East Calder girl’s joy at disabled riding group exercise

Sep 29 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

EAST Calder mum Pamela Anderson doesn't want the season to end.

Her Down Syndrome daughter Michelle has been attending the RDA for 15 years – and Pamela knows its absence until April 2012 will leave a big gap in her life.

Pamela said: “The sessions make such a difference to her life.

“The physical side is important as it makes her use core muscles that she wouldn't otherwise get the chance to use.

“It also helps with posture and strength.

“It is the sport that people do without realising how much exercise it really involves.

“I believe that is a big benefit to her.”

The riders benefited from a final session of sun on Saturday morning, no doubt adding to the physical aspect of the activity.

But Michelle's mum reckons the benefits the RDA classes give her daughter go beyond the physical.

Pamela said: “The big difference is what it does to her confidence.

“It is absolutely massive.

“When she's up on that horse she gets such a lift.

“Having a disability can be very limiting and these classes give her something to do that she really enjoys.

“They also teach her important social skills.

“They learn that they can't get everything they want, have to compromise, and wait in queues for others.

“It may sound like basic stuff, but it's really important.

“It's also exciting for them to be part of the sport.

“Michelle is always really looking forward to it and she gets so much out of it.

“It's always hard when the sessions end for winter.

“It just isn't possible to run it throughout the year with it all being outside, but they all really miss it and cannot wait for the new season to start.”