RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION

MID-DERBYSHIRE GROUP

About Us:

Mid-Derbyshire Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association was formed in the 1960’s to offer free horse riding to disabled adults and children in the Mid-Derbyshire area. Over the years the group has expanded and we now cater for about 70 riders in four sessions per week.

Everyone involved with the group is a volunteer, each bringing their own special skills into the group, whether knowledge of ponies, or disabilities or of maintenance.  They all, however, are willing and desirous of helping those less fortunate than themselves to participate in an enjoyable and fulfilling pastime.

The children and adults who attend our riding sessions are either physically or mentally disabled, some deaf or partially sighted, others have muscle and nerve weakness, caused by illness.  The blind, autistic and ‘ Downs’ children all enjoy riding.  The exercise that riding provides helps to strengthen muscles and improve co-ordination.  Riding releases nervous tension, flexes unused joints and may be the only “normal” activity that a disabled person is able to pursue.  The happiness and sense of achievement this brings will often permeate back into the home or school, where the children are more agreeable and confident.  Social contact with able-bodied persons is increased an very often bonds of companionship will form between rider and pony.  What a thrill it must be, having spent 95% of their time in a wheelchair, always looking up at other people and then suddenly being on a pony and looking down on everyone around them.

As stated above, everyone involved in Mid-Derbyshire Riding for the Disabled is a volunteer and so every penny of the money raised or donated goes directly towards providing the horse riding for our disabled riders.  We need in the region of £6,000 each year to function effectively.  This figure includes feed, shoes and veterinary bills for the ponies, electricity, insurance and maintenance costs for our school.

Volunteers are always needed to help our members benefit from this interactive and progressive therapy - the magical bond between horse and rider.  Please contact us for more details.  

The Group is managed by an enthusiastic committee of Trustees, which meets regularly to plan activities and fund-raising events. There are four instructors, registered with the group.