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Broadlands Group

Riding for the Disabled

the ability to improve the lives

of those with a disability

Copyright © Broadlands Group Riding for the Disabled      Registered Charity: 1074408

Web support for the Third Sector by  PRO-active Management Services Ltd

Broadlands first started offering rides to disabled children in 1955 and provides over  900 rides per year.  Based at the same wonderful facilities in Medstead near Alton, Broadlands provides riding lessons to both mentally and physically disabled adults and children.  In addition to disabled adults and children from the local area, pupils from Shepherds Down School and Treloars School ride regularly.

Their are three key factors that make Broadlands unique:

Ponies

In order to provide these rides we have eight ponies of various sizes and shapes with different paces to suit individual riders.  These ponies are selected for their temperament and are carefully trained for the job they have to do.  They are calm and responsive so that they will obey the rider however weak the signal.  By having suitable ponies that are prepared to have people around them, or work independently, the riders can make good progress from needing a leader and side walkers to, in many cases, riding independently off the lead and entering competitions.

Helpers

We have a wonderful team of helpers that willingly turn up every lesson whatever the weather.  During the week a majority of our riders need three helpers, so with a full ride we can have 8 ponies and 24 helpers, plus a physio and an instructor.  Mounting many of the riders requires five able and capable adults, even with our wonderful hydraulic lift.  In total we have 50 helpers, including 6 instructors and a County instructor, some come to complete their DofE others have been coming since 1970!!

Facilities

The stables, covered school and grounds offer all of the facilities and safety our riders need, whether in their first lesson gently walking around the school and enjoying the scenery or having progressed on to using the jumping lane and cross country fences.

To enable these three factors to function we need money.  As a registered charity, we raise all our own funds with a focus on LOCAL.  We are actively supported by the Four Marks and Medstead Rotary Group, Alton Round Table, Alton Beer Festival, Medstead Players, EHDC, our Local Councillor and trusts and private supporters.

As a small local charity we would like YOU to be involved in the success and happiness Broadlands and its loyal team of supporters create.

Financially or Physically you can help.