Saddled up for celebration

Fiona Howard • Published 15 Oct 2009 13:00

Riders mark 40th anniversary - and create a world record

PUPILS and organisers of the Gareloch Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association recently took part in a worldwide event.

The RDA is celebrating its 40th anniversary and marked the occasion with the World's Biggest Riding Lesson at centres across the UK and the world.

The event was a chance for everyone, regardless of riding ability, to get together, have a good time and raise awareness and funds for disabled riders worldwide and for RDA UK.

More than 5,000 people worldwide rode in support of RDA on that day, setting the world record for the number of riders undertaking a lesson within a set period of time.

And later that day the local chairman Kate Bennet was guest at the Helensburgh Slimming World Club where she was presented with a cheque for the group.

Slimming World is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and local club leader Bernadette McParland felt it was a good way to celebrate.

The Gareloch Group are a small band of volunteers who hold lessons on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the Colgrain Equestrian Centre

Mrs Bennet said: "The volunteers perform a number of duties. Some are needed to tack and untack the ponies and horses before and after lessons and lead the ponies and horses during the lessons.

"Others walk alongside and support the riders and assist with the games and tasks. We have riders of all ages with many different disabilities.

"We are extremely grateful to Bill Hill and Fiona Spy of Colgrain Equestrian Centre for their long and tireless support of our group."

Now in its 40th year, Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through the provision of horse riding and carriage driving.

Through a network of over 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, wellbeing and self-confidence, and benefiting mobility and co-ordination.

If you are interested in joining the group as a volunteer or as a rider and want more information, contact: Kate Bennet (Chairman), Riding for the Disabled Association - Gareloch Group, 152 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh.

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