Sandy Lane Equestrian RDA Group is a registered charity and member of the Riding for the Disabled Association, which is a national charity organisation persided over by HRH the Princess Royal. Our mission is to give disabled people the opportunity to ride and enjoy the activities connected with horse riding in a friendly, fun and safe environment.

Horse and pony riding is an alternative form of physiotherapy for the disabled which is both therapeutic and recreational. It can be a unique and enjoyable complement to conventional floor and wheelchair based activities. The complex movement of the horse helps riders with;

• Co-ordination and balance
• Muscular development and fitness
• Personal confidence and self-esteem.

Sandy Lane Equestrian RDA Group will offer riders a structured learning programme to gain certificates and badges in horse and stable management. We will provide lessons in groups, to special needsschools and centres, as well as individuals. We will cater for a range of needs including learning and physical disabilities, accident victims and psychiatric disorders.

Teaching is provided by qualified instructors and all staff are trained in assisting the mounting and dismounting of riders according to individual needs. We operate a child protection policy to ensure the safety of all our young riders.

We at SLE RDA Group can offer an escape from lives that can be routine, not straight forward and sometimes quite a challenge. Disabled children rarely grumble or complain, and when riding are always smiling. Riding days are most definitely special and volunteers helping at SLE RDA Group see this demonstrated each time they assist at riding sessions.

We have started raising funds for our first priority, a platform lift for mounting riders on to horse/pony-back, and we will be looking for donations, corporate sponsorship, grants/awards, fun dayss etc to fund this substantial purchase. Our second priority is not to led our great Birtish weather 'stop play' by covering one of the manages with a roof.

RIDERS AND PROCEDURES
Potential riders can be aged from 5 years to adult. They are invited to come to SLE RDA Group for an assessment of co-ordination, balance and height/weight in order to match the rider with the horse or pony.
Hats are provided for a small extra cost, but appropriate clothing i.e. trousers, long sleeved top/jarket and sturdy footwear is advised to ensure both safety and comfort.

LOCATION
We are located on the outskirts of the village of Weaverham near Northwich and within easy access of the A49, 7 miles from Junction 10 of the M56 and 10 miles to the M6.

FACILITIES

• Qualified instructors
• Trained staff to mount and dismount riders, and lead the horses
• Over 20 horses and ponies chosen carefully for temperament
• 2 all weather floodit outside Arena
• Covered viewing gallery
• Car parking with disabled access
• Ramps for mounting and dismounting
• Indoor reception with drink and snak facilities.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are always welcomed in order to provide the optimum care required for each disabled rider. If you can SPARE ANY TIME AT ALL, even just 1 hour per week, the SLE RDA Group would like to hear from you.

FUND RAISING
We are fortunate to benefit from the wonderful facilities at Sandy Lane Equestrian Centre, but funds are urgently needed to provide equipment to benifit riders. Any type of contribution to fundraising would be gratefully received and hugely appreciated as it will be benefiting a very postive and active cause.

Contact either Carl or Rose Tommons on 01606 854244

Sandy Lane Equestrian RDA group
Sandy Lane, Weaverham, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 3PX
Tel: 01606 854244   Fax: 01606 854422

Chairman: Rose Tommons, Treasurer: Sally Marsh, Seceretary: Janice Frank

www.sandylane-equestrian.co.uk