South
Bucks RDA Riding for the Disabled
I love
animals, especially ones with four legs, but my all – time favourite
animal has to be without a doubt the horse. I have been riding with the
South Bucks RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) for about four
years now; it is the highlight of my week.
My instructors are Theresa and her daughter Alison. Riding helps my
disability because it helps me improve my balance, and sometimes I even
take part in competitions. Riding helps me to improve my confidence and
make me work my weaker arm and leg more so I become stronger, too.
Medical professionals recognise that there are also significant
therapeutic benefits for the disabled rider. The warmth and three
dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s
body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing spasms and
improving balance, posture and co-ordination.
I love all the horses at Fulmer, I ride a range of different horses,
some really tall ones and some horses that have even taken part in
really big competitions! I find that the horses are all very good
natured and they always listen to me, Dad says that I should speak to
them like they are good friends of mine.
The RDA stables are very big there are two arenas, one inside and one
out. There are lots of lush green grassy fields that all the horses can
graze in, and when it gets cold in winter they go into their cosy
stables. We normally use the indoor arena, but if it is sunny we use the
outdoor one, and sometimes the younger riders get to walk around the
woods that surround the stables. The arenas are marked out by letters,
and there is a diagram of the indoor arena I have drawn for you to look
at.
We usually have leaders, who are some of the volunteers at the RDA, to
walk alongside us on our horses and make sure we get everything right.
Sometimes, we get to unclip the lead rope and we ride on our own. The
volunteers are all very helpful, and they make sure that we don’t fall
off our horses. (Although I did fall off one of the horses once, but
luckily I was not hurt a lot!)
We practice all sorts of things whilst riding, such as changing the
rein, going through obstacles and being aware of other riders. We are
taught how to ride on a public path, how to be aware of people and cars
around us. Our main gait is walk, but sometimes our instructors let us
trot a bit, which is always great fun for the horses and the riders!
Horse riding is a great sport which I endeavour to carry on with for
many years. It is a good form of exercise and it gives me a chance to
spend time with my favourite animal.
My Dad says he has only ridden two types of horses the ones that spend
most of their time trying to shake him off, and the ones who won't move
whatever you do to them. I am glad the horses the horses I ride are not
like those.
All About Me
What
Katy Did
Me riding Baby
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National
Championships 2009
Hartpury College, Gloucestershire