Cranleigh RDA Group
Through the commitment of volunteers,
RDA enables people with disabilites to ride or carriage drive to benefit their
health and well being and to achieve their goals.
Riding offers a degree of independence that
many disabled people cannot have in their daily life.
There are also medical advantages - the
warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the
rider's body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing spasticity
and improving balance, posture and co-ordination. The movement of the pelvis
influences the lumbar region and is transferred up the spine thus encouraging
control of the trunk and head. Riding a horse makes mobility possible. From the elevated position on its back,
riders have an opportunity to see more than would otherwise be possible for
them.
The experience our riders gain through the
contact they have with our ponies also helps to create a great sense of
achievement and confidence. We hope that this will, in turn, make their lives
easier and more fulfilled.
Today with our eight ponies, around 100 volunteers are involved in giving rides to 160 adults and children each week.
More than 10 schools and care homes send people with all sorts of
disability to enjoy riding. They have
opportunities to do dressage at Hickstead and take part in Regional Fun days
and we know that riding greatly enhances their quality of life by expanding
their capabilities and offering challenges they can achieve.
|
