Riding for the Disabled

Amongst our varied and topical content, it has been pointed out to the Equestrian Directory team that an article providing information for parents of special needs and disabled children, on the benefits of horse riding, would be most useful. Norfolk has a wealth of quality riding establishments but how easy is it for disadvantaged riders to follow their passion for horses?

Below you will see the information that we have gathered from current disabled riders and relevant authorities, which highlight the need for disabled facilities in the horse riding industry and show what riders can achieve if given the opportunity.

Probably the best place to start if you require information on disabled riding is on the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) website. The Federation has over 500 groups throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each week over 24,000 children and adults enjoy the experience of riding or carriage driving - with opportunities to join in social activities, competitions, or even take a holiday. The service they provide brings a new dimension to sometimes necessarily restricted lives, encouraging independence and improving a wide range of medical conditions.

All this is made possible thanks to the commitment of more than 18,500 volunteers who regularly and cheerfully give up their free time (over 3.5 million hours per year) to supervise around 500,000 rides and carriage drives each year.

Our local West Norfolk branch of the RDA is based at The Magpie Centre, situated in the grounds of Wallington Hall Estate, near Downham Market. The 600 acres of tranquil surroundings provide the ideal location for riding and carriage driving due to unlimited access to tracks, woodland and set-a-sides to ride and carriage drive on.

The centre has excellent facilities, including the only purpose built indoor riding arena in Norfolk specifically for the use of people with disabilities, providing an environment where it is possible to ride all year round. They also have an outdoor riding ménage, complete with post and rail fencing, which is great for teaching outside during the milder weather.

Dedicated to ensuring that all riders/drivers receive a high standard of professional tuition tailored to their individual needs, the instructors work closely with physiotherapists and other health professionals to set attainable goals - some modest, others far more ambitious.

Riding can be of immense benefit to individuals with disabilities not only for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment that it brings, but also for the many therapeutic values too. Games equipment is used to develop balance, muscle tone, circulation, co-ordination, confidence, relaxation, dexterity, global awareness, communication and social skills. Most importantly riders are encouraged to open boundaries, explore possibilities, reach decisions, achieve goals and make new friends, but perhaps best of all to simply have fun.

There are two carriages that have been specially designed to enable easy access both to able bodied and wheelchair users. And two large mounting blocks enable easy mounting for riders and assistants.

All of the ponies at the centre are very carefully selected and go through an intense training programme before they can be accepted as an RDA pony. Even once accepted their training is on a continual basis. RDA ponies need to be kind, well tempered, quiet and reliable.

Staff at the centre make sure all the horses are kept fit through a wide range of activities when they are not taking part in RDA work. This also gives them variety and enables focus to be maintained during sessions.

If you or someone you know is interested in riding at The Magpie Centre you can either email steadyneddys@magpiecentre.co.uk or telephone 0845 450 6953. You will be sent an application form to fill in and then be asked to visit the centre for an assessment to gauge your level of capability. Your name will then be added to their list until an appropriate position becomes available.

In August 2005, disabled riders from Norfolk were given the opportunity to show their calibre, with aspirations of becoming equestrian Paralympic riders. The county's first Paralympic dressage training clinic was held at the International League for the Protection of Horses, Snetterton.

The clinic was organised by Jane Goldsmith - retired Paralympic Dressage team coach - who together with her husband John is the founder of The Para-Dressage Training Trust. Rachel Hillier instructed the clinic, which due to a lack of publicity was unfortunately only attended by four riders.
Each session lasted roughly an hour and involved Rachel talking to the rider about the horse, the areas they wanted to work on and any expectations they had regarding the clinic. She then asked them to begin riding as they would normally, and from there build on technique and key training points.

Since the clinic Rachel has passed a report back to Jane Goldsmith with details of any individuals she felt could be possible future Olympic Para-dressage team riders. Rachel was very surprised at how good the attending riders were, who all rode at a level above her expectations. And also with the ILPH facilities and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff there.

It is hopeful that there will be more clinics arranged in Norfolk in the future. Feedback received from the first event was very good and there have already been a number of other individuals who have contacted Rachel Hillier to state their interest in the next event. So far nothing is set in stone but the Paralympic Training Trust are planning a course in Suffolk in April/May 06 - dates and venues to be confirmed - and it is hoped that many new riders will apply when full details are available.

If you are struggling to find support and advice on disabled riding, either for yourself or someone you care for, then let the RDA know the problems you have encountered. If you've been waiting on the list with no sign of a place becoming available then tell them. If you can't find advice on a specific training method then let them know. It is only through voicing experiences that things can change.

Information on the RDA can be found on their website or telephone East Region enquiries 0845 241 6308 or County contacts - Norfolk 0845 450 7073.

If you would like to tell the Equestrian Directory about your experiences then please email them to equestriandirectory@archant.co.uk - stating Disabled riding in the subject line.

