Blairgowrie Riding for the Disabled Association is proud to be one of the oldest RDA groups in the UK and in 2022 celebrated an amazing milestone – our GOLDEN JUBILEE! Rhona Christie, chair of Blairgowrie RDA, said: “We were absolutely delighted to have reached our Golden Jubilee in 2022. For everyone here at the group, it’s a real joy to see the benefits horse riding brings to our riders.”
Although we were registered with RDA National 51 years ago, riding did not start until a year later and in 2022, we were honoured to receive a visit from HRH Princess Anne, President of Riding for the Disabled, to mark this incredible occasion.
Rhona added: “We are still going strong as a group and that is very much down to the incredible support we receive from the local community, Easter Rattray Farm and our hard-working volunteers.
“We appreciate everything that people in the surrounding towns and villages have done for us over the last five decades. From all of us at Blairgowrie RDA, here’s to the next 50 years!”
We’re also very lucky to have a very supportive group of volunteers who all give freely of their time and expertise.
Rhona said: “Our fantastic team of volunteers do a great job of caring for the ponies at our base at Easter Rattray and we’re very grateful for their support. Blairgowrie RDA is always keen to welcome new volunteers, so please do get in touch if you’re interested – experience with horses is not essential!”
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
There is a continuing and growing demand for RDA activities in the immediate vicinity of Blairgowrie.
We are a registered charity and our costs are for the running of the centre and, in particular, the welfare and maintenance of the ponies.
We have recently increased our lesson capacity over a longer period of the year and, as well as welcoming children from across the local area including Coupar Angus, Meigle, Burrelton and Alyth, we are offering private lessons for adults and children, which have proved very popular.
We have also introduced Tea with a Pony sessions, where local residents with dementia and similar conditions come along to meet our ponies and enjoy a cup of tea and a cake. If you know of someone who would like to take part, please do contact us.
LOCATION
We have been based at Easter Rattray Christmas Tree Farm on the outskirts of Blairgowrie since 2018, where we have access to a great range of facilities.
The ponies love the large, interesting field with a shelter, stream and incredible views. The purpose-built outdoor arena for lessons is proving highly successful and participants also enjoy hacks around the traffic-free tracks on the farm.
We have a container office in the courtyard, a tack room in the barn and access to running water and electricity. An on-site toilet is also available for volunteers and participants alike.
YOUR SUPPORT
We are a group that believes passionately in what we do and would welcome any financial support you can give us. If you would like to see what we do, we would be delighted to show you around the facilities and discuss our plans. Please contact our secretary, Linda Riseborough, by phone or email.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our lessons or volunteering with Blairgowrie RDA, please get in touch.
Keep up to date with all our latest news on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BlairgowrieRDA
Blairgowrie RDA is a registered charity with OSCR and a member group of Riding for the Disabled Association. Scottish Charity Number: SCO28824
Trustees: Rhona Christie (Chair); Linda Riseborough (Secretary); Bronwen Godley (Treasurer); Andi Bruce; Mary Dunlop; Wendy Fenemore; Sheryl Glass; Kate Hood
Email: info@blairgowrierda.co.uk | Mobile: 07434 816089
