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Penniwells Making a difference
Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
"I like riding Nicky because he
doesn’t think of me as disabled”
Jane, aged 9
Stephen Wharton reports on his recent Visit to
Penniwells.
The Users
The Riding
The Staff
You - Become a volunteer
Contact
How does riding benefit the disabled?
Many people with mental and physical disabilities spend much of the
day in a wheelchair. Riding offers the chance to:
Explore the countryside usually not accessible to
them;
Exercise and strengthen
seldom used muscles;
Relax tight joints through the gentle natural movement of the horse;
Meet a new challenge and give a sense of achievement;
Create a bond with a pony and open a new avenue of communication;
Develop balance and co-ordination;
Promote a sense of well being and increase confidence
Have a really good time!
What does Penniwells do?
Penniwells (a non profit-making enterprise established
in 1980), offers riders a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere where they
can gain confidence and therapeutic benefit in a relaxed and recreational
environment, and we like to make riding fun too. We are run purely for
disabled people with about 130 riders on its list, of all ages and varied
disabilities (Cerebral Palsy, Spina bifida, Downs Syndrome, sight and hearing
difficulties, learning and behavioural problems among others), and more
waiting to join us.
Who are Penniwells?
Penniwells is run by a Management Committee of 9,
3 members of staff, plus a band of volunteers. Volunteers come in all shapes
and sizes and ages, from children to grandparents, from those who know
about horses to those who only know which end eats and which end kicks!
It can take up to three people to ride a disabled person, a leader and
two helpers. As many as 130 riders use the centre each week, that is a
huge commitment from volunteers.
How can I help?
Adopt a pony and contribute towards its upkeep.
Donate to fund site development.
Help with fund raising events.
NEW VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED!! It is never too late to learn a thing or two!!
It costs at least £50 per week to feed and care for each of the 15 horse and ponies. Penniwells relies on people’s generosity to keep it afloat - whether it is a few pence from piggy banks or a major donation from the business world. We at Penniwells are determined that our Centre will go on from strength to strength - BUT WITH YOUR HELP TOO!! Penniwells is grateful to all its benefactors!
IF YOU CAN OFFER US EITHER SOME OF YOUR TIME OR SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU - THE MORE, THE MERRIER !!!
How do I contact Penniwells?
You can contact Penniwells at:
Penniwells Group
Riding Centre for the Disabled
Penniwells Farm
Edgwarebury Lane
ELSTREE
Herts.
WD6 3RG
0181 207 4525
Dedicated to the enhancement and
enrichment of disabled people through riding
The Penniwells Group RDA Centre
(Registered Charity No.244108)
Full member of the Riding for the Disabled Association.