5 minute read
Welcome break
from RDA Spring 2020
by Matrix Print
A weekend of forest fun and friendship on Exmoor Welcome break
When Jersey RDA Chair, Cathy Fricker and Group Organiser, Rachel Andrews took over the running of the group, they made a wish list of things they wanted to achieve. Right at the top was ‘go on a group holiday.’ 12 years and 5 holidays later, we find out more about their experiences at the remarkable Calvert Trust Exmoor.
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“We always had a riding holiday in the back of our minds,” says Rachel Andrews, who has been involved at Jersey since 2000. “After the financial uncertainty of 2008, we wanted the group to flourish – not just survive.”
A publicity push resulted in more support, and when a local Family Trust came forward and asked if there was anything particular the group would like to do, Rachel and Cathy remembered their wish list.
They did some research and found Calvert Trust Exmoor, an outdoor adventure centre specially designed for disabled people and their families. Among the many activities on offer, The Trust (which is also an RDA group) runs horse activity weekends, and with Exeter only a short flight away, Rachel and Cathy started planning.
A real break
The first trip was in 2012. Six riders and six parents, accompanied by Rachel, took a flight to the mainland and spent a weekend immersed in the beautiful surroundings of Exmoor National Park. “Everyone had a wonderful time,” recalls Rachel. “The Trust takes care of everything – all the activities, the meals, the evening entertainment. The riders are busy all day long.”
With a weekend totally centred
around horses, the group enjoyed hacks in the forest, carriage driving, games and competitions – and even the parents had a go at riding, much to the amusement of the kids. The fully accessible facilities also include an indoor pool and games room, so there’s plenty to do in the evenings too.
That first year was a real eyeopener for Rachel. “I was surprised how much of a break it was for parents as well. They really gelled as a unit, sitting and chatting.” When the group returned to Jersey, it was clear that the trip had made a lasting impression. “They were able to push them on a bit, and have concentrated time with the ponies. The environment is great for learning and when they came back many could do rising trot!”
Time to socialise
Since that first trip, the group have tried to return to Exmoor every couple of years. In 2014, Jersey volunteer and parent, Kerri Correia went with her son, Indie. “It was more than I could have imagined,” she says. “The setting is beautiful, you can see for miles. They have a huge indoor and outdoor school for riding lessons, there are hacks through the forest and the teachers are brilliant.”
Like Rachel, Kerri found both she and Indie benefitted from the chance to socialise with other members of the group. “The children really bond and I got to spend time with other parents and have a bit of social time. It is such a positive place – the kids don’t notice how well organised it is – but as a parent you do.” Indie and Kerri were impressed by the trip, and were delighted when they were offered the chance to go again three years later. “I would really recommend it. It had a lasting impact on Indie. For us, going away is a real treat. Now I’m encouraging new parents to give it a go.”
Outdoor pursuits
Calvert Trust Exmoor is one of three Calvert Trust venues around the UK, all set up under the same guiding principle of the charity’s founder John Freyer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside. The first centre to open was Calvert Lakes, Keswick (which is also an RDA group, with equestrian activities run by RDA Regional Co-
chair Henri Carew). The other centre is in Kielder, Northamptonshire.
In charge of all things horsey at Exmoor is Supervisor Kerri Marangone. “For our clients staying here during the week, we have sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We have private lessons for disabled clients on Monday , Friday and Saturday. Once a month we do a ‘Pony Club’.”
Just like other RDA groups, Kerri and her small staff team rely on the support of volunteers, a dedicated few who give two days a week. “We couldn’t do it without them,” she says.
Fully accessible
Calvert Trust Exmoor has 12 horses – including a miniature Shetland and a Suffolk Punch. “They are
priceless to us,” says Kerri. “Gold dust.” Even so, as she explains, working at Exmoor is “not just a horse job. We are there for our guests – to make it fun.”
The whole centre caters for all kinds of disabilities, with staff and facilities to ensure that even those with the most complex needs can take part. “We have an overhead hoist as well as our wheelchair ramp for mounting and we try to let people do as much as they want.”
‘Bob the barrel’ is often the starting point. “He has a horse’s head and reins and he lives in the yard. Sitting on Bob is a good way for people to find out if they are going to be able to manage sitting on a real horse, or if it’s going to be too uncomfortable for them. In that case there’s always carriage driving and plenty of other activities round the yard.”
Grateful thanks
Back at Jersey, the group is already looking ahead to this year’s trip. The continued support from the local Trust allows the group to cover the full cost for riders taking part, and half for carers. “We know we are so fortunate to be able to offer this to our riders,” says Rachel.
They are of course fortunate – but Jersey definitely made their own luck when they decided to reach out to their local community for support. “It was a delight to discover Calvert Trust Exmoor,” says Rachel. “We make a photo book for the family that supports the holidays. It’s important to thank people and be able to show them where the money has gone. For our riders, living on a small island, everything about the trip to Exmoor opens their eyes.”
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