East Park RDA Group is based at Little Brook Equestrian Centre in Newchapel, Surrey.  During term time we run six riding sessions per week for disabled children from local schools.  With six riders per session, we are able to give 36 young people a weekly opportunity to ride.  We also offer carriage driving lessons in a specially adapted Fenix carriage.

What happens during a riding session?

We own five ponies ourselves, with others provided by Little Brook.  The riding sessions are usually held in the indoor school, where a gallery provides a safe environment for the riders to wait to mount.  Our volunteers, up to three per rider, are there to help and escort the rider throughout the session.

What happens during a carriage driving session?

We own one carriage driving pony, and our Fenix carriage can take either ambulant or non-ambulant students.  We have three RDA qualified driving coaches and lessons take place in the indoor or outdoor school.

Other Events

In the summer a fun day is held for all the schools.  The session is held outside if possible, and the riders play simple riding games.  Each child receives a rosette, which have been kindly presented in the past by our Patron, Dame Judi Dench.  In December Father Christmas visits Little Brook to see the children.

Regional and National Events

Each year, we take some of our riders to the Regional Challenge, to give them the opportunity to compete against riders from other groups.  If successful, they qualify for the National Championships in Hartpury, Gloucestershire where they have competed with great success.