Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association up and running again after months closed
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A THERAPEUTIC riding centre for children with disabilities is up-and-running again after months closed.
Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) re-opened last summer but had to shut again when the roof of its indoor arena was torn off by the wind.
RDA chairwoman, Sonia Howell, confirmed the charity and attending families were devastated.
She said: “After a very lengthy gap because of Covid restrictions, the group restarted with three non-riding horsemanship sessions in June 2021, which continued in September. With a relaxation in Covid regulations, we were delighted to recommence riding sessions in late October but were dealt a devastating blow In November when Storm Arwen seriously damaged the indoor arena at Burgie Eventing Centre where the group is based.The full extent of the damage and the implications are unclear so we can’t say when we will be able to return yet.”
RDA delivers weekly, term-time, therapeutic riding sessions for children with disabilities from local primary and secondary schools. Instruction comes from qualified instructors on carefully chosen and well-trained ponies. Attendees’ progress is monitored and reflected in a certificate at the end of the school year. Volunteers also act as leaders for the ponies, side-walkers and fundraisers.
RDA are delighted sessions restarted on March 14 at the temporary location of Muiryhall at Miltonduff, near Elgin.
Sonia said: “We are indebted to Susanna Miller for allowing us use of her facilities and the many additions she has added to accommodate our special requirements.”
These include special access gates to a woodland area for ponies and side walkers; fallen tree clearance; storage space; giving up a large space in the arena for RDA’s mounting block; and use of stables.
Sonia added: “As there is no indoor riding arena at Muiryhall, if the weather is inclement we will use the stables for non-riding work. The children learn about grooming, pony anatomy and the tack, and some of them are learning pony care and stable management.”
Su Miller said: “I am delighted to be able to offer our facilities for such a worthy cause. The work done by the association is vital for the children’s wellbeing and so rewarding.”
Sonia finished: “The joy we get from seeing delight on children’s faces makes all the hard work worthwhile. We have a new slogan: ‘Start Your Monday With A Smile’ – and it is not just the children’s smiles we are talking about!”
RDA does not charge the riders or schools, despite each session costing nearly £700 per week. The group covers expenditure through fundraising. For more information visit www.forresnairnrda.org.uk
