Nicola writes:
I started at the RDA when I was 4 years old. My mum and dad were concerned that I wasn’t speaking. A speech therapist who was working with me diagnosed oral dyspraxia, and recommended the RDA. My great aunty Elma, who was a volunteer helper, put my name forward and I have attended Angus Group RDA ever since.

Looking back, my earliest memory was a little grey pony called ‘Misty’, who always tried to shake me off. Thankfully I had side helpers who talked me through how to hold on with my legs and Aunty Elma, who was leading the horse, used to get Misty into trouble. In order to make Misty move, I had to tell her loudly to “Walk on!” The leader would usually keep Misty from moving by telling me she was deaf, until I shouted to her to walk on. I soon learned that the ponies I was put on would not move unless I commanded them to do so.

Over the past 13 years I have ridden a lot of ponies and horses. I am now able to ride with confidence on my own.

The RDA has taken me to parts of the world I would never have been to. I have competed at Cardiff and Glasgow in the U.K. Special Olympics and was lucky to be selected to compete on behalf of Team GB at the World Games in Dublin.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the RDA and feel very comfortable working with horses.

My speech, although not perfect, has continued to improve. I feel I can talk to the horses openly without any concern that they don’t understand me.

For the past few years I have come off the horse’s back and started to lead and support others who need help.

I still get a lot of enjoyment out of riding and helping at the RDA and hope to continue for many years to come.

Her mother Irene writes:
From the age of two we recognised that Nicola had a problem with her speech. Although she had been put through various examinations, no one could identify why.

Thankfully the speech therapist identified that the RDA may be able to help her. Although slow to start with, the progress she made by working with horses has been amazing.

We have had a lot of great experiences by being involved with RDA. Watching her pick up the gold medal for her Equitation at the World Games in Dublin is probably our proudest moment. However, seeing how comfortable and confident she is whilst amongst horses is reward enough. It really makes a big difference to her life.

Supporting the RDA is now a family affair. Mum helps out as a side helper whilst dad and her brother Gary help out with fund raising and other chores when needed.