We are an independent charity, affiliated to RDA National and provide an opportunity for around 30 disabled people, both adults and children, to ride.  We meet fortnightly near Ashford and monthly near Biddenden.  These riding sessions are taken by RDA qualified instructors, who give their time voluntarily and the tuition is tailored to the individual needs of each rider.

 

Most of our riders have learning disabilities but some have physical disabilities and a few have both.

 

For wheelchair bound riders, simply being able to sit up on a horse and look down at everyone else provides a real sense of achievement and the movement of the horse provides excellent physiotherapy.

 

Riders compete in the annual RDA Regional Dressage Competition at Hickstead and the National Competition in Gloucestershire.

Riding also provides companionship and fun for people whose horizons may be quite limited.  This social side of the group is very important and as well as the regular riding sessions we have an annual Gymkhana, Barbeque, Christmas Gymkhana and Spring Picnic Ride in the countryside orchards.

 

We have a wonderful bank of over 20 helpers who give their time voluntarily to assist with our rides.  Apart from someone to lead the pony, some riders need a helper walking on each side of the horse to give support and confidence.  Help is also required with mounting, general organisation and of course, making the tea!

 

Major expenses are the upkeep of the horses owned by the group and the cost of running a horsebox, which is essential to the functioning of the group.  The horsebox will require replacing in the very near future and therefore we are working on raising the necessary finance as well as the regular running expenses incurred.

 

Riders pay an annual subscription of £30 plus £1 each time they ride, but this does not begin to cover our expenses as we receive no public funding.

ASHFORD VALLEY RIDING FOR THE DISABLED GROUP

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