Equestrian centre welcomes nervous and disabled riders

The centre, which opened fifteen years ago, became a Member Group of the national charity, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) approximately twelve years ago.

The RDA is a federation of Member Groups which is, 'dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through the provision of opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving' enabling people to 'improve their health and wellbeing, delivering a real and lasting therapy that not only benefits mobility and co-ordination, but encourages confidence and self worth whilst having fun.'

Yard Manager/lesson Group Leader at Pebsham Equestrian centre, Kim Duly, said that since then they have helped many children and adults realise their potential as riders.

With horses that are friendly and well-trained, along with professional, patient and caring staff, Kim said they have devised a process which helps both adults, and children beginners, gain confidence and alleviate their fears.

"Initially we welcome anyone to come along, have a look around and then introduce them to the horses slowly. Little children and their parents have a one to one lesson, usually in the indoor school. For safety, we take it really slowly, gradually building up their confidence."

The centre has proved to be popular with many special needs schools, including local Glyne Gap school, and Kim said the benefits afforded to the special needs pupils, who have taken riding lessons with them, has been amazing.

And she said one Glyne Gap pupil in particular, nine year old Joe - who was happily enjoying a ride at the time - has shown tremendous improvement since his first riding lessons - improving his posture from the exercise that riding provides and gaining confidence

Kim said: "Often the first time the children come along they are afraid and may not even want to get on a horse, but by the end of the term, once they have got their confidence up, they are different people and happily climb on."

She added: "When Joe first came along it was hard for him to sit up, but look at him now, he can sit upright. The lessons have helped with his posture and strengthening his back, riding has done him a lot of good."

Incorporated into the riding classes are a variety of scholarly exercises which the centre's teacher Elizabeth Vaness helped devise.

Elizabeth said: "We are limited to a certain extend as to what we can teach them, but we've incorporated a range of mentally stimulating exercises, such as getting the children to stop the horse and to pick up shapes out of a net, stepping over poles and counting. There is also the physical sensation of touching and interacting with the horses, and they really do enjoy their riding."

Sarah Jeffries, a teaching assistant from Glyne Gap school thinks the benefits the children gain from thier riding lessons are imense.

She said. "The children gain a lot of confidence and, like any sport, the exercise from riding greatly improves their posture. Riding is quite a feat for our pupils as they all have various medical conditions and it is physically demanding. Riding also helps them overcome their fear of animals and heights."

When it comes to the horses stabled at the school, Kim said 'Lucie' - a Belgian Draught horse - is perfect for people with disabilities as she is large and stocky.

Lucie's owner, Sally Scott, has a disability but that doesn't prevent her from making the trip from her home in Eastbourne to the centre twice a week.

With the aid of her motorised scooter Sally leads Lucie from the stables and down the track for a gentle half hour ride around the paddock, or the indoor school.

In order to keep up their good work, Pebsham Equestrian centre rely heavily on volunteers and Kim said they would love to hear from anyone who may be interested in helping for an hour or two each week.

Fore further information call (01424) 732637 or email: [email protected]