RDA - West Sussex?

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Miss West Sussex

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Hi All :) Hopeful that some of you *may* be able to help me.

I am a part time career for a young lady with complex learning difficulties. She is 20 years old, and you would think she was a normal young lady if it wasnt for her word formation and general attitude. This young lady has severe epilepsy (which is controlled by meds and she hasnt had a sezuire in years *touch wood*) however, she had a fit when she was a baby which starved her brain of oxygen, hence the L.D

This young lady is fantastic with horses, its fair to say she is obsessed! Whilst she was at school, she was riding twice a week and spending a lot of time with the schools branch of RDA. Yet when she left school at 18.... all the horse contact stopped. When her parents enquired Why, they were told she wasnt able to ride with them any more as she was "over age".

I think this is insane.. she loves horses, she's a good little rider and she really enjoys it.

Is there anywhere this young lady can ride? Does anybody know of any riding schools that would teach her privetly for an hour a week? (a paid lesson). I think its such a shame to deprive her of this when she loves it so much.

*** Gold Stars to anybody whose managed to read this!***
 
Yep another vote for Ferring Country Centre. My mum keeps her horse there on DIY livery and they are always looking for volunteers/trainee workers there to help out with the RDA. Most definately worth a call.
 
was also going to suggest the ferring country centre, large range of horses and facilities all aimed at people with learning disabilities. not just horses either, so i think they would defiantly be worth a call
 
If you check out the RDA website (link on my siggie), there should be a few groups near to you, so you can contact a few and suss them out :)

Most of our disabled clients are over 18 tbh, and if they want to help us out (under supervision) we love it ! Just grooming, etc can mean so much. Some clients just want to be around horses, brushing them.

But it really is the riding that brings about the physical improvements, helping to teach balance, co-ordination, rhythm etc. You can sometimes see the changes week by week, which is why it's so rewarding.

I hope you get sorted with something very soon, let us know how it goes !!

Sm x
 
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Albourne equestrian centre used to have an adult RDA group - not sure if they still do but worth a call if you are near there, Good luck. I think the RDA is fantastic and one of the best therapies around
 
I know the RDA was at Burstow Park Equestrian, but has now moved to Littebrook Equestrian near Lingfield, Surrey. I'm sure they'd be able to help out.
 
i'd recommend ferring. my friend's daughter has been going there years and they are brilliant with her. she goes up and "works" for free rides, now she's 12. i'm sure they cater for adults too, def worth a try.
 
Thats excellent, thankyou everbody! I'll def giv Ferring centre a ring and see if they can help. Albourne would be excellent as they are just down the road from us.

She really enjoys every aspect of horses, she'll happily stand and groom for hours, and she thinks its a total bonus if she can plod around the school for a bit. She's totally able-bodied and is game on for anything. And another plus is that she always comes home happy and tired, so her parents are guarented a quiet night!
 
Miss West Sussex said:
Hi All :) Hopeful that some of you *may* be able to help me.

I am a part time career for a young lady with complex learning difficulties. She is 20 years old, and you would think she was a normal young lady if it wasnt for her word formation and general attitude. This young lady has severe epilepsy (which is controlled by meds and she hasnt had a sezuire in years *touch wood*) however, she had a fit when she was a baby which starved her brain of oxygen, hence the L.D

This young lady is fantastic with horses, its fair to say she is obsessed! Whilst she was at school, she was riding twice a week and spending a lot of time with the schools branch of RDA. Yet when she left school at 18.... all the horse contact stopped. When her parents enquired Why, they were told she wasnt able to ride with them any more as she was "over age".

I think this is insane.. she loves horses, she's a good little rider and she really enjoys it.

Is there anywhere this young lady can ride? Does anybody know of any riding schools that would teach her privetly for an hour a week? (a paid lesson). I think its such a shame to deprive her of this when she loves it so much.

*** Gold Stars to anybody whose managed to read this!***
Click to expand...


UPDATE:
I have found out that an RDA Group meet at Pyecombe every Monday and Thursday and include adults. I have a name and contact details if you would like them.
 
Southdown Riding for Disabled is in Upper Beeding and I rode there for 3 years, they have been an approved RDA centre for over 25 years. Lovely yard, gorgeous quiet horses and ponies and very friendly people there too. I used to assist in the RDA lessons and when possible hacks and I have to say they really were excellent, very patient and caring.

I can't recommend them enough.

I have a lot of past experience with riding schools in Sussex, I would imagine the one in Pyecome is 3 Greys, Chesnuts or Brendon Horse & Rider Centre?
 
Hi,
I'm based at Brendon Stud at Pyecombe.
Mid Sussex RDA hold sessions here every Monday and Thursday morning in school term. They also cater for adults as well.
Speak to Pip Sampson as she is the main organiser or pm me and I can give you her email and telephone number.
 
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