre was surprised and delighted to learn it had been selected to receive Jubilee Jim.

“He is a beautiful pony with the perfect temperament to work with disabled children,” she said. “We are most grateful to the BCPS for all their hard work fundraising in order to buy him for RDA.”

Ms Stevenson-Hamilton added: “He’s getting on very well at the centre. Obviously he’s still very young so we are doing lots of schooling with him at the moment.”

BCPS chairman Anne Harries said: “We get such pleasure from our own ponies and we hope that Jim will be able to bring that enjoyment and therapy to everyone at RDA Newbury.”

www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk

www.britishconnemaras.co.uk

Launch of new driving charity for the disadvantaged and disabled

Charlotte White — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:58:11 +0000

A new charity offering carriage driving to disabled, disadvantaged and terminally ill people, is holding its official launch at the Scottish Horse Event in Edinburgh next month.

Rosemary Flexney has set up Sport Driving Unlimited with support from Amanda Saville of the Chariots of Fire driving display team, and other top carriage drivers.

“The idea came from the work Amanda has done with young people,” said Mrs Flexney. “A group of us thought it would be good to involve children and young adults in the exhilaration of carriage competition and the general benefits of being around horses.”

Riding for the Disabled already encourages adults with limiting physical and mental abilities to learn to drive, but Sport Driving Unlimited particularly wants them to try more competitive driving.

“We want people to experience the exhilaration of rushing around obstacles and the precision of dressage,” she said.

Mrs Flexney said they would be collaborating with equine centres in Scotland and the north of England, and are already working with a youth club in Cumbria.

Show jumper David Broome has agreed to be patron of the charity, and it is hoped he will be at the launch at the Scottish Horse Event on 1-2 December, as well as Amanda Saville, who will be putting on displays each day.

RDA riders to benefit from charity golf day

Horse & Hound — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:40:46 +0000

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is hosting its 2007 Annual Charity Golf Day at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey on 26 April.

The event includes breakfast, the RDA Challenge and an optional putting competition. Teams round off the day with a champagne reception, gala dinner and auction.

The RDA is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through the provision of opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving. The association currently supports around 24,000 people of all ages.

The RDA’s Charity Golf Day, which has traditionally been supported by RDA president The Princess Royal, has proved a highly effective fund-raiser since it began three years ago. At a cost of £1,600 per team (four ball), the day is selling fast across previous attendees but the RDA has space for a couple more teams.

Tickets for the champagne reception, gala dinner and auction cost £85 per person (excluding VAT).

For further information, interested individuals or teams should contact Liz Savage (tel: 0845 6581082; email lsavage@rda.org.uk).

Britain hosts world driving champs

Carol Phillips — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 14:22:48 +0000

The fourth World Championships for Drivers with Disabilities will take place at Hopetoun, Scotland on 27-30 May 2004, which is great news for the British disabled driving squad, who claimed individual and team silver medals in the previous World Championships in Germany.

Lindsey Tyas of the Carriage Driving Sports Group for Drivers with Disabilities, says: “Because next year’s World Championships will take place in Britain we will be able to send extra individuals to compete alongside the team. We are hoping that competing on home soil will give us a boost and help us improve on our previous silver medal-winning performances.”

The Carriage Driving Sports Group for Drivers with Disabilities was formed last year to raise awareness of the opportunities for disabled drivers in combined driving competitions, as well as providing training opportunities for disabled drivers.

“The group holds a number of training days around the country to help disabled drivers fulfill their potential,” continues Lindsey. “We are always on the look out for new talent and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to get involved.”

The national group works alongside the driving section of the Riding for the Disabled Association, but with a stronger focus on disabled drivers who wish to drive competitively.

“Our chef d’equipe Margaret Brockie is actively involved with the RDA and she is also responsible for our training sessions and helping the squad members achieve the best possible result in the international competitions they take part in,” says Lindsey.

Anyone who would like to know more about the group, are interested in sponsoring the team or would like to help raise funds, should contact Lindsey (tel: 01953 453328) or e-mail: tyas5@aol.com

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