Invertek ‘drives’ charity’s plans

A local organisation helping young people with special needs to experience horse riding is driving ahead with plans to help more children thanks to support from Welshpool-based Invertek Drives.

The Montgomeryshire Riding for the Disabled Association group helps build social skills and confidence through learning to ride ponies which then has a positive effect on behaviour.

The group has been in existence since 1974 and in 2003 moved to a permanent base at Penycoed Stables near Llanymynech under the guidance of Group Organiser, Mrs June Little.

It helps young people with physical and mental health disabilities and forms part of the Riding for the Disabled Association which has a network of groups throughout the UK.

Invertek Drives, which manufactures variable frequency drives at its global headquarters and manufacturing facility at Offa’s Dyke Business Park near Welshpool, has donated funds to help the group expand.

“The children riding with us attend Brynllywarch Hall School near Kerry and we currently only meet in term times. They take part in Riding for the Disabled competitions at a regional level, such as the Countryside Challenge, which takes place at Penycoed Stables later this month,” said Maggie Tomley, secretary of the group.

“In the past, one of our riders qualified for the RDA National Championships, coming second in his class. It made all that practising worthwhile. Later in the term the children will take dressage tests and learn about the ponies, gaining certificate and rosettes to reward their achievements.”

The stables where the group is based now has indoor facilities which ensures sessions are not cancelled due to bad weather. The donation from Invertek Drives will go towards helping develop the group.

“Although we are a small group, we have enthusiastic and committed helpers, great facilities and brilliant ponies at Penycoed, so we are positive about our future.”

Dr David Jones, director of innovation at Invertek Drives, said: “It’s great to see the Montgomeryshire RDA making such a positive effect on young people in the area. We’re pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile group that wants to grow and help more children in the future.”