The History of BDHRA

The history of the BDHRA is a fascinating one, inextricably linked to the lives of two indomitable ladies Miriam Godber and Jean Bedford. As a child some 60 years ago,

Jean Bedford, now a Trustee  was seriously injured in a road traffic accident which left her unable to walk and in a wheelchair. 

 

A local lady, Miriam Godber, who loved riding had the inspiring idea that if the child rode regularly, the movement of the horse would work its magic on the depleted muscles and the leg would grow stronger. Which is indeed what happened.

 

Nowadays, we are open on Wednesdays during term-time and Thursday evenings during the summer months.  We provide riding as therapy for over 140 children from various specialist schools in the area.

 

BDHRA started operating in 1961 from Rogers Riding School in Goldington until 1968.

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After outgrowing these facilities we raised money to build an indoor riding school  in the grounds of Park Hospital Moggerhanger where we remained for 24 years. We later moved to current, purpose built facilities in Balls Lane Willington kindly donated by Mr Ivan Twigden.

 

The New Riding School was opened by H.R.H The Princess Royal on December 1st 1992 In 2011 we marked our 50th Anniversary with a Hog Roast Celebration!