Epping Community Bank recently supported the Riding for the Disabled Centre in Marsfield with a community grant. A great cost saving, so they can expand their activities.

RDA explained that they applied for this grant to be able to increase the number of riders they can cater for and at the same time, to help the environment by installing solar power.

RDA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides horse assisted activities to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and totally run by volunteers. Their classes develop and enhance the physical, social and psychological abilities of clients. Some riders come as individuals with family or carers, and they also have riders from the special units at local public primary schools who attend in groups of 8 to 12 at a time. 

The Centre has good facilities and is always striving to increase the number of people who can access services. Despite being operated totally by volunteers, the operating costs are high with horses to feed, their health and welfare to ensure, and facilities and property to maintain. They also wanted to become “green” and do what they can to fight climate change.  

With this project the Centre can be almost self sufficient for energy as they largely operate in daylight hours. Such savings can then be returned to provide more available horses and other support items so that they can increase the number of classes and students.

Next time you are driving down Culloden Road – have a look at the centre in Marsfield Park.