Royal Visit and Therapeutic Disability Carriage Driving Reintroduced in High Peak

The Helen Atkin Group Buxton Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) recently received a prestigious visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has been President of RDA for 40 years. The event, held on 14th February at Buxton Riding School, celebrated decades of work providing life-changing therapy for disabled riders of all ages across the High Peak in Derbyshire. The Princess Royal was welcomed by volunteers, riders, supporters, and special guests, where she enjoyed musical riding and carriage driving displays.

During the visit, she presented rosettes to riders and long-service awards to volunteers, horses, and ponies. She also cut a celebratory cake and unveiled a commemorative plaque. Special recognition was given to long-serving volunteers such as Julie Andrew, Pat Atkin (37 years of service), Janette Sykes (35 years) and Louise Thompson (25 years). Another 15 volunteers also received recognition for their services, ranging from five years to 20 years, as well as horses and ponies, including Cracker, Big Daisy, and Floyd.

One of the highlights of the visit was a carriage driving demonstration. Last year the Helen Atkin Group were able to reintroduce carriage driving to the area, after a 20 year absence, providing further opportunities for disabled people to experience this exhilarating activity. The driving sessions, which take place in the group’s covered arena at Buxton Riding School, are led by accredited coaches such as Jo Taylor and Pat Atkin, with a specially-trained pony named Jimmy. The sessions offer disabled participants the chance to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of being around horses without riding them, making the sport more inclusive.

The initiative was made possible through donations, including £3,000 raised at events at the Queen Anne pub in Great Hucklow, as well as volunteer efforts. The reintroduction of carriage driving has been a journey of learning, with all coaches undergoing extensive training.

The event and the success of this new carriage driving venture serve as a tribute to the group’s founder, Pat Atkin, and her late daughter Helen, after whom the group is named. The volunteers, riders, and everyone involved are excited for the future, as the group continues to grow and offer therapeutic opportunities for disabled people in the High Peak.

Michael Bishop, Chief Executive of RDA, who attended the event, added: “‘RDA is extremely thankful to our President, HRH The Princess Royal, for her ongoing support. Her recognition of our groups, volunteers and participants means so much to the RDA community, and I am delighted she was able to join us to celebrate the dedication and achievements of everyone at Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA.”

Both the royal visit and the launch of carriage driving represent monumental milestones for the Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA, marking a significant moment of recognition for their commitment to improving the lives of disabled individuals.

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