Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled Association

The Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled Association was formed in 1986, initially for the benefit of the residents within Ravelrig, a Barnardo's residential home for children and young people with a learning disability, in Balerno. Within months the facility was extended to hospitals, adult training centres, special schools, as well as riders from the local community.

The group has a dedicated band of helpers and those who do not particularly care for the ‘hands on’ experience with the horses, can help with the care of the grounds and general maintenance. Helpers give of their time on a voluntary basis, and no charge is made to the riders.

The group has nine ponies to meet the needs of the riders. Each pony is special and they all have their own personality, strengths and weaknesses. Some ponies will tolerate a ‘fidgety’ rider while others can be trusted when a rider is progressing off the lead rein; others are totally trustworthy for stable management. A pony must be ‘forward going’ without the risk of taking off uncontrollably. Some of the ponies now recognise the verbal command to ‘walk on’ or ‘trot’ which can be an advantage for our weaker riders. Caring for the ponies is a daily commitment and raising funds to meet their needs is a constant challenge, but it's well worth the effort to see the pleasure they give the riders.

The group now has 95 riders, plus a waiting list for 25. For insurance purposes each rider must seek parental and medical consent. (In very rare cases riding is inappropriate i.e. severe epilepsy, brittle bones etc). No one is denied riding at Ravelrig because of the severity of his or her disability:

"One rider who was unable to sit would lie on her tummy with her head towards the pony’s tail and her legs at the neck. She loved the feel of the pony’s movement and would give us big bright eyes, smiles and chuckles. Whether there were any physical benefits, I know not, but without doubt she found it a very pleasurable experience."

Realistically some riders will never cope with more than ‘a pony ride’, while others progress to the point where they have complete control and ride independently. The advantages to the riders is immeasurable; for some it is a form of physiotherapy, for others it has a calming effect, some get a sense of achievement and independence, others gain confidence. It is a very sociable activity and new friendships are formed and for others they simply enjoy the experience.

In the autumn of 1998, the Ravelrig Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association moved into new premises provided by Barnardo’s. This move had been necessary when grazing land and the stable block used by the group was sold to a housing developer. The group was responsible for the payment of the new outdoor riding arena, some of the stables and other ‘extras’. This amounted to £30,000.

In October 2000, the group were privileged and honoured when HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the wonderful new establishment. HRH was impressed with the facilities which consist of two hay barns, garage, work shop, tack room, feed store, stables, toilet facilities, office and club room. It was described as the Rolls Royce of establishments. The Club Room allows the helpers to relax after working hard caring for the ponies and helping with the riding itself. It also gives parents the opportunity to chat amongst themselves over a cup of coffee, whilst their youngsters are riding. Following this major investment, however, the group are desperately in need of a significant injection of funds.

The group has annual fund raising activities, a horse show, wine and cheese, party nights and a jumble sale and these events raise about a third of our annual running costs which amount to £12,000 per year. The balance comes from generous donations from organisations and individuals within the local community.