History of the Drum

The Drum RDA has a proud and distinguished heritage.

Set within the beautiful Drum Estate, the centre has been surrounded by history from the very beginning. The estate is a working farm with more than six centuries of history, dating back to the 14th century. The Drum House stands as a testament to this remarkable past with origins reaching as far back as 1584.

The Drum Riding for Disabled Centre itself is the oldest equine therapy centre in Scotland and was one of the founding centres of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Every story has a beginning

Our story with horses began in 1959, when Sheila More Nisbett invited Anne, a young girl disabled by polio, to ride Topper, the family pony on the Drum Estate.

Until then, Anne had been unable to sit or stand unaided, but as she sat beaming astride Topper, those present witnessed something remarkable – the movement of the pony and her interaction with him brought visible changes, not only in her physical strength, but in her confidence and joy.

Encouraged by Anne’s progress, Sheila invited Jane Crawford, an experienced rider and instructor, and Jane Errington, an occupational therapist, to help develop the idea further. Along with other pioneering centres across the UK, the foundations for today’s RDA organisation were being laid.

Official recognition and growth

By 1964, 20 regular riders were attending weekly lessons at Drum and, in 1965, the Drum Group became one of the founder members of the Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled. Sheila More Nisbett was appointed as a member of the Executive Committee.

Surgeon Commander J.G. More Nisbett built the indoor riding school that same year, and by then riders had increased to 31, with four sessions a week.

In 1967, the Drum Riding Centre for the Disabled Trust was formed to help finance the riding lessons. At that stage, 60 riders were attending, with twice as many adults as children.

The first National Conference took place that year, with both Jane Crawford and Jane Errington attending, and in 1968 Jane Errington was appointed the first regional representative for Scotland to the Advisory Council.

It was in 1969 that the Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled became what we know today – the Riding for Disabled Association (RDA). The first president was Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk, and Her Royal Highness The Princess Anne, was appointed Patron. In 1976, HRH The Princess Anne took on the role of President, a position she continues to hold to this day, and she officially opened The Sheila More Nisbett addition to the school in 1981.

‘The story of the Drum is one of vision, skill, enthusiasm, care and above all fun. Long may it continue.’ Jane Errington MBE

This story has not ended

Today, we continue to welcome riders of all ages and abilities through our doors, and our work has expanded to include projects such as Wellbeing with Horses, which focuses on supporting parents’ mental health.

Since 1959, the Drum has believed in the extraordinary benefits of working with horses. We are proud to carry that belief forward – growing, adapting and continuing to change lives.

Our story continues.