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- Supporting Riding for the Disabled Chelmsford City Racecourse Meets Beneficiaries at Local RDA Group Reach
Supporting Riding for the Disabled Chelmsford City Racecourse Meets Beneficiaries at Local RDA Group Reach
In April Chelmsford City Racecourse welcomed the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) a remarkable charity celebrating 55 years of enriching lives through the power of horses, and the third organisation we’re supporting through our ‘10 Years of Community’ fundraising campaign.
With over 400 centres across the UK, RDA offers clinically led rehabilitation for individuals as young as two living with physical, mental, social, or learning disabilities. Their therapy combines Physiotherapy, Hippotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning, and Pat therapy.
Jo and Beth from Chelmsford City Racecourse recently visited REACH, a local RDA centre, to meet two inspiring beneficiaries, Didge and Albert. They saw first-hand their incredible work, including riding sessions, agility training with Shetland ponies, carriage driving, and a calming sensory garden.
Speaking with Didge’s mother Caroline, she shared how the support and services provided by REACH have positively impacted her son’s life.
“When I was looking for things to do to enrich my little one’s life, I thought that as I and all my family love animals and have horses that I would like to take Didge for an experience. I couldn’t find anywhere that would take a two year old with severe mental and physical disabilities, which are; brain damage, autism, cervicothoracic scoliosis, tethered cord syndrome, extreme sensitivity to external stimuli and toe walking.
It was by calling the RDA that I found out about REACH. I had no expectations, just hoped he would show some signs of enjoyment.
To my surprise not only did he enjoy it, but he has also changed; he is much more interested in his environment, he loves to touch things and even interacting with our pet dog, he seems interested in where he is and they have started to enjoy each other’s company.
Didge seems so much more vocal and engaging with the world around him and so much stronger and balanced. He is surpassing everyone’s expectations both physically and mentally.
I love watching him enjoy himself and do something that is amazing to watch. I cannot praise Louise and all the team at REACH enough.”
Beth Lovell REACH center manager added
“The charity was set up about 10 years ago by Louise Barrett whose sister had cerebral palsy, Louise then trained in hippotherapy which led to founding the charity REACH and then becoming part of the RDA group.
We needed to expand our services to support not only children with disabilities but also those struggling with mental health. With the right environment already in place, Louise trained as an equine facilitated practitioner to offer more targeted help. We’re also an accredited alternative education provider, supporting young people in gaining an ‘Animal Care’ qualification.
I started as a volunteer and then gave up my job as a stockbroker as I love it here. It is so rewarding seeing the centre build children’s confidence, so they are able to interact and socialise with their peers and other children, and we look forward to helping more people in the future who need it”.
RDA CEO, Michael Bishop, shared his appreciation for the partnership:
“We are thrilled to be selected as a charity partner, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the life changing impact of RDA’s work to the Chelmsford City Racecourse audience. As demand for our services grows, partnerships like this are vital in building awareness, expanding our community, and raising funds to continue our impact. Nearly 1 in 4 people in the UK are disabled, with a physical, mental health condition, or long-term illness that impacts their daily life and, through the unique connection with horses, RDA helps address these societal challenges and improve lives.
We are incredibly grateful to Chelmsford City Racecourse for their support.”
Jo Flaherty – Head of Community and Charity added;
“As part of our annual fundraising campaign, we are proud to support a diverse range of charities, including those focused on equine welfare. One of our key priorities is championing causes that assist individuals of all ages living with vulnerabilities and disabilities. The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a shining example of how therapeutic support, delivered through the unique bond between humans and horses, can make a profound impact.
We were delighted to support the RDA during our Good Friday raceday, where we helped successfully raise over £1,400! We look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring further opportunities to support their invaluable work”.
