At Mid Derbyshire Riding for the Disabled, horses are helping children to build confidence and improve wellbeing. Now, as Fiona Stubbs discovers, the charity is looking for volunteers to help even more people
Nine-year-old Maggie sits up straight and assured, laughing delightedly as she trots on horseback around the riding ring.
Jogging alongside her are volunteers from Mid Derbyshire Riding for the Disabled, making sure that not only is Maggie safe in the saddle, but enjoying every minute of her weekly horse-riding experience.
Maggie looks completely happy riding with other children from Alfreton Park School at Duckmanton’s Poplar Farm Equestrian stables.
Yet, just an hour earlier, she’d been unwilling to ride. Withdrawn and slightly grumpy, she’d preferred to play quietly alone with Lego while others began their lessons.
So it’s striking to see her face and mood light up as she ultimately takes her turn on horseback.
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) supports over 39,000 disabled children and adults nationally, focusing specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.
Pioneering in the therapeutic use of horses and a leader in disability sport, its innovative programmes improve mobility, boost physical health and mental wellbeing, build confidence and teach new skills.
There are more than 450 RDA centres across the UK, supported by over 13,700 volunteers, 1,700 qualified coaches and 2,800 equines.
Mid Derbyshire RDA is hoping to attract more volunteers in order to expand weekly school term-time sessions to more children and young people.
Nationally, the RDA welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions and neurodiversity.
The children from Alfreton Park School certainly relish their time at the Duckmanton centre, riding Welsh Cob ponies Princess and CJ around the ring and, accompanied by upbeat pop music, playing horseback games – including collecting toys and cards and throwing hoops onto a cone – led by coach Linda Searle.
Some exercises, such as balancing a hoop on top of their riding hat, have physical benefits by helping to improve the children’s posture.
“For some children, riding is really good for strengthening their core muscles,” says Linda. “But they all get something out of it – it’s about giving them every opportunity possible.
“I’ve been doing this for 27 years. I love horses and I love children. It’s lovely just being outside with the children and seeing their confidence and ability grow.”
Secretary Janet Amos adds: “There’s an empathy between the horses and children. The horses seem to know that these children need special treatment.”
Amanda Alletson is a teaching assistant at Alfreton Park, a special school for children aged from two to 19. She watches as Maggie rides past, animated and completely engaged. “Maggie finds it difficult to communicate but when she gets on a horse she concentrates and speaks – she’s relaxed and confident,” says Amanda. “Some children have never been around a horse until we bring them here. Some don’t like dogs but are happy to get on a horse. It’s a very calming motion.”
Another pupil, 19-year-old Amy, rides solemnly throughout the session. “Amy is non-verbal but very clever,” says teaching assistant Michelle James. “She always enjoys riding – she’s somehow different and happier on horseback.”
Trustee Gillian Diggett adds: “We’d really love to raise awareness of the charity and to inspire people to volunteer with us. Volunteers are our bedrock.
“We welcome anyone over the age of 14, with no upper age limit. No experience is needed as training will be given. All we require is two hours on a Tuesday morning only during term time, although there is no need to commit to every week. Whatever time you can spare, we will be grateful for.
“We would also like to hear from any organisations who work with children or adults with special needs of any kind, as well as SEND schools, as we are hoping in the future to expand our facilities to help more people.”
To learn more about volunteering with Mid Derbyshire Riding for the Disabled, please contact:
- Coach – Linda Searle 07503 255526 / email lsearle12345@gmail.com
- Secretary – Ian Davy 07976 237757 / email Info@brasstac.co.uk