Court Meadow RDA - Who we are

WHO WE ARE

The Group provides riding as a therapy for over 60 children from Court Meadow School in Cuckfield and Newick House School in Burgess Hill 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.

There are two riding sessions, one on Wednesday afternoons, weather permitting, 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 to ensure that they are comfortable and at one with the pony. The aim is to ensure that their riding experience is an exciting and joyful event. It 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 in the indoor school. A large number of volunteers are required to cover the sessions to encourage the children to gain confidence and achieve their own personal goals. Some riders may need two side walkers and a leader for safety reasons, 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 where the riders get more hands-on time with the ponies, learning grooming and stable yard skills. Riding sessions during this week are longer and if the weather is fine, the riders have the opportunity of riding in the open air. At Christmas and Easter seasonal gymkhanas are held, complete with Father Christmas and Easter Bunnies (or chicks), and parents and teachers are invited to come along and join the fun.