Forth Valley Riding for the Disabled Association

RDA logo Forth Valley Riding for the Disabled Association was Established in 1973. We aim to provide the opportunity for riding to disabled people, benefitting their general health and well-being. The benefits for riders are many; enjoyment, improved coordination, feelings of independence, a sense of achievement and improved physical and social skills. The relationships developed within the Group widen the horizons and can arouse greater interest in their environment and help to promote beneficial physical activities.

Forth Valley RDA currently run five sessions, a total of 9 different classes at the Devon Equestrian Centre at Fishcross, Alloa. The classes are varied to meet the needs of the riders. There are hippotherapy classes for pre- fives, classes for pupils with learning difficulties, for autistic pupils from Struan House and also for pupils with emotional, behavioural and physical difficulties.

We are a small RDA group, run entirely by volunteers. We have approximately thirty riders supported by two physiotherapists, six instructors and over forty helpers.

Each year, just to survive we need to fundraise over ten thousand pounds. Our group has continued so far because of the dedication and support of the volunteers and the generosity of the people of Clackmannanshire. We are constantly fundraising and always looking for more ideas to keep us running. Local fundraising group Opening More Doors raised money to cover the cost of looking after one of our ponies.

Hippotherapy was first used in the group in 1998. We are fortunate to have two fully qualified physiotherapists who deliver their treatments using horses.

We started using Hippotherapy in 1998

Riders enjoy Hippotherapy immensely

Hippotherapy in action

Forth Valley RDA is one of the few groups in Scotland, which can offer this therapy. The photos above show some of our younger riders deriving great pleasure and satisfaction from these techniques. Hippotherapy has been used in Germany for over thirty years and is now a well-established practice, both here and abroad, most notably in the Scandinavian Countries, and widely used in America.

For more information about Hippotherapy at Forth Valley RDA please contact Lesley Furnell on 01259 781234 or Betty Murdoch on 01259 721901.