Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited the Tettenhall branch of Riding for the Disabled, at the Mill Riding Centre in Pattingham.
The centre, part of a network of 500 centres across the UK, operated by Riding for Disabled Association, has specific facilities that allow riders with varying disabilities, to enjoy horse riding whether leisurely or as part of training for competitions.
During with the course of the visit, Gavin toured the facilities, which included a platform lift to enable severely disabled riders to be helped easily onto the horses, an indoor school, an outdoor ménage and a walkway around nearby fields.
Gavin met with riders and helpers to discuss the value of having independence when riding and the added confidence that the experience provides. The riders are always encouraged to perform to the best of their ability, whether they be working towards RDA competitions or a lesson in the indoor school.
The centre runs sessions on Mondays and Thursdays, for varying groups of riders. On Mondays the centre caters for a range of people, including children from a local school for disabled children. Thursday’s sessions involve groups of children with physical disabilities and learning and behavioural problems.
Gavin said: “I greatly enjoyed my visit to the riding centre and meeting riders and their helpers. I was really impressed to see the difference it makes to have some freedom and independence when getting on a horse and having the opportunity to ride.”
“It takes a lot of work and effort to run the centre, along with a considerable amount of fundraising. I was interested to hear about the Race Night that the centre will be holding soon and hope many local residents will get behind this fantastic cause.”
The Mill Riding Centre is holding a Race Night, at Pattingham Village Hall, on Saturday 20th September at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children which includes one drink on arrival and a hog roast.