RDA has broken ground on the building of its first ever National Training Centre. Due to open in spring 2019, the Centre at Lowlands Farm, Shrewley, will be an important focal point for the charity, which provides therapy through horses to disabled children and adults all over the UK.
The new Centre will provide training for hundreds of volunteers, helping to ensure they have the skills they need to support RDA’s 500 riding and carriage driving groups. “After months of planning, it is fantastic to have reached this milestone,” said Project Chair Patrick Riley. “Getting to this point has been a real team effort and we have received so much support from the local community.”
Once open, the Centre will also provide commercial riding lessons and venue hire opportunities, as well as RDA sessions for disabled clients. “We want the Training Centre to become a thriving and busy hub for a wide range of equestrian activities – and a real asset to the local community.”
Solihull-based firm, Greswolde Construction, is carrying out the work, which involves the renovation of existing equestrian facilities on site and the creation of a new building with office space and training rooms. “We are used to building in busy live environments, but they tend to involve humans. Horses are a first for us,” says Greswolde Director, and project leader, Chris Harrison. “We are working very closely with the RDA team on site to ensure everything goes smoothly and that their work isn’t disrupted.”
Despite having started work on site, fundraising continues for the project, which is attracting donations from local businesses and individuals keen to show their support for the life-changing work carried out by RDA. “We have been delighted by the response to our appeal,” said Patrick. “RDA has been changing lives through horses for almost 50 years and donating to this project is a great way to recognise this remarkable achievement.”
To register your interest in the project, to donate money or to offer equipment or expertise, please contact Sal Atkinson at RDA UK on 01926 405975 or email satkinson@rda.org.uk.