News from RDA Shelley

A national ‘first’ in the world of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is being celebrated at The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding. Carol Jones who has been part of our volunteer team for around eight years has become the first RDA coach in the country to qualify to work solely with riders who use a mechanical horse.

Carol, who is a retired physiotherapist, had RDA experience elsewhere before joining the team at Shelley but it was here that she developed her interest in working with riders who ride Ebony, the mechanical horse.  Ebony is used for a variety of reasons but there are a number of regular riders – some of whom may have previously ridden our horses and ponies – who now only ride Ebony because their conditions mean their balance and mobility make this the safest way for us to deliver therapeutic riding.

For riders who use a wheelchair a hoist is available to assist with mounting and dismounting.  Ebony has different ‘paces’ to mimic those of a real horse and some riders are able to control it using their hands and heels.

One of the regular riders Carol coaches is Alexander (pictured).  Although he’s been attending Shelley for some years and had previously ridden one of the ponies, he now only rides Ebony supported by volunteers and family members.  Carol said:  “The benefit of this therapy has meant that his core strength is better, leading to a greatly improved posture and more hand and arm control.”

To qualify, Carol had to undertake the same training as RDA coaches who work both with Ebony and the horses and ponies – but without some of the modules relating to horse care.  She added:  “I’d certainly encourage more people who perhaps are not as confident around real horses but want to use their skills to help riders, to consider this coaching qualification.  It’s so rewarding and I’m delighted that RDA HQ recognised what a valuable addition to their coaching pathway this is. I’m very proud to be the first person to achieve it.”

·      Our 2026 season of fundraising events has recently been launched.  We have our annual quiz at  Stratford St Mary on Saturday May 2 and we’re grateful to everyone who supported our Race Night at Whatfield on March 28. You can find out all about our events and buy tickets for them as well as details of our work by visiting shelleyrda.com or find us on Facebook – Shelley RDA Centre.

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Pictures:  Alexander riding Ebony with Carol Jones the UK’s first RDA coach specifically working with a mechanical horse.

Website: www.shelleyrda.com

Facebook:  Shelley RDA Centre   Telephone: 01473 824172  Charity number 1113636