Court Meadow RDA - Who we are

WHO WE ARE

The Group provides riding as a therapy for over 60 children at the West Sussex County Council Court Meadow School in Cuckfield for children with severe learning difficulties and special needs who are resident in Mid Sussex.

The Group endeavours to involve their students in as many outside events as possible,and develop their competitive skills, thus allowing them to interact with other similar groups from across the South East and nationally.

Of the 2 riding sessions, one is on Wednesday afternoon at Court Meadow School, when the Nursery class of 2-3 year olds are introduced to the sensation of sitting on a pony and its movement, a significant shift from the confinement of a wheelchair. The fitting of safety helmets can be a challenging moment for pupils and instructors but all steps are taken slowly to consolidate the learning process. and ensure that they are comfortable and at one with the pony, and ensure that it is an exciting and joyful event. This also helps to develop the child's sensory skills through touching the pony and feeling it's movement.

The second session is held at Ditchling Common Stud on Thursday mornings from 9.30 to 11.30, Having already been introduced to riding on Wednesday afternoons, more advanced lessons are possible. To encourage the children to gain confidence and achieve their own personal goals, a large number of volunteers are required to cover all the different sessions. Some riders may need two side walkers and a leader for safety reasons, depending on the level of ability, so that at any one session of six riders, at least 18 helpers plus the instructor are needed. While some of the pupils may develop sufficient skills to represent their Group and Region at competitive level, the primary aim is to help each child at an individual level to grow in his or her confidence, and fulfil his or her own personal potential.

An RDA physiotherapist gives advice to local RDA Groups, demonstrating exercises that can help strengthen bones and muscles, as some pupils are unable to sit upright unaided.

Parents are encouraged to join in with the Group's activities. Each year a Summer Camp is held and at Christmas a seasonal gymkhana, complete with Father Christmas, and the Mums and Dads are encouraged to come along and join the fun.