Visit to Dial Wood Carriage Driving for the Disabled

Today along with some of the riding club members I went on a trip to visit Dial Wood Carriage Driving for the Disabled to find out further information about what they do. Dial Wood is located approximately 45 minutes away in NewHall just next to the women’s prison. 

As we were slightly early (this has to be a first for us) we decided to have a bit of a nosy about whilst we waited for the rest of our group to arrive. As we walked onto the yard we could immediately see the arena where one of Dial Wood’s clients was having a lesson driving a lovely gelding who we later learnt is called Duncan.

Once the rest of the group arrived we were met by Audrey who runs Dial Wood. Audrey introduced us to their other two ponies, Little Splash and Big Splash. Little Splash, a grey section A, seemed just as interested in meeting us as we were him. Audrey explained that as they are a charity it would not make sense for them to have a big yard of ponies and it’s much better to keep the numbers low so they can run efficiently. I think Duncan would agree with this as this means he gets a lovely big stable all to himself. The charity also has two Shetlands Tonto and Ellie but they are located elsewhere at the moment so unfortunately we didn’t get to meet them.

Dial Wood caters for all ages starting from approximately 5 years old and going right up to more senior ages. They also cater for all types of disabilities including wheelchair users and both of their carts can be quickly adapted for any type of wheelchair to be fastened securely. It was clear to see just how important Dial Wood is to some people. Not only does it allow disabled people to get physically involved in activities that without the help from this charity they may feel would be impossible but it also gives people a sense of independence. Seeing the smile on their client’s face when they’d finished their lesson made me appreciate just how lucky I am.

At the end of visit we gave Audrey all the donations our members had kindly given us to pass on. Audrey and her team of volunteers (who the charity rely on to keep the place running) were extremely grateful and gave us all a calendar to thank us for our support. The calendar was created by the NCS and each month focuses on a different area of horse care. If anyone would like to buy a 2018 calendar Dial Wood still have some for sale and I can vouch for how fantastic they are.

Over the spring and summer Tonto and Ellie will be doing sponsored walks to help raise money to build a classroom so their clients can also learn further information and even work towards gaining qualifications. If anyone would like to sponsor Tonto and Ellie or join in the walk and get sponsored themselves please get in touch with us and we will provide more information as we receive it.

Also coming up for Dial Wood in 2018 is their 20th anniversary. In true Pole Moor style we have offered to help them celebrate whilst also raising funds to ensure they can carry on their amazing work for years to come. We are thinking of a charity ride around the bridleways local to Dial Wood with a picnic lunch at their yard to finish. The ride details are yet to be finalised but it will take place one Sunday morning in September and there will be ample parking for boxes and trailers. All proceeds of the ride will go directly to the charity. Please keep checking our events page for further details.
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