An Inverness-shire Riding for the Disabled group is determined to complete a plan for new facilities despite a difficult past year
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A local group of the Highland Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has issued a rallying call for more fundraising ideas to bring a stalled project to fruition.
Gay McKeown chairperson of the group trustees said everyone involved is determined to complete the plan to build new facilities.
These include an undercover area for receiving participants, space for non-ridden (horse care) activities, an office and some stabling.
In the meantime the group, based at Reelig, Kirkhill, near Inverness, is continuing to provide therapeutic sessions for their participants with the outdoor facilities.
It is also looking for more volunteers to come forward to help the centre that has riders from Inverness-shire and Ross-shire.
Gay said: “The group has endured a tough time over the past year with the stalling of our vision for fit-for-purpose facilities for participants, volunteers and ponies.
“Together with our regional chair, Elizabeth Furness, we are keen to raise awareness that we are still active and determined to secure the future of the group but need local support.
“The group trustees are aware that the lack of progress over the past year has been unsettling and frustrating for everyone involved with Highland RDA as well as the local community who have supported the group in many ways including fund-raising.
“We wish to assure everyone that our top priority is to move the project forward including taking legal and other professional advice and liaising with RDA UK.
“We are reviewing the outstanding project scope and Andrew Fleming, Partner at Fairhurst Structural Engineers, has confirmed that the structure as it currently stands has been constructed adequately and is suitable to be brought to completion once we have funds in place.
“We remain committed to securing the future of Highland RDA and delivering an excellent service for our participants.”
She said further fund-raising efforts are being planned and there is an operational planning group considering and implementing ways that current facilities can be given an uplift.
“Last year a field shelter was constructed with help from SSEN and the Community Woodland Project and this has been a welcome addition against the elements,” said Gay.
“The group has recently launched a new website – highlandgrouprda.org.uk – where you can find information on sessions and ways to support them.
“The trustees, staff and volunteers remain committed to securing the future of Highland RDA and delivering an excellent service for their participants and would welcome any inquiries from their local community who would like to get involved in any way.”
RDA horses benefit the lives of over 20,000 disabled children and adults throughout the UK providing fun activities and providing therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by 13,000 volunteers and qualified coaches at over 400 RDA centres.
RDA welcomes participants with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions.
