Testimonials

'My daughter Jaime started riding with the Mount RDA a few months ago. She has made great progress in this short time and I can see how much she enjoys the riding sessions, even though she is not able to articulate this in words.

This is a terrific team of volunteers, they have a wealth of experience and have put a lot of effort into understanding how best to communicate with Jaime and to learn what works well for her and what doesn't. Having continuity week on week is a big contributor to Jaime's progress, as she gets to know the team and they get to know her. Jaime is growing more comfortable with the volunteers, confident and relaxed during her riding sessions, familiar with the horse she is riding, and happy with the level of demand placed on her. I can happily hand over to the volunteers knowing that Jaime is benefitting in so many ways: interacting with the horse and the helpers; increasing her physical and mental wellbeing through exercise and being outdoors in nature; improving balance and muscle strength; and gaining a sense of achievement.

As a parent I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the time, effort and care that is put into organising and delivering the riding sessions.

"It's so satisfying being back in the saddle.

If I can get on a horse I can do anything.

I feel like I'm on top of the world when I'm on a horse."

"I have been horse riding since I was was 4 years old. However, after a 10 years break, I started with the mount group about 15 years ago and I have never looked back.
I have an amazing relationship with the instructor as we have formed an incredible bond . Over the years she has pushed and supported me to achieve my full potential .
I have really fond memories of Di encouraging me to compete at Hartbury for the national championships and with her hard work I was National Champion three years running.
RDA is a real team effort, the volunteers work really hard to make sure we have a good and safe ride with all our needs being met."

'I had a Stroke in Feb 2010 and riding Jet has been a great experience. Not only for my core strength, but with all four limbs moving simultaneously and with my eyes on the screen, my brain is more than occupied!!!  I have got Aphasia (speech and communication) so it helps that also.  I do Para-dressage - so, I learn the tests on Jet first within the arena setting...’

'Since starting at RDA on Jet I have noticed a significant improvement in the strength of several muscles including my core muscles and arm strength. As I have a connective tissue condition it's vital to try to keep muscles working and strong to hold together the joints that are already prone to subluxations and dislocations. I have noticed huge improvements in strength in many areas and my hips feel far more stable and are dislocated and subluxating less frequently.

When I began I needed help getting into and out of the saddle even with the mounting block steps - I wasn't able to even get my leg as high as the saddle getting off and needed it guiding up and over the saddle to get down. This week I mounted with the steps and dismounted onto the block (but without my extra steps) without assistance. This is a huge confidence boost for me, as my overall goal is to be able to get onto a real horse at some point, something that was impossible this time last year and is now within reach.

Jet has been a fundamental part of my physical rehabilitation and my friends and family all know about him! My partner has noticed a big improvement in my emotional and mental health (an unexpected bonus) also as it feels like I'm progressing with my dressage without the risks of injury.  

I cannot speak highly enough of this as a way of recovering from injuries and improving balance, coordination and muscle use for people with temporary and permanent disabilities. I would never have thought a machine could do all this, as well as being able to teach me how to perform advanced dressage movements! The RDA team has been wonderful and Di has really helped push me on, even on days where I was disheartened with my body - she is a wonderful instructor who doesn't see disability as something to hold us back!'

'I really enjoy riding Jet, it is so good for you.  Not only is it a general workout - stretching, strengthening and yet relaxing muscles, it strengthens the core and is a lot of fun.

Though in some respects it is different to riding a 'real' horse -e.g. using the reins to turn rather than your body position. The rhythmic & steady pace enables you to relax into the stride - no fear of a sudden movement/change of pace? You feel safe and can ride in places and conditions that would be impossible and practice moves with an instructor close at hand to help and advise. Weakness can be improved, with the direction of an instructor who is able to watch you ride from a close position, and monitor your progress. I have been in situations where the instructor has had to physically demonstrate or aid physically (not possible on a moving horse). Everyone achieves more than riding a 'real' horse and in most of my sessions on Jet I have experienced aspects of riding that I cannot achieve on a 'real' horse - e.g. Cantering and  advanced dressage movements.

The dressage test and 'feedback' are almost addictive, as you constantly want to 'do it again' and improve.
The 'one-to-one' tuition and close interaction help you to feel safe and relaxed whilst getting to know each other better. (We always laugh and joke.) It also makes you 'stretch' yourself and try things that you wouldn't feel safe doing on a 'real' horse.

Jet is for me a valuable aid, improving skill and boosting confidence.'