Paralympic dressage training clinic attendee profiles

Jayne Spencer, North Weald, Essex

I was born with Spina bifida occulta and have been riding since I was four. In 1994, when I was 24, I developed transversmylitus, which meant that for a period of time I had no feeling in my limbs, and I am now left with a deadened left leg and weaker left arm.

My horse, Mia, is an 11-year-old grey dutch warmblood by Secundus. I chose her because I love grey mares and she had a wonderful temperament. It's so important to have the right horse who you can trust completely, and therefore gives you confidence. We have been riding together for 5 years now and have mainly been involved in showjumping, then started dressage at the end of last year when my disability noticed more.

I wanted some help from the training session to see if I was suitable for this discipline. I have always just got on with my disability but found this much harder in dressage and so I wanted some ideas to help me. I have always tried to ignore my leg and ride like a normal person, rather than let my horse realise my weakness and work around it. This was why I was finding dressage so hard.

Rachel was very knowledgeable and understanding to my problems. She has a great approach and certainly gave me some new thoughts on training Mia in a way that will help me, instead of working myself so hard that my leg hurts.

My main problem is that I look like an able-bodied rider. My condition means that I can move normally but don't have much feeling in some of my limbs. Because of my outward appearance I found it very difficult to get people to understand the problems I was facing. I previously only competed in showjumping because the discipline enabled me to disguise my deadened leg, which would sometimes flap about. This is much harder in Dressage and so the clinic was very helpful to address this problem. I've found that a good way of improving is by taking mechanical horse lessons, this way I can get the techniques right before I attempt them on my horse.

My ambition would be to compete in dressage at the highest level possible for Mia and me, and also combine some other disciplines with it to keep us both focused.

Jenny Knott, Norwich, Norfolk

I enjoyed the training session at ILPH tremendously, and found that Rachel gave me a lot in a short time, she was very clever. I have a through hip amputation of my right leg due to a road accident when I was 17.

My horse is called Notavel and he is a Lusitano stallion, bred and used in the bull-ring until last year when I bought him. I have had him for 15 months now, and he is 11 years old.

I used to ride before the accident and have been competing against the able-bodied over the last few years. It's extremely hard financially, as I have to travel long distances for training. I am hoping to get sponsorship soon as I would like to join the Paralympic dressage squad, which will involve even more expense. I think this would really benefit me, sharing ideas and experiences with other disabled riders to gain a better understanding of riding in this discipline.

I do feel that disabled riders need more tuition and guidance, there dosen't seem to be enough places in specialised riding establishments and it's hard to find someone who can offer advice. Simple things like using a side-saddle have for me made all the difference. It means I don't slide about in the saddle and Notavel is so used to it now he finds it hard to adapt when a normal saddle is used.

If you are disabled and want to start riding my advice would be to make sure you find the right horse, whether buying your own or riding one owned by a school. Horses are as different as we are, so it's important to find one that has the right temperament and personality to meet your needs. If you could get an RDA instructor to come with you when you are looking to purchase a horse then that would be even better.

Ryan Frost (as told by his mother Hazel)

Ryan (aged 15), had his left lower leg amputated at 11 months due to a birth defect. He has been riding for 4 years, including polo, showjumping, XC and tetrathlon, and recently dressage.

He has his own sense of natural balance and his ultimate aim is to be part of the Paralympic dressage team in 2012. Although dressage is the only Paralympic equestrian discipline, he would be just as determined to be in a showjumping team if they decide to have one.

His horse is a fairly new partnership, a chestnut welsh section DX, and it took about a year to find a horse with the right temperament. Before attending the para-dressage training sessions he had never taken part in a dressage test. The day after the training sessions he represented the South Norfolk Pony Club in the senior team at the PC Area ODE at Starston. In this event he achieved the best score for dressage for the team, was 3rd in his group with a total score of 33. It was a prestige to be picked for the team as they only select the best riders.

Ryan has also taken part in the South Norfolk tetrathlon. He received a first in the swimming and shooting, completed XC riding and running. He came first in his group and was the best South Norfolk PC member. He has also competed in the area event for this discipline, held at Sussex Farm, Burnham Market.

From the para-dressage training he gained a great confidence boost, which was especially good so close to the area event. He also realised the benefits of undergoing this form of training with someone at the level and expertise that Rachel has. He is very keen to arrange for Rachel to undertake regular training to help him achieve his ambition for 2012 and beyond. In the closer future his aim is to be selected for the South Norfolk area team for cross-country and showjumping.

It's a long journey teaching a disabled person to ride. It's not just physical disabilities either, people with special needs can take months to make steps that an able-bodied rider would make in a matter of weeks. It's hard to find the support and training, Ryan is lucky because I am an experienced rider, but he needs people who have specific techniques for disabled riding.
My advice to other parents of disabled children, who are interested in riding, is to go with your intuition. Visit the riding establishments and choose the one that provides an environment where your child can thrive. It's just like choosing a normal school, you'll get a feeling if it's right for your child. And most of all be persistent, don't give up.

• Hazel is always happy to speak to anyone about issues regarding disabled riding, simply email - equestriandirectory@archant.co.uk - and we will pass on your contact details or query.