South Ayrshire Council - News - Riding for the Disabled Arena Officially Opened

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ARENA OFFICIALLY OPENED

There were great celebrations when Lord Lieutenant Richard Henderson officially opened the Carrick Group Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) new arena at an event that coincided with the 25th anniversary of the founding of the group.

The arena is situated within the grounds of the Ayrshire Equestrian Centre at Corton just outside of Ayr.

South Ayrshire Council has supported the development of the arena and Councillor Hywel Davies, the Convener of the Council’s Rural Communities Committee was at the official launch.
Councillor Davies said: “Riding is something that people of all capabilities can gain physical benefit from and also enjoy close contact with the horses.

“It is wonderful to see the arena in use, and to know that many people will benefit from it in the coming years.

“The Riding for the Disabled Association provide a very valuable service, and I would like to pass on my thanks, and those of the people of South Ayrshire to everyone who so generously gives up their time to the Association.”

Mrs Every Roosmalecocq cut a special celebration cake to mark the 25th anniversary of the Carrick Group RDA.

Four RDA volunteers Margaret Hendrie, Una Hendrie, Fiona Ross and Every Roosmalecocq were presented with certificates to mark 25 years of service to the Carrick Group RDA.

The RDA was founded in 1965, it has over 23,000 riders and drivers and more than 18,000 volunteers who give up more than 3.5 million hours of their free time every year.

Riders and carriage drivers all receive a high standard of professional tuition, which is specifically tailored to the needs of each participant. By working closely with physiotherapists and other health professionals, instructions encourage individual riders to reach for realistic goals, be they simple or very ambitious.

The RDA is always looking for volunteers to help people with disabilities to ride or carriage drive by giving physical assistance to the riders. Every volunteer is trained and supported to ensure that high safety standards are met. However many RDA volunteers lend their support in other ways by fundraising, carrying out administrative tasks, or acting as treasurer.

Anyone who would like further information about RDA should log on to the RDA website at www.riding-for-disabled.org.uk or telephone 0845 241 4313 (if there is no reply the first time you call this please try again as the calls are answered by volunteers).

Lord Lieutenant Richard Henderson cut a ribbon to officially open the arena as Councillor Hywel Davies, Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Rural Communities Committee and John Snodgrass, Chair and Treasurer of the Carrick Group RDA look on.

Displaying their long service awards are (left to right) Fiona Ross, Every Roosmalecocq, June Granger, Regional Chair for RDA West and Central Scotland who presented the long service awards, Una Hendrie and Margaret Hendrie.

Displaying their long service awards are (left to right) Fiona Ross, Every Roosmalecocq, June Granger, Regional Chair for RDA West and Central Scotland who presented the long service awards, Una Hendrie and Margaret Hendrie.

May 2006