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Our Riders

Kieran's Story

Ozzy was the first horse Kieran rode.

When we arrived at Thornton Rose RDA on that cold winter's day back in January 2007 we thought Kieran would never go near a horse let alone contemplate riding one. Ozzy gained Kieran's trust within one session and they became fast friends. Kieran had never expressed that he had a friend before but as he continued to ride Ozzy he began to voice thoughts about Ozzy being his friend.
This was an amazing achievement as speech is one of Kieran's difficulties. We also saw Kieran respond to Ozzy in ways we never believed were possible.
Kieran doesn't stay still for long and his concentration span is exceedingly short. When he rode Ozzy he would interact with the volunteers and be able to be calm in himself.He was able to sit still in the saddle telling his stories and looking like a regular little cowboy.
It was sad when Ozzy became ill and had to retire but we still see him often and go and visit him in his field as much as we can.

The bond between Kieran and Ozzy is very much alive and he will always be his friend.

Thank you for making a huge difference Ozzy

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Ross's Story

Hi,
My name is Ross, I am 11 years old and have been riding with the group since I was 6. I found it very difficult to follow the instructions at local riding schools but since joining Thornton Rose, my riding and confidence have improved greatly. This is due to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the group but especially down to Ann, Bill, Joyce and Scott. Not forgetting of course the wonderful horses and ponies I have ridden; Muffin, Bobby, KT Mo, Mary, Barney, Annie, Ace and the greatest pony in the world – Misty (mum told me to say that)!
I ride Misty during my lessons with Scott and down to the hard work that mum, Scott and I put in with Misty, we have picked up several rosettes! In 2008, Misty and I competed in the RDA Scottish Championships; we won both our classes and are the current Scottish Junior Dressage Champions. I recently competed against non RDA riders in the points championship at the Drum and we won the Junior Championship!
After my lesson on Misty, I usually ride KT Mo but Joyce and Ann have given me the opportunity to ride the bigger horses as well, which has given my confidence a boost! I would like eventually to ride Bill’s horse Merlin, he is little Mary’s foal and is now 5 years old and 16hh!
When I’m not riding, I like to play the PS3, Wii, laptop, or anything to do with Transformers or Bionicle! I have just started doing Manga drawings and I’m very good at them. My favourite film (at the moment) is Iron Man and I like lots of different types of music. My favourite food is bacon and I also really like baby corn.
That’s all for now folks!

Ross

Joe & Patrick improving their riding skills

Joseph Gillespie and Patrick Grieve have been horse riding every Friday at Thornton Rose RDA since January 2009.

Joe and Patrick both have learning difficulties and receive a day service from Edinburgh City Council Health & Social Care Department. Their day service is centred at Drylaw Parish Church, near Granton and their Friday riding activity is an integral part of their weekly timetable which includes college courses, work experience and social activities.

Horse riding has offered both Joe and Patrick new skills and experiences which have very obviously increased their self-confidence and social abilities, as well as giving them valuable physical and psychological therapy.
They both obviously look forward to their horse riding as a healthy finale to their busy weekly timetable, and in addition to learning new riding and stable management skills, they have made new friends and acquaintances and enjoy socialising in the healthy out-doors. They ride all year round have ridden in all weathers, rain, hail and sunshine! The facilities at Thornton Rose include an excellent indoor arena to ride in during bad weather and beautiful woodland hacks during the better weather.

Riding has very obviously enhanced Patrick’s concentration. He now focuses for longer on each riding task, and is listening and acting better on instruction. He already had good balance and co-ordination skills, but these have also improved. Riding has improved Joe’s physical co-ordination, balance and posture, the horse’s movement also giving him good physical therapy. In both cases interacting with the horses, instructors, volunteers and other riders have improved their social skills and increased their self-confidence. Joe in particular has formed a close bond with his horse, Ace. Recently both men have advanced to riding off the lead rope. This is a huge move forwarding that they are now steering and guiding their horses themselves, independently using hand, leg, seat and voice aids.

In May last year Joe and Patrick took part in the annual Riding for the Disabled (RDA) dressage competition at the Drum RDA Centre in Gilmerton. They competed against other RDA riders by negotiating a test of manoeuvres, turns, and changes of direction, an to saluted the judges at the start and end of the test. It requires a lot of concentration and courage. Both were placed and received a certificate. Both will be competing again at the end of May 2010, and hope to better their success of 2009.

Joe and Patrick are also half way through completing their Borders College Skills Accreditation Programme. They are both doing two courses: ‘Outdoor Pursuits 1 – Horse Riding’ and ‘Outdoor Pursuits 2 – Knowledge of Horse Tack’. In each course they are asked to complete a series of tasks under supervision and observation which are photographed, recorded and marked by their assessor. The courses also include health and safety awareness in the stable yard and working around the horses. Each course takes about nine months and culminates in receiving a certificate in recognition of their achievements. With the help of the qualified staff and volunteers at Thornton Rose, the Borders certificate courses give a real focus to the activity, creating goals for Joe and Patrick to aim towards.

Craig Ellery,
Day Centre Officer,
Health & Social Care