History of the Group

The Group was founded in 1974 by Nancy Pethick and based at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. We were the first group to cater for disabled adults using wheelchairs. Nancy developed her idea using donkeys and specially adapted carts.

The first riding instructor was Major 'Tommy' Thompson, who was based at Sandhurst. He was a stern but fair taskmaster and taught the group many valuable lessons. We then moved our headquarters to Ascot Racecourse in 1975. Subsequently other groups were set up in various parts of the UK and the world based on Nancy Pethick’s model.

When the RDA, which was formerly concerned only with riding for disabled children, formed a driving section in 1979 our Group was a founder member. Since this time the idea has been developed using ponies and more sophisticated carriages, specially designed and built to cater for all the needs of disabled adults, both wheelchair users and ambulant.

We have three lovely ponies and all our drivers receive expert instruction and are accompanied by an RDA qualified driver at all times. Why not come along and meet us? Just contact us.

What do we do?

Driving for Disabled enables physically disabled adults to learn how to drive ponies and to enjoy an outdoor activity with animals and other people. Many disabled people who would otherwise find it impossible to pursue an outdoor activity have benefited from the recreational and social therapy that driving provides.

How are we organised?

The Windsor and Ascot Driving Group offers membership to physically disabled adults from the local area. All membership is subject to written medical approval from the applicant's General Practitioner.

What ponies are suitable?

Ponies up to 14.2 hands, all of whom must be experienced, quiet and totally reliable. The Windsor and Ascot Driving Group owns and keeps its own ponies.

What sort of vehicle is suitable? 

To allow for easy access, low purpose built vehicles have been developed with a rear folding ramp for a wheelchair. The design allows for an experienced RDA qualified whip to sit alongside the disabled person which provides the essential safety and security.

How can you help our group? 

By helping at our driving meetings, which take place weekly throughout most of the year, or at social meetings during the winter. For more details see our How to help page.

Fund-raising 

As our Group own three ponies, funds for vehicles, harness etc, need to be raised constantly to meet our running expenses. Major expenses include purchases of ponies and carriages, the services of farriers and veterinary surgeons, and forage for the ponies.

Funds are raised from charity collections at Waitrose in Sunningdale and the Alexandra Rose Day in Ascot. We are particularly grateful for the support given, amongst others, by local Rotary and Round Table clubs, Sunningdale Savoy Chorus, All Saints' Church in Ascot Heath, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Ascot Authority for its years of continuous support and help in many ways. Many thanks also to the individuals who generously support us.

Donations, large or small, are always most welcome.