Exciting News at Gaddesden Place RDA

Like many, Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled (RDA) has had to adapt to a new way of working through the first and second lockdown and during the summer months with the social distancing rules.

In October, they took delivery of their new mechanical horse. Gaddesden Place RDA ran a competition to find a name for the horse, and the chosen name was, fittingly, Champion. Some of you may remember Champion the Wonder Horse, so you’ll understand why we say fittingly!

The charity raised over £630 from the competition and had over 120 different names to choose from. The trustees and centre manager chose their top 10 and then all of their volunteers, riders and supporters voted for their favourite. In reverse order, the winners were as follows:

• 3rd Merlin
• 2nd Raven
• 1st Champion

The centre is currently training their coaches but it won’t be long before they will be using him for their riders and as it’s remote control they don’t need so many helpers – particularly useful in the current climate!

‘Gaddesden Place RDA is constantly looking at ways in which we can move forward to help and support more individuals. We see Champion as helping us in so many ways. He can take heavier individuals whom we have not been able to help and support; our existing riders in specific ways to allow them to progress their riding skills; we also see him as helping us to bring back more riders who have been unable to return due to social distancing rules. Welcome to the team, Champion,’ said Karen Gosen.

As many of their fundraising activities have been cancelled you can still support them with their ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/buy_a_bale.