Helping young people into sport

Youngsters who might not otherwise get the chance to do much sport have once again been given the chance to take part in equestrian events thanks to fantastic volunteers.

The Fenland Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has been operating in the area since 1981.

It regularly runs sessions for pupils from The Garth and Priory special schools, providing them with incredible opportunities to get young people involved with a sport that otherwise might not be open to them.

The group and its sessions are ran by volunteers, many of whom provide the ponies to ride and facilities to ride at.

The group’s secretary Angela Southwell, said: “It’s about getting them into the sport and it also provides them with a lot of confidence.

“Many of the children we work with have learning difficulties and some of them physical disabilities.

“They seem to have an affinity and the horses seem to understand the young people.

“Having the young people sitting up high and looking down on everyone else is good for them too and I think gives them a great sense of worth.

“Some of the young people can be quite nervous and scared of the horses when they first come, but they learn quickly and it gives them a lot of confidence.”

The group was initially founded as the Grange Farm Group by Elizabeth Dixon-Spain with Jane Carter as instructor 37 years ago this month.

It became a part of the national RDA stable in 1985.

It has helped hundred of children over the years from the riding arena one of the volunteers has provided in Whaplode St Catherine.

One of those was James Rollo, a former Priory School pupil who has been inspired to take up the sport at a competitive level nationally, regularly taking part in the UK Riders Dressage Nationals.

He recently returned to the RDA with dressage horse Willow for the club’s end of season Gala Day.

That involves all the children helped over the summer season coming together for many equine based activities including a musical ride.

The club also looks at taking part competitively as a team at time, including at the Special Olympics at Wittering Grange.

It all wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers with three of them accompanying each child who is riding a horse to ensure safety.

“We’ve a great pool of volunteers that do so much and some also bring their ponies for us to use,” continued Angela

They also rely on fundraising and donations to keep things going.

That includes one from The South Holland Trefoil Guild, a group of people who have formerly been a part of the Girl Guiding movement and who now fundraise for a variety of charities.

Members recently visited an RDA session for Year Seven pupils from The Garth School to present the volunteers with a cheque.

“We wanted to do something locally,” said the group’s treasurer Mary Lane.

“The RDA was one of the strongest candidates for the funding as its such a good cause.”

Angela added: “We’ve very grateful for the donation because it helps us pay for the specialist equipment we need. For example we have special handles that are colour coded so the children know where to put their hands.

“We also need plenty of helmets and equipment to keep doing what we’re doing.”