Fears for the future of disabled riding group
Desperateappealforvolunteers
Blairgowrie’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) branch is facing the real possibility of having to close down after serving the community for the past 40 years.
Help is desperately needed to ensure the continuation of the riding - which helps children in their physical and mental development in the town.
The group has appealed on social media for more volunteers to help with a range of roles involved in the upkeep of the ponies, as well as supporting young people in the area in their horse riding, and stress that if enough people come forward then the amount of work involved for everyone is greatly reduced.
A spokesperson for the group explained: “One of the main areas where help is required is with the ongoing care of the ponies and general maintenance of the field and shelters which all feeds in to the continuing welfare of the ponies.
“These duties include feeding and tending to the seven ponies that the group have, keeping the grazing clear and healthy and maintaining the fences and sheds to ensure the ponies are safely contained and cannot hurt themselves. The more people willing to help out doing these jobs the better - the old adage is true, many hands make light work.
“Help is also needed at the weekly classes which run on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. These are not only extremely beneficial to the riders but a good social gathering for the helpers.
“We are also looking for people out there who would be willing and able to lead classes and even go on to gain the RDA instructors’ status.”
The Blairgowrie branch is also looking for volunteers to join the committee and help with all aspects of the group’s paperwork and organisation, which would suit those who wish to support the work of the group but maybe don’t feel physically able to run around with the ponies.
As well as paperwork, this could include tack cleaning, equipment maintenance and fundraising.
The spokesperson added: “It would be a real shame for the group to have to fold after 40 years of serving the Blairgowrie and the surrounding area but, sadly, unless more helpers come forward the group will have to take the horrific decision to close in the next few weeks.”
If you think you can help, or know someone who might, and have a few hours a week to help out, email BlairgowrieRDA@gmail.com or phone 01250 874715.