Jane rides off into sunset

A woman who has helped people with a disability take part in horse riding for over 40 years has stepped off the saddle for the last time.

Jane Carter was a founder of the Fenland Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) 43 years ago.
Group members use their homes, horses and equipment to provide riding lessons to those would otherwise miss out.
The group was founded in 1981 when Jean Turner approached Liz Dixon-Spain asking if there were any RDA groups in the area for her daughter Sarah. Liz said that there were none but approached Jane Carter, a local riding instructor and set one up.
Many adventures followed giving children from, what is now The Tulip Academy School, free riding lessons each week during term time from September to October half term and again around Easter.
Over the years the group also attended Wood Green Cambridgeshire Gymkhana, the Special Olympics Wittering Grange in 2000 and a musical ride display at Equifest 2016.
In 1996 Jane was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the RDA’s President HRH Princess Anne to receive a long-standing coaching award.
The group is still going strong, riding at Bridge House Farm Equestrian, Gosberton Bank.
For her final session, 40 current and former volunteers attended alongside pupils from the Tulip Academy
Jane said: “It’s been a great privilege to be involved in the group family over the last 43 years. We’re a unique group in that we operate entirely on the goodwill of our volunteers – even our ponies are brought along by volunteers.
“We’ve taught thousands of academy children to ride over the years, and to have the experience and joy of engaging with our wonderful ponies.
“I’ll miss seeing everyone but it’s time to move on to new adventures.’
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the group’s Facebook page.