A CHARITY based in Helensburgh that provides equestrian therapy to disabled people has warned it will struggle to survive through next winter if lockdown limits aren’t lifted.
The Gareloch RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), based at Colgrain Equestrian Centre to the east of the town, should have celebrated the first anniversary of its carriage driving sessions at the beginning of April.
So successful had the first year of those carriage driving sessions been, with specially-trained horse Bobbie leading disabled riders around a purpose-built arena at the centre, that the group was expecting to take delivery of a second specially-adapted Fenix carriage in the spring, and had been training up a second pony, Isaac, to lead it.
But in line with the government’s restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus, all of its activities have been suspended since March to protect both riders and the volunteers who keep the group going.
Five of the group’s seven ponies have been moved to other locations to save money, and one has been retired and returned to its previous owner, leaving only one at Colgrain to meet the potential for private lessons for more capable riders who can be helped by family members.
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According to an update provided this week to the Helensburgh and Lomond Health and Wellbeing Network, the group has enough funds to survive until the early autumn.
But in a written update to the members of the network, GRDA member Elise Nash warned: “Going into autumn and winter brings much higher costs for us with the ponies when they need to be stabled. Carriage driving and riding sessions can only resume as normal for all participants when there is no need for social distancing.
“So at the moment the future is rather bleak but we remain hopeful.”
Kate Bennet, the group’s chair, said: “We support and work with many people who are more vulnerable to infection so we have made the decision to close our doors until the situation with coronavirus improves.
“This comes at a big price for us, as without riders we have not got an income.
“Our loyal horses will still need feed, hay, and to see a farrier, and possibly attention from vets, annual vaccinations or regular checks from the dentist, which all add up.
“With no clear idea of when we will be able to start activities again it is difficult to know if we will have enough money to support our horses until riding resumes.”
Gareloch RDA – a registered Scottish charity – currently has seven horses who support more than 50 riders and carriage drivers.
Research shows horse riding with RDA is not only fun but delivers physical benefits, boosts confidence, improves communication skills and helps participants to build relationships.
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RDA sessions can help disabled riders learn new skills, improve muscle tone and posture and develop motor skills.
They also combat social isolation by helping disabled people build relationships, enjoy events and competition, develop self-confidence, improve communication, learn team-building responsibilities, enjoy the outdoors and connect with animals.
Nationally, the RDA has 500 volunteer groups located across the UK.
Founded in 1976, the Gareloch RDA group’s catchment area includes not just Helensburgh and Garelochside, but also Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven, Clydebank and sometimes further afield when RDA groups elsewhere can’t provide services.
In normal circumstances, the Gareloch RDA volunteers provide 15 ridden sessions and two mornings of carriage driving, supporting nine drivers, each week.
Louise Worrall, a volunteer and rider, added: “The impact this will have on some of our riders, myself included, who gain so much from attending our sessions, is huge – both physically and mentally.
“It has never been so clear just how much the time that we spend with our horses helps.
“In a bid to ensure these sessions can continue as quickly as possible we need to keep our horses well cared for, in work and fit.”
You can choose Gareloch RDA as your Amazon Smile charity when buying from the global shopping website, while a JustGiving page will be set up soon.
To find out more about the group, visit its website at garelochrda.org.
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