Our Past , our Present , and our Future

Why Riding for the Disabled? Riding is a wonderful form of physiotherapy and the riders experience great enjoyment from the activity, as an alternative to floor exercises. They are also participating in a sport, which improves their self-esteem; the riders feel they are the same as their able-bodied friends, brothers or sisters. They also learn horse care, i.e. how to look after their pony. Many disabled riders have never been near or touched a pony and it is wonderful to see a rider's confidence increase as they stroke or in many cases 'cuddle' their favourite pony.

THE PAST Our Group was set up 25 years ago, as a member group of the international organisation known as Riding for the Disabled Association, a national charity. The purpose of the group was, and still is today, to provide riding lessons to disabled adults and children in the Gordon area. The Group is run entirely by volunteers. From the group's inception in 1981 until 1993, the Group operated from various commercial riding establishments, but every couple of years we had to move to new venues due to unsuitable ponies, establishments being closed etc. These moves and disruptions did not suit our riders, as continuity and familiar surroundings are very important to the feeling of security they require. It was felt that the only way ahead was to establish our own purpose-built centre. The Countess of Kintore, who often helped with riding sessions, suggested her husband might be able to offer the Group somewhere on the Keith Hall Estate. After much debate and commitment from all those involved, a long-term lease was agreed on the steading at Tweed-dale, with as much grazing as we required for our ponies. At this time we had four ponies/horses. Prior to having our own indoor school, we were only providing tuition to 20 riders and lessons were held in an open field with no shelter. Rain stopped play on many an occasion and no sessions could take place between the end of October and the start of March each year. The volunteers fundraised, we received donations and applied for grants and the indoor school was officially opened in 1994.

THE PRESENT We now provide weekly riding lessons to over 60 disabled riders of all ages. These riders come along in groups from a number of special-needs schools and centres in the area, as well as individuals brought by parents or carers. Teaching is by qualified instructors; thanks to Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, we have 3 years' funding for the instructors.  All helpers must also take part in Health and Safety training, and as part of this we are currently running a series of one-day First Aid courses which emphasise the riding environment. Grade Tests are organised with riders receiving a certificate and badge.  Competitions are organised with other RDA groups from across Scotland being invited to come and participate. These are fun days.  When the weather is good, riders are taken out on hacks through the estate where they may see deer, pheasants and rabbits, so increasing their knowledge and understanding of the countryside around their towns. We have recently added a mounting area, viewing gallery, meeting room and storage area to our facilities, with the aid of a grant from Foundation for Sports and the Arts, monies from Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, Cash for Kids and donations both large and small from local people and companies. In addition the BP BUR team chose us as their Community Project 2001; they replaced the indoor riding surface with dust free substance, built an outdoor riding area, tarmaced the car park and much, much more. All in all Tweed-dale has been transformed from a good place to ride to a great place to ride. We currently have 8 ponies, 6 owned by the group and 2 on long-term loan, the welfare and care of which we are responsible for. As previously stated Gordon Group was a member of the charity Riding for the Disabled Association. In 1999 all RDA groups had to register as a charity in their own right whilst remaining a member of the Federation of Riding for the Disabled Association. This had no effect on our activities, riders or volunteers; our committee members are now trustees. We operate a child protection policy to ensure the safety of all our young riders.

THE FUTURE The main aim of Gordon Group R.D.A. is as it was when we were first set up 25 years ago: To provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride to benefit their health and well being. ... and where possible to continue to seek ways of improving the quality of service we provide to our disabled riders. Be it in facilities, number of sessions offered, training of horses, the quality of instruction, continued and appropriate training sessions for all volunteers or the variety of competitive and fun events organised. To fulfil our hopes for the future we have to retain and where possible increase the number of session volunteers and ensure we maintain an income to fund all of the above. Our annual running costs are currently in the region of £35,000, all of which is raised through donations, fund raising activities and fees - no mean feat. The future of Gordon RDA rests with the people who support us with their time, expertise, commitment, money and enthusiasm. Thus ensuring we can continue to give all our present and future riders the wonderful and beneficial experience of learning to ride: - in a safe, secure environment - instructed and helped by appropriately trained and motivated people - using suitable, healthy ponies. If you would like to find out more about helping Gordon RDA, please visit our How to Help page. GORDON GROUP RDA A Registered Charity Number SCO28676