Morpeth RDA welcomes exciting new chapter at Northumberland College

The Morpeth branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is thriving in its new home at Northumberland College.

The group moved its activities and ponies to the industry-leading Equine Centre at Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus in 2023, and, following a transition period to ensure a smooth relocation from its previous premises, Morpeth RDA continues to provide life-changing experiences for the group’s 100-plus members.

Morpeth RDA has also hosted a series of events for local SEND schools and to engage with the wider community which have received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Lee Lister, Vice Principal, said: “The synergy that the RDA provision brings to Kirkley Hall aligns to our organisational values of inclusion, equity and respect.

“The students attending Kirkley Hall’s Equine provision will develop a deep understanding of the power horse riding can have on disabled young people and adults, and conversely provide aspiration and inspiration for RDA riders as they plan their future careers in the Equine industry.

“We are delighted to welcome the local branch of the RDA as we continue to develop our provision in partnership to meet the needs of Northumberland and its communities.”

Following discussions between Morpeth RDA, Northumberland County Council, Active Northumberland, and the college to review existing services, the decision was made to relocate to Kirkley Hall Campus’ specialist education centre which includes an indoor arena, mechanical horse training apparatus, outdoor arenas, schooling fields, stabling and paddocks.

To ensure maximum inclusivity and accessibility for disabled riders, Northumberland County Council has financed the upgrading of the facilities and areas dedicated to Morpeth RDA lessons and ponies, supporting the future growth ambitions of the registered charity. Northumberland County Council’s Property team successfully managed improvements works to the covered all weather school, stabling accessible toilets and walkways are now complete and being fully utilised by the RDA.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Northumberland’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Inspiring Young People, added: “I am delighted to see our young people enjoying their lessons and making the most of RDA’s excellent new home.

“The impact of Morpeth RDA is life-changing for those involved and I look forward to seeing this new partnership continue to thrive and develop.”

Morpeth RDA is a registered charity giving people with special needs and disabilities the chance to enrich their lives through riding specially trained ponies.

Over 125 riders aged between 4 and 67 travel from all over the county and beyond to attend riding lessons which encourage co-ordination, develop muscle strength, and build self-confidence. Many of the group’s riders have participated in national RDA events with considerable success.

Michelle Macaulay, Chair of Morpeth RDA, said: “We’re excited with this new chapter in the history of Morpeth RDA. We have restarted our school groups and are looking forward to our individual riders beginning again next year.

“There is great potential for expansion of RDA activities at Kirkley and we hope to be able to offer riding and horse care sessions to more participants in 2024.”

Enquiries from new participants and volunteers should be sent to morpethrdavolunteers@gmail.com or contact 01670 841277.