FEBRUARY AT SHELLEY
Watching a Riding for the Disabled session you may think all the horse has to do is walk round quietly and that it isn’t too physically demanding for them. This is far from the reality! They have to be able to stand square and as still as a rock while up to four people stand around them to mount one of our physically disabled riders. The horse may have to cope with wheelchairs and crutches nearby and having two people walking alongside whilst in use. It may have to cope with sudden noises or unexpected movements and walk freely and balanced even if the rider on top is far from balanced. They also need to be calm to handle and get on with other horses in close proximity, as well as being happy to alone. All this makes you realise that our RDA horses are very special.
Of course, we have to have a range of ponies and horses of different sizes to suit our child and adult riders. Many of the horses are not as young as they once were, having been with us for several years. For this reason they have regular visits from a specialist horse chiropracter and a massage therapist to keep them fit and comfortable. The farrier comes to visit all the ponies every six weeks and we have vets available at short notice if any of the horses show signs of being unwell.
Our youngest horse, Ghost, is undergoing training and an introduction into RDA work. Firstly he was lead out to get used to traffic and other sights; then ridden out with other ponies, then introduced to working in the arena with all the equipment we use for our session and finally ridden in a session by one of our calmer more able riders. He is doing very well and will gradually be used more as appropriate.
(Photo: Ghost in the centre getting used to being ridden out with other ponies and coping with distractions such as the dog).
All this costs money and if you would like to support us, our first fundraising event of the year is Cash Bingo on 1stFebruary, 7 for 7.30pm at Hadleigh Football Club. £5 per ticket. Must be prebooked by contacting fundraisingshelleyrda@gmail.com
Website: www.shelleyrda.com
Facebook: Shelley RDA Centre Telephone: 01473 824172
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