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Abingdon RDARiding with usRiding has many attributes, and for many disabled people it is a great joy. For those who find it difficult to get out and about, it is an escape from four walls, and for small children it can often be the start of an independent life – learning to balance, become more confident, mixing with new people and often animals for the first time. This can all lead to their own first steps. Every individual is encouraged to aim for attainable goals, some modest, others far more ambitious, and above all to have fun.
For some hacking out in the countryside is all they want to do, for others working in the school is a challenge, possibly leading to competition of one sort or another. Many of our riders take Grade Tests – Grades I –IV followed by Bronze, Silver and Gold. These tests are very useful goals in the winter, particularly for those who ride in the dark for 6 months of the year. During the summer months both riders and ponies enjoy picnic rides, rides on the ridgeway, competing at both the South Region Show and National Championships, and our annual Fun Day in September. The riders are supported by a wonderful band of volunteers, who not only make riding safe and fun, but also become good friends.
The quite exceptional ponies are the stars of the day, providing four strong legs for those that may find walking difficult, and for understanding the sometimes very mixed messages that they receive from riders with coordination problems. Learning to ride is a complex business with many things to remember, and great demands on muscles, and joints – just to sit up can, for some, be very demanding. With very many thanks to both ponies and helpers, we hope that many more people will enjoy the benefits of horse riding with the Abingdon Group
(A Group Member of the Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving, Registered Company No.5010395, Registered Charity No. 244108)
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