Work, Rest And Play

The next few months will be very busy for Toffee as he settles into his new role as a Riding for the Disabled pony . . .

LAST month we met Toffee, the latest arrival at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled group. Throughout 2017 we will be following Toffee’s progress, as well as meeting some of the riders and RDA volunteers who will be working with him.

Like all RDA ponies, those at Cotswold RDA are very special. They have great temperaments, are endlessly patient and very good natured.

However, before they can wear their badge of honour, they have to go through weeks of training to make sure they make the grade.

A big part of the therapeutic benefit of RDA’s activities is the movement of the horse, which is great for developing leg muscles, core strength, balance and overall muscle control.

The right size of horse is key to ensuring that riders receive the maximum therapeutic impact every time they ride. So in a busy group like Cotswold it’s important to have a range of ponies and horses to choose from.

There’s a lot to take into account, as Equestrian Manager Heather explains.