BUSINESS AS USUAL AT BUXTON’S DISABLED RIDING CHARITY

1 hour ago
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Business is continuing as usual at Helen Atkin Group Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), where all riding and carriage driving sessions remain unaffected by forthcoming changes at Buxton Riding School.

“Both I and my fellow trustees would like to reassure all our riders, parents, carers and supporters that we are operating as normal after the announcement that riding lessons will no longer be available at Buxton Riding School from the end of March,” said Group Chairperson Janine Frost.

“I am pleased to report that we are committed to continuing the close partnership we have forged with riding school owners Louise and Dave Thompson over almost four decades to ensure that disabled people of all ages across the High Peak will still have access to regular, life-changing riding therapy sessions.

“We also hope that all those who very generously donate funds to enable us to operate will continue to support us as we look forward to celebrating our 40^th anniversary next year, as well as throughout the years to come.

“We are a self-supporting, registered charity, and as such have to raise all our own income, as well as relying on the commitment and generosity of our dedicated community of unpaid volunteers to continue making a massive difference to so many disabled people’s lives.”

Helen Atkin Group RDA hires ponies and horses from Buxton Riding School at Fern Farm, Fern Road, to enable around 80 riders aged from six to more than 60 to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of horse riding in its state-of-the-art, purpose-built arena, which opened in 2021. It was officially opened by multi-Gold Medal winning Paralympic dressage rider Sir Lee Pearson CBE in 2022, and played host to an official visit from HRH The Princess Royal, President of the national Riding for the Disabled Association, in 2025.

For further information, and to discover how you can donate or volunteer to play an active role in Helen Atkin Group RDA’s success story, visit https://www.helenatkinrda.org.uk/.