Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2013 | Page 72

EQUESTRIAN

Sense of freedom for disabled
The stunning grounds of Osborne
House provide the setting for islanders
living with disabilities to experience
the pleasure of driving a pony and
carriage.
Every Wednesday the Isle of Wight
Riding for the Disabled Association
use the surroundings of Queen
Victoria's former home, for members
to enjoy a physical but relaxing
activity in the great outdoors. One of
the main aims is to give people a sense
of freedom from their daily restrictions
as they ride or carriage drive.
"It is good for their confidence and
co-ordination as learning to drive a
pony takes skill," said Jean Winter,
President of IWRDA.
Drivers can be taught to whatever
level they wish - some members have
even gone on to compete against
other groups on the mainland. Larger
carriages are fitted with ramps so
that a wheelchair user can simply
be wheeled up into the carriage and
clamped safely into position.
Volunteers provide back-up by
helping to load the wheelchairs.
They will also hold the horses’ heads,
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support the shafts and serve up tea and
biscuits. On longer rides, they follow
on bikes.
Activities are split into five main

areas - driving, dressage, cone courses,
training and social fun days. All are
open to any member regardless of
ability. Coffee mornings, quizzes and
trips to the mainland are also laid on.

The closest RDA group is based in the
New Forest and exchange visits take
place.
If you want to contribute and have
a suitable horse or pony, broken to
harness, all you have to do is contact
any member of the committee. They
can discuss with you what needs to be
done and arrange for your animal to
be ‘tested’ by the RDA.
Jean added: "All of our ponies have
to be tested by our inspectors and be
absolutely obedient."
For more details go to
www.iowrda.org