RDA allow disabled to enjoy riding

A VITAL West Fife voluntary group, which allows disabled people to experience the joy of riding, celebrated its 21st birthday in 2005.

Dunfermline Group of Riding for the Disabled Association is based at a specially-built centre nestling in protected woodland at Shiresmill, south of Blairhall.

Founded in 1984 under the name of Sandydub group, it was originally based at Shieldbank Riding Centre before moving to a field at Rhynd, by Bandrum, where it operated for six years.

A fund-raising campaign was mounted to allow a purpose-built centre to be constructed, the resulting Shiresmill complex being opened officially in 1996 by HRH The Princess Royal.

Shiresmill now boasts an impressive large indoor arena, outdoor arena, paddocks, stable yard and block, rest room and storage building - all managed by a highly enthusiastic band of volunteers.

The helpers, of all ages, enjoy the rewarding work of looking after seven horses / ponies and assisting the riders of all ages in progressing their skills.

Other duties carried out by the volunteers include laying out the arena for the rides, cleaning tack, making tea, helping with maintenance, and fund-raising to allow the centre to function.

Everyone receives basic training and those who wish to further their skills can progress towards becoming RDA instructors within the group.

The Dunfermline group is one of several in Fife and comes under the umbrella of the national Riding for the Disabled Association, although it is a charity in its own right.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the RDA group - and anyone who would like to become a member should contact the Secretary, Rona Gerrard, on 0845 2414369.
It is also planned to create a 'Friends of Dunfermline Group' and anyone wishing further information should contact Rona on the same number.