Erme Valley RDA's 'Monday Group'

The Erme Riding for the Disabled Group has almost 160 riders who face a variety of physical, cognitive, sensory or social disorders, and indeed many face a complex combination of the four. However, whatever the difficulties they face all our riders find that their experiences at the Brook help them to gain in independence and self sufficiency and contributes towards their emotional and social growth, not to mention the physical benefits.

In return, each rider brings with them their own unique character and spirit that makes them as invaluable to the Brook team member as the instructors, volunteers and horses. Here we celebrate their triumphs.

Anthony Loughram
Rider and Trainee Instructor

Anthony has been riding at the Erme for over 6 years now, and is a testimony to the power that horse riding can have for people with disabilities. Anthony works at Tesco's, but spends every spare second he can at the Brook, riding, helping with the horses and voluntering. He has done so well that he is now the National RDA Dressage Champion and a trainee instructor.

Gail
Rider

Gail has also achieved a great deal from riding with the Erme Valley RDA. Riding has helped to improve her balance, whilst at the same time providing a valuable source of social interaction.

Jon
Rider

Jon has been riding for many years and works at the stables each day. He loves his dressage and competes at the Nationals each year.

Sarah
Rider

" I have been riding for 3 years. I can walk and trot and do simple dressage. I came second this year. I would like to learn to canter. "

Alyssa
Rider

"Mr name is Alyssa. I am 25 years old. I love horse riding, helping at the stables, playing tennis and bowling. I work at Morrisons 4 afternoons a week. My parents live in France and sometimes I visit them. I help out at the local church and go to church every week. Mt best friends are Vanessa and Sarah. They also go to horse riding."

Kriss
Rider

Kriss has been riding for a year and works at the stables on a Monday morning.

Matthew
Rider

Matthew is 9 years old and has been riding for 6 months. He really enjoys the songs we make up and sings them on his way to school. His favourite horse is Chancer