John

I was in racing and had been riding for most of my life, when after an operation 33 years ago on the vertebrae in my neck (the result of many falls) I was told I could not risk another fall so I had to stop riding. 

Ten years later and after many more operations on my spine I suffered a stroke.  My consultant suggested I might find Riding for the Disabled stimulating.

My wife thought I would find it too tame “like being at Pony Club” – but I love the smell, the contact and just seeing the difference it makes to the other riders. 

All of us would not even be able to mount without the help of the dedicated volunteers who give their time to help.

Wednesdays at Disabled Riding is the highlight of my week, something I thought I would never do again!  When I am riding my physical problems disappear and any resulting pain is a small price to pay for the pleasure gained.

It is wonderful to watch and see the pleasure and the growing confidence it gives to the other riders, some of whom have not ridden before and others like myself who had thought they would never ride again.

A big thank you to all of those who help to make this happen, by freely and willingly giving their time.

Caroline

My name is Caroline and I attend the Stella Hayward Riding for the Disabled Group every Wednesday.

We are fortunate to have the use of an indoor arena that enables us to ride all year round. 

Having the opportunity to attend and ride with this Group means so much to me because I am doing something I love, I have made a wonderful group of friends, it helps me a lot physically and it helps me to try and overcome my fear of heights. 

Our Group has a fantastic leader and team of helpers plus of course our horses.

I highly recommend it to anyone who gets a chance to join a group like this – it is certainly a highlight of my week.

Thank you, Caroline.

Melissa

Riding is the best part of my week.  It is something that I never thought I would do again in my lifetime. 

Thanks to all of the lovely caring volunteers – my dreams have come true. 

Jane

I have suffered with chronic back pain for 20 years and have attended the Stella Hayward RDA Group since it first started at Kingston Maurward College.

Our Instructor Sarah and the other instructors and volunteer helpers are marvellous and so professional and very understanding.  Being around the horses I find very therapeutic also. 

Riding has given me a chance to forget about my pain for a while, and the muscle spasms I used to experience have all but gone!  I have noticed a vast difference in myself. 

Meeting up with other riders is also a great way of making friends.