Chairman's fun ride to raise hundreds for local disability charity

Stratford District Council Chairman, Councillor Simon Jackson is aiming to raise over £2,000 for Stratford-upon-Avon Riding for the Disabled group at a Fun Ride on Sunday 17 August as part of his District Council's Fundraising Year. 

The event, which takes place across the fields around Kineton and Compton Verney costs £20 to enter with under 16's £10 and promises to be a great day out. 

Stratford-upon-Avon RDA is raising funds so that they can buy a hydraulic mounting lift and to help more people with disabilities in the local area benefit from its activities.

For most riders, leaving the ground, or the safety of a wheelchair, onto a horse or pony, can be an alarming activity. Councillor Jackson has enjoyed many years of riding, so it is with particular anticipation of a successful event that he is behind this year's Fun Ride.

Stratford-upon-Avon RDA is one of 500 RDA Groups all over the UK that provide horse riding, carriage driving, vaulting and show jumping to 30,000 people with disabilities. RDA activities are specially designed for children and adults with physical and learning difficulties to receive physical and psycho-social therapy, enjoyment and a chance to achieve.

“The fun ride was a great success last year, and a lovely way to explore the beautiful Warwickshire countryside," says event organiser Liz Jackson. “We are grateful to Kineton Grange owners, Mr & Mrs Hurley for their continued support, and hope to raise lots of money for RDA."

Stratford-upon-Avon RDA currently works with 23 children and adults, and has more on its waiting list. “We'd love to be able to purchase the lift to enable us to mount our riders more easily and expand our services to provide places for everyone who'd benefit," explains Donna, Group Organiser. “Events like the fun ride are a great way to boost funds for the group and I hope lots of people will want to take part."

Kineton Fun Ride takes place on Sunday 17 August at Kineton Grange Farm, Kineton, CV35 0EE, starting at 10.30am – last horse or pony out at 2pm.

You can also enter on the day. 

For more information please contact either Bronwen Hurley on 01926 640380 or Liz Jackson on 0771 3327967 or see www.rda-stratford.org.uk

About Stratford-upon-Avon RDA

Stratford-upon-Avon RDA is a member group of Riding for the Disabled Association and aims to provide riding opportunities to children and adults with disabilities in the local area. Stratford-upon-Avon RDA relies on voluntary help and donations to deliver its services. Stratford-upon-Avon RDA is a Company limited by guarantee no. 7623057 and a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 1142590)

For more information please contact: Donna Jenkins at Stratford-upon-Avon RDA on 01789 740929

About Riding for the Disabled Association

Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through the provision of horse riding and carriage driving. Through a network of over 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, wellbeing and self-confidence, and benefiting mobility and co-ordination.

• RDA brings together more than 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK
• More than 28,000 adults and children enjoy the benefits of riding or carriage driving
• Each year more than 18,000 dedicated volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time
• RDA is a member of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF)

RDA is reliant on voluntary help and voluntary donations to deliver its services for more information please visit www.rda.org.uk

RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473).

For more information please contact: Caroline Ward at Riding for the Disabled Association on 01926 405 968 or email cward@rda.org.uk