Devon riding group marks 40 years of ‘horse therapy’

29 October 2025

BBC Vanessa Tomas smiling at the camera and stood to the right of a white horse, which is white. Vanessa is wearing a burgandy jumper with the Erme Valley for the Disabled badge on it. — Vanessa Tomas has been attending the Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group in Devon for 34 years

A woman who uses an equestrian facility for the disabled said riding was a form of therapy which gave her “freedom and movement”.

Vanessa Tomas, 46, who has a neurodevelopmental disorder called Global Developmental Delay (GDD), has been part of the Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group for 34 years.

The equestrian group, part of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), celebrated its 40th anniversary with a party on 18 October.

“For me, it’s therapy,” Ms Tomas said.

Vanessa Tomas also helps out around the facility

A view of the horse riding school. There are four horses, with four riders on them. The ground is light brown and there are blue and white tubes on the ground. There are people stood either side of the horses, leading them around the school. — Vanessa Tomas also helps out around the facility

She said riding the horses gave her “freedom and movement”, adding she liked they were under her control.

She said she also helped out at the stables and has made friends through the group.

Director and lead trainer Peggy Douglas said the group had more than 60 volunteers and about 120 participants every week.

She described the group as a “big extended family”.

Peggy Douglas said the ages of participants ranged from eight to 80

Peggy Douglas stood smiling at the camera and stood in a stable. She has her hand below a brown and white horse, which is taller than her. The barn is wooden and the horse is behind a gate with its head over the top. — Peggy Douglas said the ages of participants ranged from eight to 80

Ms Douglas said: “We provide a service to the community and the surrounding area to those with disabilities, sensory issues, emotional problems and really anybody who feels they could do with our professionalism.

She said the group ranged from two to 80-years-old and offered rides, education, support networks, socials, art, activities and “tea with a pony”.

“We do a survey every year and the main benefit that comes up is feeling good,” Ms Douglas said.

“It’s therapy and it’s just improving their lives in whatever way we can.

“We are big extended family here.”

Sue Veale said volunteering at the RDA group was rewarding

Volunteer Sue Veale joined the Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled group three years ago after she retired from a horse riding facility in Exeter. She has been part of the RDA for about 50 years.

“We had a boy who had absolutely no posture at all and after a while we were able to sit him up on his own… the movement of the horse strengthened the muscles in his back” Ms Veale said.

Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled group also offers a “tea with a pony” service to care homes

A view of the horse riding school. There are two horses, with two riders on them. One is on the left, and is black and white, and the other is all black. The ground is light brown and there are blue and white tubes on the ground. There are people stood either side of the horses, leading them around the school. — Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled group also offers a “tea with a pony” service to care homes

The group also offers care homes and people with dementia the chance to have “tea with a pony”.

“One lady, who is in a home in Exeter, wouldn’t talk at all in the home and when she saw this pony, something jogged her memory, and she hasn’t stopped talking since.

“These are just rewarding things that have happened over the years.”