Gaddesden Place Riding and Driving for the Disabled Group

Briden's Camp, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 6EX

Registered Charity Number 1074313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
OUR HISTORY

Gaddesden Place Group was formed in 1974 by Trina Hall.  Disabled riders rode for just one hour, once a week, but this grew rapidly until the Group became one of the first full time centres in the Hertfordshire area. 

With the support of the Halsey family who own the Estate on which the RDA group met and a lot of determination and tireless fundraising, the Gaddesden Group were able to build the Indoor School and later the Viewing Area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The picture shows the indoor school being opened by our RDA Patron – HRH The Princess Royal - in 1983.  This was followed with the opening of the viewing area in 1985.  It was named after the famous show jumper Caroline Bradley who helped get fundraising off the ground for the project.

The new facilities meant that riding would not be interrupted by the weather especially during the winter months – giving continuity, regular riding and its benefits.

Trina was a charismatic leader who taught many people to ride.  She has been described as “someone who could make horses and people do anything”.   Over more than 25 years, Trina worked hard alongside many volunteer helpers to ensure every rider and driver achieved their full potential.  

Sadly Trina lost her battle with breast cancer in 2002 but not before asking her helpers to keep RDA going at Gaddesden Place.

Trina was a hard act to follow but the Trustees have worked together and with the continued support of Mr. Halsey have secured a new lease. We have also found sponsorship for new stables from a local company, have resurfaced the riding area and kept the Group going as a full time centre.

Our survival is still very dependent on dedicated volunteer help, and fundraising. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trina with a visually impaired driver.

 

 

The yard - "Before".

Here is the yard before our team of volunteers constructed five new stables, a tack room and a new mounting block.

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The Yard - "After".

Gemma poses in her new residence. The new wheelchair access mounting ramp is just visible on the right of the picture.

 

These two pictures show the new riding surface of our indoor school being laid.

 

 

 

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