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Thanks A Trot!
WHEN Aisha Ahmed and Maddy Hill-Brown first visited their local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) stables, they never imagined the ponies they met would so dramatically transform their lives.
Aisha, 17, who has cerebral palsy, and struggled to accept her disability until finding strength and confidence through RDA.
Maddy, 16, who has Down's syndrome, laughs with joy as she proudly declares that learning to ride has taught her to be both "assertive and calm".
Both teenagers say RDA - which is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery - has helped them physically and emotionally with the daily challenges they face.
Aisha, of Kent, said: "Growing up, I always felt like I struggled to fit in anywhere because of my cerebral palsy.
"But learning to ride, interacting and creating such a special bond with different horses has helped me finally find who I am."
Maddy, of Solihull, West Midlands, said: "Learning to ride has taught me to believe in myself.
"Being at RDA is my happy place. I love it."
Maddy's mum, Rachel, remembers her daughter first falling in love with horses after visiting stables near their home - and that love deepened when she was introduced to RDA.
Rachel said: "One of the challenges of being a parent of a child with additional needs is finding places that just accept your daughter or son for who they are.
"When Maddy was born, we didn't know in advance she had Down's syndrome.
"A paediatrician came to see us, and when she looked at Maddy, she said, 'I do think she has Down's syndrome, but I don't think she's read the textbook.'
"It was such a beautiful thing to say for any child born with a disability because none of them have read the textbook.
"Instead of looking at Maddy and being overwhelmed by her diagnosis, we looked at her as a little person full of all sorts of potential and wonder.
"As Maddy was growing up, we were keen for her to do all the ordinary kind of activities other children do - from swimming lessons to Brownies.
"She could do these things, but they came with their challenges that we had to overcome.
"When Maddy first went to RDA, there were no such challenges.
"From the very early days, I remember how happy and relaxed Maddy was to be at RDA - how tall and proud she looked sitting on the back of a pony called Strawberry.
"Going to RDA became the highlight of her week - and ten years on, it still is."
Each year, RDA supports 25,500 disabled children and adults in more than 400 groups across the UK. Postcode Lottery players have raised more than £6 million for the charity.
Journalism student Aisha had never been on a horse before her physiotherapist referred her to Arrow RDA, in Dartford, Kent, to help relax the tight muscles causing her pain. Within just two years of learning to ride, Aisha has become an RDA National Champion.
As well as helping her physically Aisha - who is studying at North Kent College, Dartford - said RDA has supported her in many other ways.
Aisha, who can walk unaided for short distances but sometimes needs the assistance of a wheelchair, said: "Riding is my passion. It's given me confidence in myself.
"I'm no longer scared to say the words, 'I have a disability.'
"At school, I didn't feel included. My disability stopped me doing so many things.
"At RDA, the opposite is true.
"I remember when I first started at RDA I struggled with my mental health. But when I touched whichever horse I was given, I just felt calm.
"Now I want to show others what I've achieved so they realise they can achieve similar things too."
Michael Bishop, CEO of RDA UK, said: "RDA sends a huge thank you to all the players of People's Postcode Lottery for their incredible generosity and long-term support.
"RDA groups deliver life-changing impact for people like Maddy and Aisha in local communities right across the UK, and this ongoing support for our mission is vital as demand continues to grow.
"Nearly 1 in 4 of the UK population are disabled, with a physical, mental health condition, or long-term illness that impacts their daily life and, through the unique connection with horses, RDA activities improve physical health and wellbeing, build more connected and inclusive communities, and develop life skills. We couldn't do this without you!"
Making A Difference
People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Riding for the Disabled Association make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities our players support.
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Published: 26/03/2025
