The feedback page is for everyone to express their views on Ravelrig RDA Group.
Please send any pictures, articles or correspondance by contacting us. We would also be happy to display any pictures or correspondance left at the stables.
Gemma
We are all very sad at losing Gemma. Some of our riders and helpers would like to share their, thoughts, feeling and memories about her.
Here is an article written by staff and pupils from Beatlie School, Livingston.
Hello again from everyone in Pentland. Recently we've been off to Ravelrig for our riding lessons. We love to hear the clip clop sound the ponies make when we're out riding them and the final fast canter is pretty exciting! Mind you, we have to put in a bit of grafting to help keep the ponies in good condition. We have been grooming, feeding and learning how to clean their hoovess of mud and stones. Dusty certainly lived up to her name the day we had to groom her ... we still think she found the muddiest spot to roll in!
"I have been bringing my daughter Jasmine to RDA for nearly two years. Jasmine has benefited greatly from RDA and a whole new world has been opened up for her. It is a high point in the week to see the horses and a fabulous conversation point for her through the week."
"The horse riding is a very sociable time for the parents also. In the jocularity there is the caring and love that comes through meeting parents from varied backgrounds, but similar circumstances. It is a tremendous benefit that the focus is not your child's problem but a joyous activity - not what your child cannot do, but sharing in their success in an ambition." Jasmines Dad
"It can be hard to join a new group however the welcome from other parents is genuine. The only advice I could offer would be to get your child on a horse and be open to the relaxed banter that bounces around other parents at the paddock side!"
"The horses are kind and enjoy helping all the riders". Scott (age 6)
Feedback from the previous web site
"I am Chairman of Cranleigh RDA in Surrey and am thinking of getting a website set up. Yours is great!" Pauline Lane
Although a resident of Balerno for most of my life, I only became aware of Ravelrig RDA (Riding for Disabled Association) when a friend suggested I applied for a place for my son, Ryan. At his assessment for a riding place I saw a sheer delight in my son's face that I had never seen before - a happiness which has remained and grown over the years. Thursdays in our house is the favourite day of the week and we spend all day looking at the sky, hoping for a dry evening to ride. When Ryan gets home from school he signs 'horse' at least 50 times before it is finally time to go. Riding has improved Ryan's overall posture, balance and concentration and in addition Ryan's social interaction with people and more importantly his ability to have an independent relationship with the ponies, especially Tim.
It did not take long for us to realise what a fantastic place this is, not only for riders and their families, but also for the community. Riding sessions take place 5 days per week, special needs schools bring groups on 2 days, with parents bringing individual riders filling the places on the other 3 days sessions. The teenage helpers are particularly welcoming to riders and through their volunteering are developing responsibility, social skills and team work, plus lots of fun. My six year old daughter has not yet missed a Thursday night to 'help' the girls and boys.
Shona Payne (Parent / Committee Member)
