Hope-in-the-Valley Riding for The Disabled Group

Hope in the Valley was founded in 1968 by Mary Gethen, a night nurse at Chailey Heritage who also ran her own riding school. Her experiences as a nurse gave her the vision of what could be achieved by encouraging disabled children to ride a horse. The Group started riding at Hope in the Valley Stables in Kingston, near Lewes. Supported by her godmother, Julia Roper-Caldbeck, Mary recruited anyone who could contribute in any way. She was enthusiastic and instructed with confidence and understanding of the children’s abilities. Her aim was to enable the riders to compete with their peers and so they were encouraged to take part in Pony Club rallies and camps, local gymkhanas, RDA dressage competitions and more. In 1990, following Mary’s death, the Group moved from Lewes to Plumpton College where the facilities include an indoor riding arena, dedicated rooms for Horse Care lessons, changing and storage. There is also a viewing gallery with lift access where parents, guests and volunteers can watch the riders whilst enjoying refreshments.

Riding With Us Benefits It is recognised by the medical profession that there are significant physical benefits for the rider. The rider’s body responds to the warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse enabling the rider to become more relaxed and supple, reducing spasms, strengthening core stability and improving balance, posture and co-ordination. Riding, as a new and stimulating challenge, can create a sense of achievement, feelings of independence and greater self-confidence. Social skills are developed through the riders meeting children from different schools and backgrounds, as well as the adult volunteers and coaches. Teaching children with disabilities to ride and helping them to improve their mobility, co-ordination and self-esteem.