The Nithsdale and Stewartry Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Group is pleased to be back in the saddle after a long break due to Covid-19.
In autumn 2021 the group thanked three of its members – Betty Howard, Pat Saxon and Chris Hughes for their extraordinary commitment to the group over the last 16, 10 and 19 years respectively.
Not only had they led and organised the committee and the many volunteers that RDA sessions require but also, and most importantly, they had enabled many disabled children and adults to experience the joy of riding.
Having thanked and appreciated their retiring members, the current RDA committee then proceeded to get the group back to business.
Four new volunteers were recruited, a new venue at Fairhill, near Milton, Crocketford, was secured and sessions restarted on a Thursday afternoon.
Using the horses and ponies provided by Fairhill Services, two hour-long rides are held each week, with six adult riders and six children benefiting.
Under the expert and fun tuition of trained coaches, Margie Bryson and Wendy Miliken, the riders practise starting, stopping and turning their pony and varying the speed of walk.
Some are learning to trot, which obviously means the leaders and side-walkers need to be up for a bit of running too.
They undertake various games and exercises to hone their knowledge and skills.
They negotiate obstacles, collect and move small items from stands around the arena and answer equine-related questions.
Each rider has a volunteer holding on to the pony with a lead rope, though the rider is the one giving the commands to the pony, and another volunteer walks alongside if the rider looks unsteady or needs help with communication.
For many of the riders, developing an understanding of the horse or pony, balancing on its back and learning to control its movements, becomes the highlight of their week and can signify an agency and freedom of movement that they just don’t have in everyday life.
A spokesman for the group said: “If you would like to help with this very worthwhile activity, you enjoy handling horses and working with people with a variety of special needs and are fit enough to be able to walk briskly round an outdoor arena then the group would be delighted to hear from you.
“New volunteers are welcome at any time and induction and on-going training will be given.”
For details telephone 01556 660491 or email nithstewartryrda@yahoo.com.
The details of other RDA groups in Dumfries and Galloway can be found on the Riding for the Disabled Association website: www.rda.org.uk.
