Would you,

Could you,

Will you,

ADOPT AN RDA PONY

THE DRUM RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

Riding for the disabled began in Edinburgh in 1959 at the Drum Estate, Gilmerton, through the inspiration of Mrs. J.G More Nisbett. From the success of one little girl disabled with polio, the group has grown to over 250 riders. In 1965 The Drum Group became one of the founder members of the "Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled", now the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Riding is provided five days per week under careful supervision of the instructor and with full medical approval and supervision. Riders come from various schools and centres for the disabled in and around Edinburgh. They maybe referred from hospitals, special schools or residential homes, by consultant, therapist, head teacher, General Practitioner or social worker, and ALWAYS with the approval of their Doctor.

At The Drum, there is an indoor riding school and in 1981 stables for 9 ponies and a clubroom for the disabled riders were officially opened by our President, H.R.H. The Princess Royal, who graced us with her presence on the occasion of our Silver Jubilee in 1984.

Also in 1994 our clubroom was revamped and we also became proud owners of an outside paddock to ridein, this was achieved through donations and fund raising. Our 11 ponies are very carefully selected, as they must be utterly reliable, have a good temperament, be calm and safe and yet fit enoughto give our more advanced riders an exciting ride. Proficiency tests in riding and stable management provide incentive and progressive achievement.

The Drum is very fortunate to have over 70 volunteers weekly, without their loyalty and dedication the Centre would be unable to provide the level of excellence achieved.

The Drum Riding Centre is responsible for raising its own funds, quite a daunting task. The Centre has to raise £45,000 every year to maintain the standard of tuition, environment and rider experience required and expected by The Riding for the Disabled Association.

Each Pony costs in the region of £1000 a year to maintain at a basic level. This barely covers the cost of hard feed, hay, shoeing and worming. What is not included are Vet fees, the replacement of tack, some of which, because of the specific needs of the riders, are particularly expensive, stabling or grazing. During the winter the ponies are rugged and due to wear and tear one rug, at the very last, will need replaced every year.

A list of on going financial demands on a limited amount of income would serve little purpose so we ask you to support this adoption scheme which in turn will support and help to maintain the ponies of the Drum.

THE ADOPTION SCHEMEWISHES

TO SUPPORT

THE DRUM RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

ALL ADOPTION MONEY WILL ONLY BE USED TO BENEFIT THE DRUM PONIES