Early Days
Peterborough RDA Group was founded by Miss Jill Speechley (pictured at our 50th anniversary Tea Party, June 2019) who was Superintendent Physiotherapist of Peterborough District Hospital. In 1966 she read an article about the Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled in a magazine and was instantly enthused to see if a Group could be set up in Peterborough. Towards the end of 1966, we became one of a handful of Groups which pre-dated the creation of RDA, subsequently formed in 1969. Now there are over 500 Groups in the country!
What we do…
Our Group is very much at the Grass Roots end of the RDA organisation, currently providing riding for some individual children and pupils from three special schools in Peterborough, Most of these children would never have the opportunity to ride a pony. We work closely with parents and teachers, and by using many of the core subjects from the National Curriculum, we concentrate on improving the balance and inner stability of our riders, as well as their personal development and skills. Almost all these skills can be adapted to a riding session and is all so much more fun when learnt from the back of a pony!
We also have themed days throughout the year - Strictly Come Riding is great fun and the annual visit from Father Christmas is eagerly anticipated!
Where we ride
We ride every Wednesday morning between 9 am and 12 noon during term time only at New Pasture Riding School, Middle East Farm, The Causeway, Thorney, Peterborough. PE6 0QH
Please contact us directly regarding any interest in RDA but for more information about the stables contact Laura on 07756 915633.
Royal Visit 2016
HRH The Princess Ann has been involved as an active patron, and subsequently president, since the formation of RDA and we have been fortunate to have her visit us on the occasion of our 25th Anniversary, and in 2016 to celebrate our Golden Jubilee.