This year, one of the early pioneers amongst RDA Groups, Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs celebrated its 60th Anniversary. Since 1964, the Group has hit milestone after milestone, from being the world’s first purpose-built centre, to welcoming Rags the Blue Peter pony, and even former riders going on to Paralympic success.  

A huge congratulations is due to all volunteers, riders and staff, as this diamond anniversary is truly a testament to every single one of them. 

The origins of therapeutic riding started after the Second World War, particularly people with muscular dystrophy and polio and inspired a fledgling movement in the UK, after Danish Rider, Lis Hartel won silver medals for dressage in the 1952 and 1965 Olympics. 

Norah Jacques was fascinated by therapeutic riding after feeling the physical benefits herself and set up the first riding sessions for participants in the 1950s at a local riding school, Forest Lodge in Epping Forest.  

Mrs Jacques was overcome with enquiries and medical endorsements, so much so that in 1964 she built world’s first purpose-built equestrian centre at Grange Farm Chigwell, which would later become Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs, five years before Riding for the Disabled Association was formed. 

Since its inception, Chigwell Riding Trust has flourished, being an integral part of RDA, supporting countless disabled children and adults through therapeutic riding, including a future Paralympian. 

Across 60 years, there have been many notable moments for Chigwell Riding Trust, including in 1970 the Blue Peter ‘Rags Appeal’, where Blue Peter viewers sent in old clothing to raise money to buy a pony for RDA. Rags won the hearts of all the supporters and was even more loved by all those who she helped at Chigwell. Rags was one of the most famous RDA ponies and RDA President, HRH The Princess Royal, was one of the first to ride her. 

“Everyone who comes in to contact with Chigwell Riding Trust is inspired in a unique way.  The experience, knowledge and creativity of the team, and the opportunities provided every day at CRT, give people from all backgrounds, the chance to achieve, overcome their challenges and thrive, because of the special connections created between people and horses.”

Former rider and Paralympic Gold Medalist, Liz Stone 

The true success of Chigwell RDA, however, lies with the riders and volunteers, both past and present. Liz Stone a former rider, who went on to become the 1994 world champion in dressage and compete at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, started her equestrian journey at the centre, an achievement that “simply would not have been possible without the knowledge, support and guidance of the incredible people and horses at Chigwell Riding Trust.”

Families and friends also see the impact of the magic at Chigwell on their own loved ones. Toni Lingfield is a parent of two riders and her eldest daughter, Sophie, has been attending regular sessions for over 20 years.

“The two and four legged team at Chigwell have quite literally changed our childrens’ lives. Once Sophie started riding her walking significantly improved, and when James was five he took his first independent steps, and they both still continue to walk independently. “

“Like many families, Chigwell became the one place we could drive into every week and feel welcomed, our children would have such fun, while gaining the best physio we could wish for and for one hour a week, the warmth, acceptance, support and positivity felt that first day, we still feel every time we drive in.”

“We’ve really reached a milestone, here’s to the next sixty years both for us and RDA across the country.”

Deborah Hall, Manager

On Sunday the 30th of June 2024, the Group marked their 60th Anniversary with a celebratory open day, with special guest Jane Holderness-Roddam CVO CBE. It was a day to remember with riders, volunteers and staff from every decade in attendance as well as members of the general public. 

The guest of honour presented volunteers with Long Service Awards, spanning 5 to 30 years, and cut a beautiful cake made by volunteer Jenny Solomons, who was also a recipient of her 30 years of service award. 

Over the day, spectators were able to meet the RDA ponies and get a behind-the-scenes look into what goes on in keeping all the equines happy and healthy, as well as a presentation from a parent and rider, to share what Chigwell Riding Trust had done for them. 

For Manager Deborah Hall, it was an emotional day: 

“Having lived at and run Chigwell Riding Trust for forty-two years for me, at times, it was a very emotional occasion but one I will always treasure.  

 Here’s to the next sixty years both for us and RDA across the country.” 

Chigwell Riding Trust was the first ever riding centre for people with special needs and has been established in Chigwell for sixty years. Riding instruction is given to people of all ages and abilities.

As one of the leading specialised riding centres in the country Chigwell Riding Trust not only benefits people with disabilities but also the entire community, giving opportunities for volunteering, school participation and practical experience for children and adults working with people and animals.