Dike’s pledges support for RDA

28/07/09

Independent supermarket Dike & Son has announced that its main charity for the forthcoming year will be Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the charity supports more than 500 member groups across the UK to provide an unforgettable experience of riding or carriage driving for more than 24,000 children and adults.

Dike’s has decided to divide any money raised equally between the two local RDA groups at Milton Abbas and Henstridge.

Customers can help boost funds for these groups by choosing items marked with the purple smiley house symbol in-store.

More than 50 suppliers are helping Dike’s to support the RDA, by donating an amount of money each time customers buy one of their specially marked products, through the Making A Difference Locally charity fund.

The Milton Abbas group enables children with disabilities to learn to ride. Many of the children have learning disabilities such as autism, and benefit hugely from contact with the ponies.

Some 25 local volunteers from around Dorset get together on Friday mornings at Pound Cottage Riding Centre, Luccombe Farm, to give the children, aged between five and eight years old, time on horseback playing games and learning to ride.

Chairman Liz Platten says: “The children really respond to the ponies. One year we had a child who wouldn’t even come into the arena as she was so frightened of them, but after a year she was taking part in handy pony competitions.”

Each pony is led by a volunteer round the covered arena with two more walking alongside the rider, so they always need more helpers. Liz says: “We have a great group here, who are very dedicated. It can be very cold in winter!”

Although the group is part of the RDA Federation, it has to be financially independent and this group’s running costs amount to £4,500 each year.

The Henstridge RDA group has a very special helper – Bob the mechanical horse. He is a great introduction to riding for those who have never been on horseback, or who are recovering from injury. This gentle form of exercise can be beneficial for all sorts of problems including strokes, MS and cerebral palsy, as well as for people who have had hip replacements.

Based at Pevlings Farm Riding and Livery Stables, South Cheriton, riders can progress on to real horses once they have built up strength and confidence.

To this end, the group is looking to raise funds to buy a horse that is strong enough to carry adults, yet small enough to get on and run beside, and also very calm – in short, “a complete saint of a horse”, according to organiser Tessa Woodhouse.

Last year Dike & Son customers raised £2,500 for Dorset children's hospice Julia's House.

ENDS

For more information contact Adam Vincent, Dike & Son Store Manager on 01963 362204 or visit www.dikes-direct.co.uk

For information about Henstridge RDA, or to volunteer, call Tessa Woodhouse on 01963 32421.

For information about Milton Abbas RDA, or to volunteer, call Sue Garland on 01963 363541.

Pictures show: children having fun at Milton Abbas RDA; and Tom Davies on Bob the mechanical horse at Henstridge RDA.