Greater London Region at Bushy Park on Sunday 24 September

Wow what an amazing event emerged from Horse Rangers and Park Lane RDA Groups joining forces! Over 100 riders on 30 lovely ponies rode in well organised groups round a beautiful 3 km course through Bushy Park in London. This was all made possible by lots of wonderful volunteers led by Nicky Wyss from Horse Rangers and Natalie O’Rourke from Park Lane, who organised registration, ponies, mounting, course stewarding, rosettes, cakes and more.

30 ponies gathered in the indoor school before the first ride set off entering Bushy Park in front of White Lodge led by two mounted police from the City Police Force, going up wide and grassy Lime Avenue heading towards Diana’s Fountain. There was lots of wildlife to be spotted including red deer.

Another 20 groups of riders followed throughout the afternoon and most were supported by volunteers and parents on foot. There was a great atmosphere and the enjoyment of riders many of whom were riding out in the park for the first time was evident. The parents of one young rider who had raised over £500 were keen to provide feedback on just how much riding with RDA had helped their son’s mobility. 35 RDA riders completed the beautiful course accompanied by coaches and non disabled riders with the volunteers and staff who had worked so hard all afternoon getting their turn later on. Fantastic weather added to the special feeling for this event and there was talk of these groups doing another Big Ride next year!

Sponsor Sam at: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/samorde