Royal appointment for RDA’s Louise

Coleraine rider Louise Greer addressed the delegates on what the RDA means to her.

Louise told how she overcame challenges after suffering meningitis at the age of two and losing both of her legs and one arm.

The RDA has helped Louise and she specifically mentioned how riding has helped her core stability and strength which has better equipped her to use her prosthetic limbs.

Louise has competed for RDANI at National level and is currently in training for Rio 2016.

In the afternoon the delegates moved on to Laurelview Equestrian centre where they were treated to demonstrations including a musical ride, dressage and vaulting.

The vaulting in particular was very exciting. There are no vaulting groups in Northern Ireland and the Berwickshire riders who came over were able to display their skills on RDA ponies and then helped some Northern Irish riders take their first steps toward vaulting. This new aspect of what the RDA can do will only help our riders to gain more confidence, independence and strength. We hope that some of our groups will think about trying something new.

If you would be interested in hearing more about the conference or would like to volunteer with the RDA at any of our 28 groups throughout the province, please check out our website at www.ridingforthedisabledni.org.uk or contact [email protected]