Welcome to the Ashmount RDA group

(Riding for the Disabled Association)

About Ashmount RDA group …

Ashmount RDA group was specifically set up and is for the pupils attending Ashmount School. Run by a strong and highly committed group of volunteers under the supervision of the lead instructor Dawn Whitmore-Kirby, the aim of the group is to encourage as many Ashmount pupils as possible to enjoy the benefits of horse riding in a safe and secure environment. With the support of the school staff and their extensive knowledge of individual pupil’s needs, the riding sessions are a great success.

When do we ride? …

Ashmount RDA sessions take place as part of the school curriculum in upper Key Stages 2 and in Key Stage 3 on a Friday morning, where at present 8 riders, attend each session and they ride in 6 to 8 week blocks, depending on the school term times; allowing at least 48 pupils to be offered the opportunity to ride during each academic year. Unfortunately, due to the number of pupils attending Ashmount School it is impossible for all of our pupils to ride each year. However, further sessions are available for parents and carers to access privately for their child outside of school time: Please contact:

Dawn Whitmore-Kirby

Meadow School of Riding, 

Bowleys Barn Farm 
Stanford Lane 
Normanton on Soar 
LOUGHBOROUGH 
LE12 5ER 

Telephone: Landline 01509 646361, Mobile 07860 245675 

Why do we ride? …

The benefits horse riding offers our pupils are extensive, many pupils benefit socially from the interaction with the ponies gaining confidence and self-esteem through building trust; Other pupils gain from the physical benefits of improved balance and posture due to the way they are able to sit on the pony; There are also the cognitive benefits such as improved concentration, processing and listening skills to name a few. The greatest benefit is the personal achievement of each pupil and the pride on their faces as they receive their rosettes at the end of each module.

Benefits of RDA

Celebrating 40 years next year …

Initially, riding as part of the Ratae RDA group based at Park View, Ashmount became a group in their own right in the autumn of 1982 and are now based at Meadow School of Riding, Normanton on Soar, where the ponies are stabled and trained. During its history Ashmount RDA has enjoyed many successes in Regional dressage and country challenge competitions, National championship events and the Special Olympics where 2 of our riders have won both gold and silver medals.

A big THANK YOU to all of our volunteers without whom our riding sessions wouldn’t be possible. With Dawn’s lead they ensure we have fun, safe and exciting sessions. 

For further information about our Ashmount RDA group, please contact:

Sandra O'Connell

RDA coordinator at Ashmount School

Telephone: 01509 286506