Horses - Lottery Success for Pendle Riding for the Disabled - equiworld.net - Equestrian Information

Lottery Success for Pendle Riding for the Disabled.

Earlier this year, Pendle Riding for the Disabled Association were awarded a Lottery grant under the Millennium Awards for All scheme so that they could refurbish their outdoor sand school. "We were extremely excited when we were awarded the grant, because it is important for our members to be as safe as possible when they are riding" explained a spokesperson for Pendle RDA.

World class dressage rider Joanna Jackson is performing the official opening ceremony on Wednesday evening (30th August), cutting the ribbon at 5pm. Following the this, Ms Jackson will be presenting young disabled rider, Felicity Coulthard with the Michelle Hall Memorial Trophy as recognition to her recent achievements with her dressage riding. "We would like to take this opportunity to thank Joanna for giving her time to open the school. The very fact that she is showing an interest in the group gives credability to disabled riding".

General Information about the Pendle RDA Group.
Pendle RDA was set up in February 1977 with the aim of providing a range of riding opportunities for people living in the locality who experience diverse disabilities. Over recent years, we have built up membership that comes from a 20 miles radius.

Obviously membership is open to anyone who considers themselves as having a disability, but generally enquiries are either made direct to the Pendle group or through RDA Headquarters at Stoneleigh. New members are required to provide information from their GP about their disability and are then given an assessment to determine their riding ability and are then placed on suitable rides. All of our rides are lead by our specially trained instructors who also have recognised BHS qualifications, but in addition they receive on-going training which includes holding a current first aid certificate. Generally speaking our riding activities are as follows:

(1) Lead rein, group lessons - generally an activity of a therapeutic nature. Riders have a leader / side walker.
(2) 1-2-1 lessons - this can include hacking out or specific training for dressage competitions (3) Holidays - providing additional interest for individuals and short-term respite care for families.
(4) Annual fundraising show.

As well as providing opportunities, as mentioned above, for many of our members riding is of a therapeutic nature as it helps them to develop their communication, co-ordination and gross motor skills. It also encourages them to occupy positions of responsibility within the group which in turn goes some way in improving the quality of their lives.

Recent Reported News.

15 year old Felicity Coulthard who has cerebral palsy has represented Pendle and the Northwest for the past 2 years at the RDA National Dressage Championships. This year she was placed 1st in test 21a (a walk and trot test) and 2nd in the Grade 1 Kur (she co-wrote and recorded her music with Dad).