YORKSHIRE WOLDS RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

HISTORY:

In the summer of 1973, a group of ladies from the Driffield area were approached by the Headmistress of the Kings Mill Special School ( a Special School for children with learning disability) –would it be possible to organise for some of the children from the school to have the opportunity to ride a pony?

A Coffee Morning was held at Burton Agnes to launch the idea, to find out who may be interested in providing pony riding and also to raise some basic funds.

The outcome was very positive, several local ladies volunteered to help, the use of a pony, plus a paddock in Nafferton was provided and once a week two or three children came out from Kings Mill School to Nafferton to ride. It was very simple, very basic – but the children involved obviously enjoyed it.

As they say “from little acorns, large oak tress grow” and so it was with this very small, but enthusiastic group of ladies and Kings Mill School.

By 1975 a committee had been formed, officials elected and each Monday morning, from April to November, three or four children from Kings Mill, all with learning disability and some with a physical disability, were taken to the Riding School in Hunmanby for their riding. By the end of that year, the Group had decided on the name of “Yorkshire Wolds” – joined the Riding for the Disabled Association – and Glenda Bayley
was the first Group Instructor. Pat Burdass became Chairman in 1976 – a position she held until 1998, and Lady Mary MacDonald came onto the Committee, and was a great guiding force for the Group for many years

Riding continued at Hunmanby, the group gained new volunteers, money raising events were held, we were generously supported with donations from firms, organisations and individuals. A 25 mile Sponsored Walk was held in 1998 to celebrate our 25th Anniversary, and raised over £2,500! Earlier that year we had received a visit from HRH Princess Anne – Patron of the RDA, at a joint event with the Priory View Group at Speeton.

In 1980 – the Riding School in Hunmanby closed and the Group was invited by Simon and Angela Dawson, to use a field at Rudston House and base our weekly sessions there. This continued until the “Foot & Mouth” outbreak in 2001. Once again we were looking for a new “home” and this time Sandra Cooper from the Chesney Riding School came to our rescue, not only providing excellent facilities but also becoming our Group Instructor With an Indoor School we are now able to ride throughout the winter months. The Group still meets there each Monday morning, but in 2010 under the new ownership of Jason and Sarah Oakley.

The Yorkshire Wolds RDA Group works exclusively with children from Kings Mill School, in Driffield.
Pupils from the School ride for half termly sessions throughout the year – and during any one year there can be up to 50 children involved.

Since 1980 and the Groups’ move to Rudston, a Summer Picnic and a Christmas Party for the children and helpers has been held at Rudston House. These two evens are always highlights in the Yorkshire Wolds year!

Recent achievements for the Group were in 2008 gaining 5th place in the National Musical Ride Competition with our entry “Weather or Not”, and in 2009 gaining 1st place with our entry “Down on the Farm”


2010 OFFICIALS:

Chairman - Mr. Peter Greenhough
Organiser - Mrs Anne Farnsworth
Treasurer - Mrs Pauline Buxton
Secretary - Mrs Judy Burdass (01262 470201)