Treborth Group RDA is an autonomous branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association.
Treborth Group has moved from its location in Bangor to Snowdonia Riding Stables, Waunfawr.
The stables have a variety of horses and ponies, ideal for our purpose, which we hire. We have installed a purpose-built mounting block and ramp suitable for wheelchairs and adjacent to an outdoor arena with an all weather surface and floodlighting. The group owns all the necessary tack and equipment. RDA is labour intensive; at least one qualified coach, a first-aider, and up to ten volunteer helpers are needed at each of our riding sessions.
Our riders range in age from 4 to 60 and have varying abilities. We teach them to ride to the best of their ability building on what they “can do“. The riders all have special needs – they may have physical and/or learning difficulties or suffer from emotional and behavioural problems. Some riders are children from either a special school or in mainstream education whilst others are adults living in the community.
Riding is fun, challenging and improves communication, coordination and balance. The confidence our riders gain by achieving the goals we set for them spills over into their everyday lives.
Treborth RDA is not funded by a central body and we rely on our own local fundraising activities and donations to cover our running costs, which include hire of horses and ponies; insurance; affiliation, repairs and renewals of tack and equipment; and training for coaches and helpers. These costs are in the region of £10000 per annum.
Everyone involved in both the running of the group and coaching of the riders is an unpaid volunteer. We do not make a charge to our riders but we are grateful for donations.
