The Guernsey Group of the Riding for the Disabled has been operating since 1974.

 

Approximately 40 adults and children ride at La Carriere & Melrose weekly, some as young as three years, in our special pre-school rides. We rely on a dedicated group of volunteers, and use suitably reliable horses and ponies supplied by local riding stables. We work closely with the various island special needs schools and the physiotherapy department who select riders who they feel would benefit from the riding experience.

 

The aim of the RDA is to offer adults and children the opportunity to ride and experience the benefits and pleasure that it gives. These benefits include freedom of movement, gaining of confidence, relationship building, physiotherapy and a sense of personal achievement.

 

Medical professionals recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits for the rider. The warmth and the three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider's body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, strengthening core stability, reducing muscle spasms and improving balance, posture and co-ordination.

 

The relationship built between horse/pony and rider can often have calming therapeutic effects and encourages interactive behaviour not experienced in other environments.