Anna Hummerston I have been a member of Abingdon Riding for the Disabled for 33 years as I have Spina Bifida.  In 1975 at 7 years old after a chance meeting between my mother and Ann Barlow (Chairman of the Group) I joined the group as a rider at a local riding school where the newly formed RDA group had recently been started. This was the beginning of my love affair with “The Horse”. My family were not horse lovers and I was given the choice of RDA or Brownies – I chose riding!  My whole family sacrificed so much of their time for me to do RDA since although my brother was away for much of the time my sister was not old enough to be left alone.  Holiday dates had to be arranged with RDA in mind! For many years I looked forward to my weekly riding lesson riding a variety of horses and ponies. I can remember when it was held on a Friday evening I was allowed golden syrup sandwiches before we went – what a treat! Along the way there were many experiences which were to play a huge part in my life….. Some not so good: falling off – I think you have to do that 7 times before you become a proper rider! Reaching the final selection trails but not being picked for the team for the first International dressage competition to be held in Sweden Some fantastic ones: • Riding holidays • Horse shows and competitions • Qualifying at Regional Dressage events which enabled me to compete in Dressage at National level and winning at National level in 1981 and 1985.  During that time I learnt so much and developed a love and passion for dressage which I was able to pursue until 2003 when my first daughter was born. At the age of 17 I reached a milestone – I passed my driving test and was able to drive myself to the stables.  I was not tied to 1 hour a week – I could go when I wanted to help out.  There were many classes I could get involved with and I could also carry on riding Eight years ago I became a Group Instructor which gave me yet more opportunities to give back some of what I had learnt over the preceding years.  In 2001 I got married and my husband became a helper in the lessons I was teaching. He also became part of the Carriage driving team who met weekly.  With two young children Anthony and I cannot give so much time but I still am able to go up to the stables at weekends when Anthony can babysit! Why am I still part of the RDA now that I have a family of my own?  I am still part of Abingdon RDA because it is they who have shaped me into the person who I am and I have made lifelong friends in people and horses.  It is a tremendous privilege to have met so many Instructors, helpers and riders, not to mention the horses and ponies who have served and continue to serve religiously without complaint. I cannot imagine life without it.

Jenny - Solicitor Having ridden with RDA Abingdon Group throughout my childhood from the age of 4 until I departed for university, I was keen to return to riding as soon as I could. There is something therapeutic about being around horses, and riding improves my mobility, balance and posture - nothing feels quite like it. I have achieved a lifelong ambition to own my own pony, but as he has reached a point where he needs to do a little less, I was delighted to be able to return to RDA Abingdon Group for some specialist lessons. It has been such a good thing to see familiar faces, and catch up with the many volunteers who are still involved, although it may take a bit longer to get used to seeing photographs of my younger self on the tack room wall!”

“My daughter is 6 and has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy which requires her to have lots of physiotherapy in order to keep mobile and build strength in order that one day she may walk unaided. Horse riding at RDA Abingdon Group is a vital part of that therapy from which she has benefited hugely in only 6 months of attending the group. We struggled to find a suitable RDA Group for my daughter to join, and are delighted to find one which is not only so well run but also focussed on developing a passion for riding in the children and developing them physically and mentally as a result of their experience there.” Laith, Parent

Registered Charity No. 1141360 (Please note our charity used to be known as Abingdon Group RDA with charity number 1074161, this charity ceased to exist in 2014 when it was replaced with the current incorporated form of RDA Abingdon Ltd (with the charity number 1141360). (A Group Member of the Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving, Registered Company No 5010395, Registered Charity No, 244108) 

Abingdon RDA

Offering riding opportunities to disabled people in Oxfordshire and beyond.