Pupils, staff and ponies came together last month at Hanford School to mark a major milestone – the 50th anniversary of the Hanford Group RDA (Riding for the Disabled).
To celebrate the occasion, Hanford’s younger pupils surprised the RDA volunteers with a specially-baked cake at the end of their weekly riding session. The event recognised the incredible work of the Hanford Group RDA, which has provided life-enhancing riding experiences for children with special needs for five decades.
Theo and Guy
The group, led by Chief Instructor Sandy Millard, has been running sessions at Hanford since 1974, welcoming children from Yewstock School in Sturminster Newton, many of whom are on the autistic spectrum. Each term, a group of around ten children take part, with RDA volunteers guiding two dedicated ponies, Guy and Theo, on rides around Hanford’s beautiful grounds.
Sandy, who has been involved with the group for 38 years, explained the impact of these sessions: ‘It is so uplifting for the children to be on a pony – the beams on their faces are so rewarding for us volunteers. They’re always so eager to ride that our biggest challenge is encouraging them to get down at the end! Their teachers tell us it’s the highlight of their week.’
Each ride is supported by three volunteers per child, ensuring a safe and engaging experience. The ponies, stabled alongside Hanford’s own riding ponies, are also cared for by the school’s dedicated stables team and receive plenty of attention from the pupils.
Charley Pearson, head of riding at Hanford, said: ‘Riding is at the heart of life at Hanford, and we see daily how much our pupils benefit from being around and riding ponies. To be able to share this with children from the wider community is something we truly value.’
Hanford Group RDA also held an afternoon tea party for around 35 past and present coaches, volunteers and friends, and enjoyed an afternoon of tea and cake as well as reminiscing and sharing old photos.
The Hanford Group RDA is always looking for volunteers – no riding experience is required, just a willingness to help, enjoy the outdoors and support children with special needs.
To get involved, contact Sandy via Hanford School Office: office@hanfordschool.co.uk or 01258 860219.
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