A TENBURY charity is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year, as they embark on their 50th year.
Plenty of events are planned for 2024, but Kyre Riding for the Disabled Association group has kicked off its celebration year with a training session for all of its volunteers, with the aim of providing new skills, better engagement and an improved volunteer experience in 2024.
The charity, based at Grafton Farm Riding School south of Tenbury Wells, treated volunteers to an interactive demonstration of methods for improving the relationship between horse, rider and handler.
Kyre RDA group coach Jackie Forrester said: “ We do this for the children and adults who come to us for a riding experience first and foremost, but we want our horses, ponies and volunteers to enjoy it just as much.
"The group was shown techniques to help horses become soft, willing, receptive and respectful. This makes for happier horses, better communication and more enjoyable riding sessions and carriage driving experiences .”
The demonstration was provided by Debbie Boston, owner of Herefordshire Horsemanship, who is locally based and delivers these ‘clinics’ nationwide.
Ms Boston said this type of training uses minimal equipment and no gadgets, just a rope halter and a long rope to build confidence and trust to solve problems and reduce tension in horses.
"It was nice to be able to share my knowledge with a group of people who, in turn volunteer their time to support local people with physical and mental disabilities," she said.
Kyre RDA hopes to provide more learning experiences and knowledge so that its volunteers develop a wider understanding, a greater involvement and a better sense of personal achievement.
Most of the sessions provided by Kyre RDA are held on Thursdays and Fridays during school term time and more volunteers are sought. Volunteers need little knowledge of horses and riding to begin with as training will be provided.
Anyone interested in supporting the group's charitable activities should contact Jackie and Helen at kyrerda@gmail.com
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