Riding

Ranging from "pure fun " through to international dressage Perry Riding & Driving provides the ideal combination of enjoyment and fulfilment that comes from being on horseback. Both individual and group needs are catered for in the form of expert supervision, advice and care.

Depending on competency and degree of disability, all aspects of riding can be covered, e.g. walking, trotting, cantering and even an occasional gallop. Arena activities include pony-club type games, dressage, trotting poles and jumping.

For the severely handicapped, riding may consist of mere contact with the pony and a carefully supervised walk of just a few paces. Three pairs of hovering hands prevent any mishaps, i.e. one person leading the horse and one each side providing any necessary support or comfort.

Hippotherapy is Physiotherapy on horse back. The specific movement and qualities of the moving horse can help develop balance and co ordination. These are key skills for typical development and are often slow to develop in children with a disability.

Hippotherapy differs from Therapeutic Riding in that the Physiotherapist and not the Instructor is responsible. The Physiotherapist has to undertake extensive training to be able to work in this specific area.

Hippotherapy is held on Saturday mornings at Perry RDA. Currently 11 children are benefiting from individual programmes of activities. A team of young people are working as Hippotherapy assistants as leaders and side walkers as many of the children need a team of 3 people to help.

Some of the children are able to access charitable funding to help with the cost, but others without a definite diagnosis struggle to access funding. The children come from all areas of Shropshire, not just Shrewsbury.

Note: there is no age restriction on RDA riding

Sponsorship - At 21st July 2009 the cost to sponsor a Hippotherapy place for a year was just £780

Specially designed carriages, equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, allow all ranges of disability to be catered for. If capable, drivers are encouraged to take up the reins themselves whilst being accompanied by expert trainers and instructors. Drivers, vehicles and ponies are transported to local parks and the county showground, far away from the dangers and noise of other traffic.

There are Grade Tests to take and various competitions to enter throughout the year for drivers to test their knowledge and ability.

Note: Drivers must aged be 14 or over.