Horse riding

Riding for the Disabled Association

Stoneleigh Park

Kenilworth

Warwickshire

CV8 2LY

Tel: 0845 658 1082

www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk

The Riding for the Disabled Association is a federation of over 500 groups throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who, each week enable over 24,000 children and adults enjoy the experience of riding or carriage driving. There are opportunities to join in social activities, competitions, or to take a holiday - which combine to bring a new dimension to necessarily restricted lives, encourage independence, and do much to improve a wide range of medical conditions.

It is made possible thanks to the commitment of more than 18,500 volunteers who give over their free time – over 3.5 million hours per year. This results in the RDA providing around 500,000 rides and carriage drives each year.

Conquest Centre

Conquest Farm,

Norton Fitzwarren,

Taunton,

Somerset TA2 6PN

Tel: 01823 433614

http://www.equinetourism.co.uk/equineestablishments/conquestcentre.htm

The Conquest Centre for Disabled Riders provides disabled people of all ages and abilities with the opportunity for regular horse riding - giving a sense of achievement and independence.

Around 120 riders attend the Centre each week, many with profound learning difficulties, others have physical disabilities - some since birth or following accident or illness.

The Centre is totally self-supporting and, with the exception of the stable staff, everyone else is a volunteer.

Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (Epsom RDA)

http://www.epsomrda.org.uk/pages/aboutus.htm

Introduction

Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (Epsom RDA) was formed in 1969 with one shetland pony called Bubbles and four riders working from commercial stables in Epsom.

We now have our own facilities dedicated to our charitable objectives. We have over 200 regular riders and over 100 volunteer helpers. We are a registered charity (charity number 1073638) Epsom RDA is a Member Group of the Riding For The Disabled Association, Registered Charity No 244108.

Our aim is to provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride to benefit their health and well being.

Epsom RDA will accept most disabilities, but riders must first complete a registration form on which they or their parent or guardian (as appropriate) sign to give their consent. They are also required to get a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or similar qualified person to provide details of their medical history.

The disabilities of our riders include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, autism, learning disabilities, speech problems, deafness, visual impairment, head injuries and behavioural problems. We do have a Group Physiotherapist who has considerable horse riding experience and is available to assess riders when necessary. The age of our riders range from four years old to adult.

Our riders benefit both physically and mentally from horse riding with us. Our activities require a good mix of the disabled with the able bodied and the communication necessary between the riders and helpers develops understanding and social skills. The repeated pattern movement of the horse stimulates improved balance. Confidence is enhanced as the riders manage to achieve goals that are set for them and see that their achievements are recognised. Co-ordination is also improved as the riders learn to use their hands, feet and legs etc. to ride a horse.

British Driving Society

83 New Road

Helmingham

Stowmarket

Suffolk

IP14 6EA

Tel: 01473 892001

www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk