Appeal launched to support the RDA a charity which says it's what you can do that counts

The charity which is the umbrella organisation for 500 groups across the country – 34 of which are in Yorkshire – is appealing for help to support those struggling to feed their horses and pay rent on their premises while centres are shut and sessions on hold.

RDA chief executive, Ed Bracher, said there was a very real possibility that without support some of the groups would not be there when lockdown was lifted.

“So many groups rely on income from weekly sessions to pay their running costs which includes looking after their horses,” Mr Bracher said.

Yorkshire regional chair, John Chuter, said a number of groups across Yorkshire which are primarily run by volunteers, were facing a variety of challenges such as trying to pay rent on premises or grazing as well as upkeep for their horses.

The RDA has been providing riding, carriage driving and educational sessions for people of all ages with disabilities for the past 50 years. It works with individuals, with schools providing curriculum sessions for those with additional educational needs and care homes.

Mr Bracher said sometimes what they provided could be misunderstood as just being a ride or a drive but what it actually delivers is a “meaningful, lasting form of therapy” both mentally and physically.

He explained that riding is not a passive activity and can exercise muscles which physical impairment or mobility problems may make it difficult to work ordinarily.

“It provides a really good way to exercise muscles in the back and is particularly good for core stability. The opportunity to develop that strength and balance gives our riders the ability to move in ways they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.”

The RDA’s motto is ‘it’s what you can do that counts’ and Mr Bracher said that focusing on the positive has a huge psychological impact.

“That focus on what people can do is so important, it is all about helping their confidence and the more we can build that the bigger the knock-on effect it has on their lives away from the sessions.”

Mr Chuter agreed saying the sessions gave riders not only physical therapy but a sense of self-esteem.

But, as both Mr Bracher and Mr Chuter point out, the groups would not exist without the army of volunteers who not only help with riding, driving and education sessions but organisation, fundraising and dealing with the paperwork necessary to run a charitable organisation. They are also working with vulnerable people.

“We have an amazing team of volunteers, a lot of whom have no experience with horses. Our job is to provide training and support for them so they feel confident and enjoy it,” Mr Bracher said.

Research carried out by the RDA showed volunteering with the groups had a strong impact both physically and mentally. “In my position, I am lucky enough to have the chance to go and visit groups around the country,” said Mr Bracher.

“I am always struck by how social they are. It is really important for the volunteers and the riders that they are joining a purposeful community and it may sound trite but there is a real family aspect to it.

“We have been doing what we do for 50 years now and extraordinarily we have some volunteers and some riders who have been with us all that time.”

Mr Bracher said the joy of seeing the riders develop and watching their confidence grow as they progressed was an important part of why their volunteers love what they do. Mr Chuter also emphasised how important these sessions were to the people who took part.

“Despite the centres being closed I know a number of riders in our groups are still paying their session fees to help keep the groups running until they can re-open.”

The other key element to providing this life-changing therapy is the horses.

Mr Bracher said there was often a misconception that they needed elderly, quiet horses but they actually had a very wide variety to cater for different standards and disabilities.

“A lot of work goes into our horses as we need them to be well-trained and capable. They may need to stand for five or ten minutes as someone gets on and they make noises or movements horses are not used to. The horses and ponies we have are very special and our riders develop really close bonds with them.

“We do appreciate that in the current crisis the care of horses may not seem like a priority for most people. But for us, it is. These horses are so special and provide so much. It is essential for us that we can care for them and come back for the people who rely on us.”

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