Riding at Quest RDA
Quest rides take place at Laris Farm in Chobham in the large outdoor school or through the Sensory Woodland Trail.
Quest rides take place at Laris Farm in Chobham in the large outdoor school or through the Woodland Trail.
Horse riding offers an opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, friendship, laughter, achievement, independence and confidence, not just for our riders, but for our volunteers as well.
Throughout the week and at the weekends, teams of volunteers help provide rides for small groups of children and adults from the surrounding area. The groups are typically made up of 4-6 individuals, either attending in direct partnership with one of the local schools, or independently in one of the privately run sessions.
Safety is very important. Each rider may need up to 3 helpers, one to lead the horse and an assistant on each side. Each session is led by a qualified coach who is assessed regularly by a qualified examiner who is appointed by the RDA.
The Benefits
Horse riding is an extremely beneficial form of therapy for adults and children with a multitude of disabilities and special needs. It helps in many ways, such as giving physical, emotional, educational and social benefits to all of the participants.
There are 6 key areas where change has been proven in those that participate:
– Communication
– Confidence
– Enjoyment
– Relationships
– Physical Improvement
– Horsemanship
There are 6 key areas where positive change has been proven in those that participate:
– Communication
– Confidence
– Physical Improvement
– Enjoyment
– Relationships
– Horsemanship
In their words
“Riding with the RDA has totally changed my life. Not only have I won Paralympic gold medals, but riding and sport have taught me skills to improve my daily life – I am more able and confident, allowing me to fulfill my potential in all areas of my life, including making friends, living independently and in employment.”
Paralympian Sophie Christiansen
MSci CBE
“I can’t thank the wonderful volunteers enough for what they have achieved with our son Rhys. He has been riding with them over the last 6 years and has overcome his fears of riding and now helps with the stable management facilities. It took Rhys two years to actually sit on a horse and he finally did this with the help of Hunky the horse and the tremendous patience of the Quest staff. Rhys has participated in several competitions, dressage and sponsored rides with the Quest team which he is absolutely delighted and proud to be part of. There are no words to express our gratitude and heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers at Quest for the amazing job they do.”
Hannah and Lee Rawlings
“We have been taking groups of our secondary aged students riding for a number of years to Quest RDA. All of our students have severe learning difficulties and they enjoy their riding sessions hugely. As well as being part of their physical education curriculum, the sessions enable them to continue to develop new skills as well as grow in confidence. The progress they make during their sessions is impressive and the support they receive from the volunteers enables this to happen. Thank you Quest RDA for all that you do for the pupils at Portesbery School.”
Matthew Sartin
Former head of Portesbery School