As we all know horses and cars prefer to avoid each other but for one well deserving group of people it has proved to be a most rewarding combination.
The Burcott Riding Centre that is situated near Wells in Somerset holds weekly riding lessons for the Burcott and District Riding for the Disabled Association.
The lessons are a huge support to disabled people as they help with their co-ordination skills and their balance on horseback that is not easy for them to deal with whilst on the ground
In the region of twenty five horse riders participate in these weekly sessions initially starting with some basic skills training progressing to such things as gymkhana type games.
Although the disabled riders look forward to the sessions, as they are such fun there is a more serious side to the group’s work. During their horse riding lessons they actually use in excess of one hundred muscles in their bodies without perhaps even realising this. In effect, you could argue, that they are actually having some form of physiotherapy. In addition the riders receive a huge benefit in building up relationships with the horses, being out in fresh air, feeling a huge sense of achievement and the opportunity to develop skills they did not know they were capable of.
Needless to say, these sort of riding sessions need funds to make them happen and that is where the Classic and Vintage Car Motor Club has stepped in by choosing this disabled riding group as the organisation it wishes to benefit from its annual event.
The chairman of the disabled riding group, Mary Adams, commented at how delighted they were to be selected for the Mendip Tour last weekend.
She stated:”This was the 18th Mendip Vintage and Classic Tour, organised by the Classic and Historic Motor Club,”
“The club has donated two beautiful Sturgeon limited edition and signed prints of the local area which were raffled on the day, the proceeds of which will go to the Burcott RDA Group.
“The 80 mile route started at Tyntesfield House, Wraxall, and culminated in a spectacular display on the lawns in front of the majestic Wells Cathedral.”
Let’s hope that all those members of the Classic and Vintage Motor Club who had taken their vehicles to the event had classic car insurance in the event of any mishaps!
