Kate Bailey
is the group coordinator for Pendle RDA Group. She is a qualified Group Coach and has been volunteering with the group since 1980.
Pendle RDA
Pendle Riding for the Disabled was set up in February 1977 which makes us one of the oldest groups in the country. We make a positive difference to the lives of disabled children and adults by providing therapeutic horse-riding activities which increase fitness, develop skills, improve communication, build relationships and provide opportunities for achievement.
Horse riding is fun. There’s no better feeling than riding a steady horse knowing you’re in the safe hands of trained coaches and volunteers. It’s a wonderful experience. There are physical, psychological and emotional benefits too.
Benefits of horse riding
Did you know that the motion of a horse provides sensory stimulus and movement patterns that mimic those of natural human activities such as walking? That’s why our activities are recommended by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health care professionals. Horse riding can improve balance, coordination and strength. It can also relax tight muscles, reduce spasm and increase range of motion
Horse riding also has psychological and social benefits like improving self-confidence, overcoming fear and trauma, improving communication skills and reducing social isolation. Just being around horses can change the way we feel. We calm down and become more centred and focussed.
Here’s what some of our participants say about riding with Pendle RDA Group:
‘I love my sessions with the group. When I’m riding Minnie it ‘just feels right!’’
'When I initially started, I was unsure how I would settle in and how useful the riding would be, but my worries were unfounded as I was made to feel welcome from the first day and felt as though I was part of one big caring and friendly family. This helped me into the lessons, and I began to feel the positive effects on my mobility. Your attention to my development throughout , helped the smooth transition from the mechanical horse to an actual horse.
'After my wife died, I tended to stay at home feeling cut off from society and seeing no point in existence. It was at this point, that I was introduced to the Pendle RDA Group. I had not ridden for over forty years and thought it unlikely I would ride again. (I'm 94 years old). It is no exaggeration to say, that my life has been completely transformed from that introduction to RDA. I was immediately welcomed and made to feel that life was worth living again.'
About Us
We are a registered charity. Our charity number is 1170644. Having charitable status is important because it gives our community confidence in what we do, helps attract volunteers and benefits our fund raising.
Meet the Team
Allan Black
is a qualified Group Coach. He has been volunteering with Pendle RDA since 2012 and started on the coaching pathway in 2014. Allan has coached at the Regional Holiday in Clwyd, Wales, as well as coaching riders for the Regional Qualifiers and National Championships. Allan has enjoyed his RDA journey and one of his most memorable highlights is being stuck in a lift with John Parrot!
Minnie
is a kind, generous horse who is a key member of the group. She is suitable for a range of different riders so if you join the RDA group, you’re likely to have a ride on her. Minnie’s favourite things are being pampered and having her beautiful, long mane brushed.
Teddy
is a new addition to our group but has settled in well. He is a cheeky chappie with a zest for life but when he's ridden, he really looks after his rider. Teddy’s favourite thing? He loves food!
Saracen
is 15.3hh which means he’s quite tall. He’s been a team member for several years and has proven to be capable and kind with his riders. Saracen was born at the yard, so he knows his way around.
Getting Involved
Riding with Pendle RDA group
You may have ridden a horse before but if you haven’t, you’re not alone. Many of our participants are new to horse riding so the first step is finding out what matters to you and what you want to achieve. Our motto is, ‘it’s what you can do that counts.
Our coaches and volunteers are well-trained and will help ensure that your riding sessions are fun, safe and a positive experience. Understanding how best to support you, or the person you care for, also helps us choose the right horse. Like any partnership, horse riding relies on trust and making a connection, so it’s important that you feel comfortable and safe.
Meet Pride
In 2010, we successfully won the People’s Millions Grant Award – a partnership between the National Lottery Community Fund and ITV, where the public helped decide which local community projects received lottery money. As you can imagine, we were excited and proud to have such a fantastic instructional aid, so we chose the name PENDLE PRIDE. Pride allows riders to gain confidence in a safe environment, before heading out to ride one of our horses or ponies. It’s a great way to introduce beginners to horse riding and helpful for those returning to the saddle. It encourages novice riders to relax the spine and pelvis and develop good posture. It also allows riders to experience a horse’s movement without the worry of falling off or the need to keep the horse going. Riders can start off slowly and pick up speed with confidence.
Our riding simulator includes a widescreen TV and software for an immersive riding experience. Riders can enjoy hacking through a farm park or cantering on a beach. It’s fun for everyone but is particularly engaging for our younger riders who love spotting animals, navigating round trees and negotiating sand dunes.
Pride is ‘stabled’ at Thornton Hall Country Park which is a new and exciting partnership for Pendle RDA. It’s a wonderful environment for riders to experience the therapeutic benefits of a riding simulator and access riding activities all year round.
Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in-Craven, near Skipton. North Yorks. BD23 3TS
Frequently Asked Questions for riders
Who can benefit from Riding with Pendle RDA group?
Our group is open to people of all ages and genders with a range of disabilities including:
- Physical disabilities
- Sensory disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- ADHD
- Long-term conditions such as dementia
- Mental health conditions.
Where are the sessions held and how long are they?
Horse riding sessions are held at:
Pendle RDA
The Stables
Folly Lane
Moorgate Road
Barnoldswick
BB18 5SG
Riding simulator sessions are held at:
Thornton Hall Country Park
Thornton in Craven
near Skipton
North Yorks
BD23 3TS
What's the cost?
We are a registered charity and ask for a donation of £18 - £20 for a therapeutic riding session/riding simulator session.
Do I need any equipment?
You don’t need to buy all the ‘gear’. We have a selection of riding hats that are available to borrow and meet current safety standards. We advise wearing boots or flat shoes. It’s best to wear comfortable trousers with a bit of room for movement, and no shorts please. We suggest you bring a waterproof jacket because we’re in Lancashire!
Frequently Asked Questions for volunteers
Do I need to know about horses?
Experience with horses and ponies is great but not essential. We’ll give you full training and you won’t be asked to do anything you’re not comfortable with.
Do I need to be available for every session?
Not at all. Your help is always welcome, but we don’t expect you to be available all the time.
What should I wear
It’s important to wear comfortable clothing including sensible footwear (to ensure your toes are protected from ponies’ hooves!), a fastened jacket, minimal jewellery and warm clothes in winter!
Will I be insured?
Yes, all RDA groups have trustee indemnity, public liability insurance and personal accident insurance.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
RDA is an inclusive organisation and, as a group, we aim to find a suitable role for any person with a disability as long as there is no risk to the welfare of our riders and horses.
Get in touch
To enquire about therapeutic riding sessions or volunteering with Pendle RDA group, please get in touch with our group coordinator:
Kate Bailey
07780864723
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