Monday, February 06, 2012 - Register - Login
From our archive
BELOW: riding in outdoor arena circa 2002, cutting ribbon of Indoor arena 2004; Guy and Murphy riding outdoors 2009, current NYRDA ponies
     
A brief history of New Yatt Riding for the Disabled Group
August 1984 - the Group was launched by Barbara Morris and a group of enthusiastic volunteers. They borrowed a paddock and pony to give riding sessions. The Group acquired provisional status from Riding for the Disabled Organisation, (by then in its 15th year) and embarked on training, publicity and fundraising

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987 the Group moved to the Walled Garden Wilcote where they stayed until 1994. During this period they acquired more ponies and developed the Group. Hacking out and going to local shows were very popular activities with riders.

1993 Topsy joins the Group, in foal, and Humbug is born in September

1994 Following a major fundraising effort the Group moves to our current location. They provide sessions while developing the site and involve many local supporters to build the track, stables block, barn and outdoor manege.

Scooby Doo joins the Group, a present from 3 Oxfordshire lacemaking groups

September 1996
- HRH the Princess Royal, Patron of RDA visits New Yatt RDA and officially opens the site


1999
Murphy and Paddy join the Group


2002-2004
- Major fundraising project to raise £132000 for an indoor arena which was constructed over the summer holidays and has been used in all weathers since October 2004


2004 Bramble joins the Group. The NYRDA website is launched

May 2005 Indoor School in Action, showing the Friends of New Yatt RDA who supported the Indoor School appeal how riding indoors has transformed the sessions

2006
Fahye joins the Group on loan.

2008 Polly joins the Group. Jasper is acquired with a grant from Sport Relief via Oxfordshire Community Foundation

The first 25 years of New Yatt RDA can be summed in three words; vision, dedication and development.

We are now looking forward to celebrating our 30th Anniversary in 2014 thanks to the constant encouragement of our supporters, the tireless efforts of our helpers and the willing participation of our ponies


     
Our Ponies
Scooby, Murphy, Paddy, Bramble, Fahye Polly and Jasper have clocked up  over 50 years experience at NYRDA between them. We must also pay tribute to the many lovely ponies who have worked with the Group over the years. See Gallery page for more photos
     
Our Supporters
Only £5000 of our annual running costs comes from session revenue. Over £13000 must be raised from fundraising and we thank all our supporters past, present and future whose generosity makes everything possible. See Friends of NYRDA page
     
Our Helpers
All our Instructors and helpers are volunteers who give hours of their time to the Group each week. Many have been involved for over 10 years and some cover multiple roles eg horse care, site maintenance, fundraising and administration. See Helpers Page
     
Our Riders
Likewise, some current riders started riding as children and have continued into adulthood. We work closely with local schools and colleges to maximise the riding opportunites at NYRDA

Our riders and their families are also great fundraisers doing tandem skydives, tin shakes and radio/tv interviews to help us promote the Group. See Events page
     
Copyright 2008 New Yatt RDA - Registered Charity No 1073635 - A Member Group of Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving