Meet our newest RDA group

Ballyboley RDA, North County Down, Northern Ireland

Ballyboley may be new to RDA, but with RDA County Coach Hilary Jones in charge, there is certainly no shortage of expertise. Having been involved with RDA for over 20 years, Hilary knew there was a real need in the local area for offering riding lessons outside of school hours. The groups now meets twice a week and welcomes 10 riders with a range of learning, physical and sensory disabilities.

“I’m very much into teaching them to ride and encouraging everyone to achieve,” says Hilary. “We do the RDA proficiency tests in riding and horsecare, and we even do showjumping.”

Despite being a new group, there is already a great community feel at Ballyboley. Two coaches and six volunteers support Hilary, and a little shed on site is run as a coffee shop for parents to get together and chat during lessons. “!t means a lot for the parents to be able to socialise with each other and enjoy watching their children improve with every lesson.,” says Hilary. “I love what I do. It’s hard work – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Perhaps you could start an RDA group and help your local community to benefit from our activities. Get in touch today info@rda.org.uk

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