A Suffolk charity has marked 30 years of horse and human affinity with a summer celebration.

East Anglian Daily Times: Riding for the Disabled at Sutton celbrate their 30th anniversary.Riding for the Disabled at Sutton celbrate their 30th anniversary.

The Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Hollesley Group’s anniversary took place at Pettistree Hall Farm in Sutton, its home for the last 22 years.

The family-orientated event involved craft stalls, demonstrations, pony rides, tug-of-war, a bouncy castle and refreshments.

The RDA group aims to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming community for people with disabilities. It offers many riding sessions for children and adults, and carriage driving lessons for those over 18.

The principle is that research suggests horses have both physical and emotional therapeutic benefits.

RDA volunteer instructor Tessa Amos said: “Riding and carriage driving are so important for our clients.

“It helps to build confidence and independence and is widely recognised by the medical profession as a valuable therapeutic exercise.

“We look forward to the next 30 years, providing this fantastic activity for all our clients.”

Simon Barnes, sports journalist and author of The Horsey Life, opened the event. His son, Eddy, has Down’s syndrome and has ridden with the RDA Hollesley Group.

A special achievement award was presented by Mr Barnes to Farran Hessey, a rider who was at first a very shy member, but is now studying equine studies at university.

In his speech, Mr Barnes said: “Horses are wonderful creatures that give you wings when you ride them.

“If a disadvantaged person is given that, it makes them less disadvantaged, and that is wonderful.”

The event was about both looking back and looking forward, remembering the group’s success as well as looking forward to a new era, beginning when the lease that provides the group with Pettistree Hall Farm ends next year.

Guy Quilter, a member of the family that leases the site, said: “It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to have the RDA on the estate. We will do everything we can to support them during their search for new premises.”

Landowners who are interested in offering the RDA a new home should contact Chris Clarke of Clarke & Simpson, on 01394 410014.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer to help with the RDA sessions. Call 01394 410014 for more information.