Riders Stories

Story 1

Our boys have been riding at Throstle Nest RDA for the past 4 years. They have benefited enormously from the time that they have spent at the stables.

Our older son has organic brain damage which brings with it some difficulties in learning, difficulties in controlling his emotions, and some issues around social awareness. At the time he started horse riding, he was attending a mainstream primary school, where he was unable to do much of the same work as his peers, leading to a decrease in his self esteem.


Through initially attending just riding lessons, he learnt that the horses don’t judge. He was able to take part in RDA horse care sessions, where he learnt more about the horses. When he was 10 ½ he started attending longer sessions once a week, where he was able to learn more about horses, alongside other children. Suddenly he didn’t feel different anymore, but was able to do mostly the same as the other children he was attending with. He has completed an ASDAN qualification; and is gaining The British Horse Society of Achievement certificates; showing very tangible what he is capable of.


This has all built his confidence; and he happily attends and takes part in all sorts of activities now, both through the RDA and with Pony Club. Last year he competed in the RDA Dressage Championship and the RDA Countryside Challenge. 


Favourite Horse: Ralph


Favourite thing about Throstle Nest RDA – taking part in Gymkhana.

Our younger son has learning difficulties and ADHD. He started riding at the same time as his brother, but progressed much slower due to his inability to focus. The staff at Throstle Nest RDA have been amazing with him, from the early days when he found it really challenging to be quiet; to now when he has a difficult day and struggles to cope emotionally. The staff have learnt about him, and how best to help him.


He now attends a 1 hour Changing Lives Through Horses session once a week, where he rides for 30 minutes and then does horse care for 30 minutes. Through this he is gaining The British Horse Society of Achievement certificates, showing what he is able to do. He takes his certificates into school and is able to talk about what he has been doing.


Favourite Horse: Dolly


Best thing about riding: being able to trot without being led.

Story 2

Annie had her first riding lesson aged 6 and we immediately realised that she’d fallen in love with horses and riding! 


She joined Throstle Nest at Wilsden Equestrian Centre at 11 years old.  She was particularly excited about starting Jumping Lessons!


Jeannette, Abi and all the staff at WEC made us very welcome.  Annie has Autism and Selective Mutism, but their years of experience meant they understood and could meet Annie’s needs.  She quickly became a part of their community.  


The transition to secondary school was quite tricky for Annie and in Year 8 she struggled to attend full time.  


Jeannette suggested that she joined the BHS Changing Lives Through Horses Programme at WEC and thankfully her school agreed to release her to attend.  The programme promotes building relationships, communication, confidence, responsibility, teamwork and perseverance.  


Spending time at WEC learning and developing not only equestrian skills, but crucial life skills has made a world of difference to Annie.  She has made good friends and has excellent role models around her.


Without the encouragement of Jeannette & Abi and the support from school we feel she would not have been able to remain in school and finish her education.  She is now about to sit her GCSE’s and will be starting an Apprenticeship at WEC in September.


Annie is a member of Pony Club, the British Horse Society and Riding for the Disabled Association.  This has opened up a world of opportunities for her to develop her equestrian skills and compete in local, regional and national competitions.  


In 2021 Annie competed in the RDA National Championships and gained 1st place in both the Countryside Challenge (Independent) and Show Jumping (Level 3).


Annie loves all the ponies, but George is her favourite!
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