11 replies to this topic

[Apparelyzed]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find places in the UK where someone with a recent Cauda Equina injury could go horse riding.

They are currently having trouble finding anywhere suitable, so if you know of anywhere in the UK which has experience of getting someone back in the saddle following mobility issues, it'd be great to hear from you so I can pass on the info.

Many thanks

Simon.

[Tatiana]

Simon,
I have an equestrian centre near to me that specialises in RDA and are also involved in para dressage.
After reading your post i gave them a ring to discuss the possibility of being able to facilitate individuals with CES (like myself).

I explained the injury level that i have and tmentioned that there wil be some variance in ability but should be quite similar also.

The main initial difficulty,it seems, will be mounting as they do not have a hoist....they can assist mounting but it may not be easy.

She did,however, mention about a lady who runs a something called 'jigsaws' and she has a 'mechanical horse'. I was going to try and get contact info for her and give her a ring as it may be an option to try first.
Especially from the perspective of the possibility of mounting and getting used to the motion also.
This could maybe be a useful assessment , i dont know but its worth a thought maybe?

Anyways, the owner of the riding centre near to me is very happy to meet and discuss further and have a meeting with a representative for the persons concerned and the guy who runs the RDA group.

I know for me personally, i am itching to get back in the saddle again,esp with having 5 horses of my own.
The mounting is def something i am thinking about how to do so would like to try this mechanical one myself.

Hope this is of a little help.

[dancin' johnny]

I went here for my first post sci riding experience:
Calvert Trust Lake District

[Doodle]

Hi Simon,

Where is the person based?

Each RDA centre has a different set up, and not all are equipped for those of us who cannot weight bare! I can only recommend the centre Johnny posted as 3 of us with spinally injuries all mounted safely and successfully via an electric platform! and the centre that I used to get back on which wasn't a hoist method, but I used the arena wall, as luckily the wall was the same height as my chair on one side and the same height as the horse on the other!

[Trinity]

Another +1 for Calvert, they have a great set up, you are unlikely to find anywhere better!

[JaneC]

Hi

I am a member of the local RDA group we do not have hoist for mounting but there are some specially built RDA centres which do have full hoist facilities, we have one at Middleton Park Equestrian centre in Leeds. The staff are brilliant and all fully trained and they have ponies and horses to suit all ages and sizes !

I would suggest that you or the person who wants to ride get in touch with RDA national office who can advise you of the nearest group or centre with appropriate facilities....they are all great and so enthusiastic. If you really want to ride they will do their best to find a way !

Jane

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your help, I've now found where she lives, and it is in the area of Odiham, NE Hampshire.

Are there any facilities in that area?

Many thanks

Simon

[Scotsgal]

Just phone the RDA and ask, Simon, they are a very helpful organization.
Scotsgal x

[Apparelyzed]

For those out there who don't know what RDA means, it stands for Riding for the Disabled Association.

They have a website at http://www.rda.org.uk/ where you can look up your local RDA group.

A bit of background on the RDA reveals: "The Association was founded in 1965 as the Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled with 9 Member Groups and became Riding for the Disabled Association in 1969 when membership had grown to 80 member groups. The president at that time was Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk with HRH The Princess Anne as Patron."

and: "In 2009/10 the Association marked it's 40th anniversary - launched with the "World's Biggest Riding Lesson" and then celebrated through the year with a number of events for volunteers, riders and drivers.

In 2011 Showjumping was added to the portfolio of RDA activities, with the 2011 National Championships hosting the inaugural "invitational competition".

The Association now has over 500 Member groups which cater for more than 30,000 riders and carriage drivers."

So, I'll pass that information on.

Thanks everyone!

Simon

[Tinbasher]

Does a mechanical horse eat pony nuts (and bolts?)

[Tatiana]

Ha ha , i think its compulsary tin

[Doodle]

Hi Simon,

South Bucks RDA or The Unicorn Centre in Essex are both great centres, but it would involve a bit of a trip for said person!

Failing that I had a look and there are around 15 RDA centres in Hampshire area, hopefully one of them would help and info can be found on the main RDA website!