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ABOUT RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION
In 1964, the Advisory council for Riding for the Disabled was formed to assist isolated groups of people who were already using riding as a form of therapy. The growth of the organisation was slow but steady and by 1969, when 80 groups had been formed, the Riding for the Disabled Association was established. In 1974 activities were extended to include carriage driving.
The Riding for the Disabled Association is a registered charity whose President is HRH. The Princess Royal K.G., G.C.V.O. Each year the Princess visits several R.D.A. Groups all over the country. She has visited our centre on two occasions, once in 1993 when we officially opened and more recently to see our new extended facilities.
Since 1969 the Association has grown from 2,400 riders to 24,000 and from 9 Groups in 1965 to approximately 650 in 1999.
You can visit the Riding for the Disabled Association h
 The Riders
Riders can be of any age from as young as five. Most disabilities are greatly helped by the movement of the horse, which is passed to the rider unknowingly. Back muscles are strengthened, head control can be improved and a therapeutic effect may be achieved without the rider being aware of it. For disabled people whose days are often routine and indistinguishable “riding days” are always special and exciting.
 The procedure
An enrolment form needs to be signed by a person in the medical profession and carer/guardian.
The rider will be invited to come to the centre and be assessed. This gives the rider an opportunity to be introduced to the horse and helps us assess their co-ordination and balance. Appropriate clothing i.e. trousers, gloves and sturdy footwear are advised to ensure the comfort and safety of the rider. We can provide the hats.
Facilities
- Qualified Instructors
- Specially trained horses
- Disabled access indoor and outdoors
- Ramps. Trained staff to mount and dismount riders according to disabilities
- Mechanical Hoist
- Advice from Physiotherapists if needed
- Classroom and social areas
- Hacking in 300 acres of Middleton Park
- Car and Lorry parking (tarmac)
- Easy accessible as located close to all mayor link roads and motorways.
 CARRIAGE DRIVING
Carriage Driving is available for disabled clients who have difficulty in riding. It offers an alternative means of enjoying the company of a horse and seeing the countryside. The driver is accompanied by an able-bodied “whip” in an open vehicle.
The experience offers the driver a feeling that they are in control as they have a set of reins along with the A-B Whip, the driver becomes more self - confident and this has an effect on their day to day lives.
The drivers can either drive in the arena or enjoy our surrounding woods.
There is opportunity, in both riding and driving, to compete as we have already seen with Andrew, Caroline and Geoffrey. MPEC will be taking part in the finals of Concours D’Elegance at Windsor in September following qualification at The Great Yorkshire Show last summer.
Benefits of Riding
- It is fun
- Opportunity to work with the horse
- Teaches a new skill
- Improves confidence
- Improves balance and co-ordination
- Promotes decision making
- Helps concentration
- Improves self-esteem
- Encourages communication
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Activities
We have a variety activities going on at our centre including riding lessons for abled bodied and disabled bodied persons, fun days, gymkhanas etc more > |
Careers
Whether you are thinking of a career or developing your hobby the centre offers British Horse Society, National Vocational Qualifications, Modern Apprenticeships and more > |
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