After years of fundraising and construction work, a dedicated centre for the Riding for the Disabled Association is set to open in April. The Cavalier Centre in Much Wenlock, the new home of Perry RDA, is due to open after six years of preparation and £1.3m of fundraising. It had been uncertain whether the centre was going to open on time until two generous grants arrived from Reaching Communities and Southern Shropshire Leader Award.
Spokesperson Lydia Aucott says, “It costs £150,000 per year to run the centre so fundraising is still as important as ever. To get involved with this you can follow the Cavalier Centre Facebook page or go to gofundme.com/cavalier-centre.
“The search for volunteers is in full swing as we prepare to open the centre. Opportunities include contact with horses: grooming and tacking up, leading, side-walking and mucking out. However, help in other areas such as fundraising, publicity and general maintenance is also needed. Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to volunteer and it’s ideal to do as part of a voluntary award, to do some exercise and get fit, or simply to make friends.”
“In addition, clients are needed to join our existing group to make full use of these fabulous new facilities. We’re looking for individuals of all ages and disabilities to join our sessions, held throughout the week and including dressage and show jumping, equestrian vaulting, carriage driving and horse care management.”
If you’d like more information, call 01939 261147 or email barkerj667@gmail.com.
