Horse riding lessons for adults and children with disabilities
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Volunteers and service users enjoying the Riding for the Disabled Ireland (RDA Ireland) Garden Party at Slane Castle.Image 2 of 2
GAIN Equine Nutrition, which is owned by Ireland’s leading dairy and grains co-operative Tirlán, has teamed up with Riding for the Disabled Ireland (RDA Ireland), a charity offering weekly horse riding lessons for adults and children with disabilities, in an effort to attract new volunteers to help run the service. Pictured at the Garden Party to honour volunteers was Alex Conynham, whose daugher, Laragh, rides with the Kells Group.GAIN Equine Nutrition has teamed up with Riding for the Disabled Ireland (RDA Ireland), a charity offering weekly horse riding lessons for adults and children with disabilities, in an effort to attract new volunteers to help run the service.
Almost 400 volunteers working with Riding for the Disabled Ireland gathered at Slane Castle recently to celebrate the positive benefits horses have on the lives of hundreds of adults and children with special and additional needs at dedicated riding centres around Ireland. Among those who spoke at the event was Alex Conyngham of Slane Castle, whose daugher, Laragh, rides with the Kells Group.
At the garden party, three volunteers who have been giving their time to the Riding for the Disabled organisation for some 40 years were honoured along with volunteers who were recognised for 30, 20 and 10 years of volunteering on a weekly basis with groups across the country.
The charity is now eager to attract more people who are comfortable around horses and available to support lessons during the day on weekdays. In Meath, volunteers are urged to contact the Meath RDAI Group or Navan RDAI.
RDA Ireland provides the opportunity for individuals, with physical or intellectual disabilities, to horse ride or carriage drive and this in turn provides therapy, fitness, development of skills, socialisation, achievement and most importantly fun.
It is not only the riders who benefit. Volunteers gain so much from the Association with ongoing training and development, friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference. The localised sessions provide service users with exercise, development of skills, socialisation, achievement and most importantly, fun, according to Cathy Byrne, RDA Ireland’s National Coordinator.
“The weekly lessons provide therapy, achievement, and enjoyment to people with a range of disabilities to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating horse-riding activities. Volunteers benefit from ongoing training, friendships, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
“No previous experience required but volunteers need to be confident around horses and work well as part of a team. Training is provided and volunteers are all Garda vetted and supported by their Coaches. The funding we’re receiving from GAIN Equine Nutrition and Tirlán is very much appreciated.”