Ds5 - special needs, in Colchester area - I think would love riding - how do I get started?

[LargeLatte]

I have just spoken with Riding for Disabled and lady was very helpful, but I hadn't realised that sessions with them would be during school time. The school might be ok with this, but possibly not as he is at a mainstream school and his attendance is not great.

what are the alternatives? He has dyspraxia, poor muscle tone and some hearing loss. I think riding will really help develop his core muscle strength, but we would need an understanding instructor as his abilities and needs are different to your average 5 year old.

Hiya, My DD has Cerebella Atrophy (not dis-similar from dyspraxia symptons)she got on really well in a semi private lesson at the local riding school. If you speak to local riding schools, being very up front with his condition some of them are very understanding and great with children with disabilities. Unfortunatly DD's condition is progressive so we have now had to move on to just having a little plodd on a pony share a few times a week, and RDA during term time, which has been included in her statement of special needs so the school can't quibble about it.

(oh forgot to say DD is hearing impaired - we used to take her FM radio aid to her lessons so the instructor could speak directly too her) and physio actually activly encouraged us to keep up the riding when we thought we were going to have to give it up

Thanks - good to hear someone else's success story, gives me motivation to pursue it.

Bumping for you as there is a tack room Mumsnetter in your area and she might be along later.

Best of luck with it.If I ever get any free time I'm going to volunteer at our local RDA school.

Try asking around a few riding schools - some are disability friendly in general, and other RDA centres have weekend sessions. Where I ride now has Saturday RDA, but welcomes people with disabilities in any lesson

See if you can track down your local RDA instructors. Usually these are BHS (or otherwise) qualified instructors who have taken on extra training to teach for the RDA, so there is a good chance that they already offer lessons at riding schools.

Thanks for your help. I've got the names of the two local groups so I'll give them a call and see what they suggest.

Hi, I'm the Colchester person, but I don't know about the RDA. I'll have an ask about for you. Xx

Thanks Saggy that would be lovely.

LargeLatte, I have PMd you.