Norwich & District Group RDA
Our Mission
At the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), our aim is to ensure that the young people involved benefit from this therapeutic activity through improved physical and emotional wellbeing, while having fun and learning new skills. It’s the smiles on our riders’ faces that count!
Norwich & District Group RDA
Our Mission
At the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), our aim is to ensure that the young people involved benefit from this therapeutic activity through improved physical and emotional wellbeing, while having fun and learning new skills. It’s the smiles on our riders’ faces that count!
A Short History
The Norwich & District Group RDA
The Norwich & District Group was founded in 1968 before Riding for the Disabled was officially formed and when only 55 groups existed in the U.K.
The Group was set up by Major Derek Allhusen for the purpose of giving therapeutic riding to the disabled children of Clare School. At that time the medical profession questioned the wisdom of encouraging this idea to develop and, in spite of the backing of many orthopaedic surgeons, they tended to regard it as something of a “Gimmick” which would put riders at too much risk. However, in May 1968, largely thanks to the efforts of Dr Irene Green, who was the District Medical Officer of Health, permission was finally given for four Clare School pupils to begin weekly sessions at Claxton Manor.
Derek and Claude Allhusen were the driving force and mainstay of our group for decades. Derek was Chairman of the Group until 1993 and remained President until his death in April 2000. Claude succeeded him as President for the next five years until ill health necessitated her retirement. Through all those years the Group benefited greatly from Derek and Claude’s enthusiasm, tireless support and successful fund raising.
In 2000, the Group introduced a second riding session to enable us to take children referred to us independently. In June 2007, Clare School regretfully informed us they were no longer able to bring their pupils to ride, mainly due to staffing problems. So the Trustees made the decision to accept children who apply or are referred to us on an individual basis. In 2017 the group became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
The group has had several riding venues, spending many happy years at Redhall Livery just outside Norwich and Weston Equestrian centre at Weston Longville. After the COVID lockdown we are fortunate that today, the Group is thriving and riding at Croft Farm, Filby, near Great Yarmouth.
We are very fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers, trustees and a wonderful coach, who has been with the group for many years. We also have a qualified ACPEA physiotherapist who practises hippotherapy with a few of our younger physically disabled children.
What We Do
At the Norwich & District Group RDA, we offer therapeutic horseback riding sessions to individuals with disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Our programme is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each rider, and our team of experienced instructors and volunteers work closely with each participant to ensure a safe and positive experience.
What We Do
At the Norwich & District Group RDA, we offer therapeutic horseback riding sessions to individuals with disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Our program is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each rider, and our team of experienced instructors and volunteers work closely with each participant to ensure a safe and positive experience.
How We Do It
Our riding sessions take place in a safe and secure environment, with horses that are specially trained to work with individuals with disabilities. We use a range of activities and exercises to promote physical, emotional, and cognitive development, including balance, coordination exercises and games. Our sessions are also designed to promote social interaction and a sense of community, with opportunities for riders to connect with each other and our team of volunteers.
How We Do It
Our riding sessions take place in a safe and secure environment, with horses that are specially trained to work with individuals with disabilities. We use a range of activities and exercises to promote physical, emotional, and cognitive development, including balance, coordination exercises and games. Our sessions are also designed to promote social interaction and a sense of community, with opportunities for riders to connect with each other and our team of volunteers.
Why It Matters
Horseback riding has been shown to have a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for individuals with disabilities. It can help improve balance and coordination, build strength and flexibility, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster a sense of independence and confidence. Our program is designed to help individuals with disabilities experience these benefits, while also providing a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and grow.
Why It Matters
Horseback riding has been shown to have a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for individuals with disabilities. It can help improve balance and coordination, build strength and flexibility, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster a sense of independence and confidence. Our program is designed to help individuals with disabilities experience these benefits, while also providing a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and grow.
How You Can Help
Donate
We believe that everyone should have access to the joy and therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why the Norwich & District Group RDA does not currently charge for sessions.
However, it’s important to understand that our organisation still incurs many costs to keep these sessions running. From pony hire and arena costs to facility maintenance and equipment upkeep, we rely on the generosity of our community to help us cover these expenses.
If you would like to support our mission and ensure that our riders continue to benefit, please consider making a donation, either at one of our sessions, or through our website.
How You Can Help
Donate
We believe that everyone should have access to the joy and therapeutic benefits of horseback riding, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why the Norwich & District Group RDA does not currently charge for sessions.
However, it’s important to understand that our organisation still incurs many costs to keep these sessions running. From pony hire and arena costs to facility maintenance and equipment upkeep, we rely on the generosity of our community to help us cover these expenses.
If you would like to support our mission and ensure that our riders continue to benefit, please consider making a donation, either at one of our sessions, or through our website.
Norwich & District
Our Team
Christine Stone
President
Inge Smith
Treasurer
Diana Owen
Events Coordinator
Helen Woolley
Group Chair
Gill Wheatley
Session Coordinator
Jackie Lawson
Coach
Vicky Matthews
Fundraising
Carole Bull
Group Secretary
Kate Wharton
Safeguarding Officer & Volunteer Coordinator