Newsletter
Riders enjoy a residential week in Wales
(September 26, 2011)Kesteven RDA volunteers have just returned from taking six riders on a holiday to the Clywd Special Riding Centre, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Grantham’s Swimarathon.
All the riders live locally and are members of Grantham Learning Disability Service. They attend the Paddocks Riding Centre, Hough on the Hill on a weekly basis to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of horse-riding.
The holiday gave the riders a chance to get hands on involvement with the horses on a daily basis, each rider having their own horse for the five days.
After a hearty breakfast the riders (with their volunteers) caught their horses from the field, groomed in the indoor school before tacking up ready to ride. The centre has all weather tracks around the fields and the riders enjoyed exploring the Welsh countryside at their own pace. By the end of the five days, some of the riders were riding off the lead rein, trotting solo on the tracks. The riders also learnt to clean their tack, which they took pride in undertaking at the end of each session.
Other activities enjoyed by the riders were tenpin bowling in Wrexham, a ride in a horse drawn canal boat at Llangollen, walking and an evening meal at the local pub.
Rider, John Evans said “I really enjoyed being with my friends and loved the riding, games and walks.” The trip on the horse drawn boat was a real highlight for him.
Sarah Harris was a first time holiday volunteer this year, she commented “I think the layout of the yard is fantastic, especially the tracks round the fields but I will definitely get in training next time for Heart Attack Hill!!”
The team were well fed and watered by volunteer, Rita Scott who produced wonderful meals at the drop of a hat and is sending everybody home two stone heavier! Everyone worked extremely hard to make sure all the riders got the full benefit of the holiday but also enjoyed the chance to socialise with other volunteers and form new friendships.