Riding for the Disabled Association – Dunfermline Group

We need YOUR help !

I Saw A Child ...

RDA National Website

Meet the Horses !

A message from the Horses!

Our Horses

Gypsy

Gypsy is our "big friendly giant" – 15.1 hands! She is a 13 year old piebald Clydesdale cross mare who is still in her first full year for RDA work, and she loves it. She is a very placid, friendly horse who loves people of all sizes – and loves to be petted. Our riders all enjoy their rides on Gypsy, especially knowing that they are on our biggest horse.

Sophie

Sophie is our Highland mare. She is 18 years old, is 14 hands high and is a very experienced RDA pony. Although she looks white, with flowing mane and tail, her official colour is 'grey'. She, too, is very friendly and caters for bigger children and adults. Sophie is the "glamour girl" of our horses and ponies – and she knows it!

Rio

Rio is a 5 year old Halflinger pony standing 14 hands high. He is quite new to the group and is in the middle of being trained for RDA work. He will also cater for children and adults. Rio is now the leader of our herd of ponies!

Itch and Scratch

Itch & Scratch are half–brother Shetland ponies who were given to the group as 3 year–olds and who are now aged 24. These ponies are used for very young riders, or those who have greater disabilities. Both Itch & Scratch are firm favourites with our riders, and also their families, as they are both very patient, biddable ponies and the children love to cuddle them.

Peat

Peat is also a Shetland pony, 8 years old, who will eventually take over from Itch and Scratch, but is presently being trained to RDA standards to cater for young riders.

Hello !

We are the horses who live at the Dunfermline Riding for the Disabled stables. We've been trained specially so that disabled people and people with learning difficulties can ride us – but there aren't enough adult volunteer helpers. These are the people who come to the stables to get us ready for our riders coming in. They also help the riders get on our backs and walk alongside us to make sure the riders are safe and know what to do.

We also have to be groomed and our saddles and bridles have to be cleaned regularly. It's very important for our fields to be kept clean and safe – we can get hurt if fences are broken or brambles grow into our fields and catch our legs or tails or manes. Sometimes weeds grow that aren't good for us so these have to be pulled out. These are just some of the jobs that have to be done.

We are ready and willing to get moving and let our riders enjoy themselves BUT WE NEED LOTS MORE HELPERS ! Is there anyone out there who would like to come and help us – even just for one morning each week ? As you can see there is a variety of jobs to be done and the good news is that you don't have to have experience as you will be trained.

If you are 16 or over and think you can help us, please call our friend Mrs Gerrard on 01383 738213 or the Centre on 01383 882700 for more information.

PLEASE don't say neigh ..... oops, we mean "no" !

Hope to see you soon !

Gypsy, Sophie, Rio, Itch, Scratch & Peat