Theresa Rippey at Cambridge Riding for the Disabled with Kiki.
“You try being the one to keep her home if she’s ever sick,” mum Margaret says.
Cambridge Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is preparing to mark its 40th anniversary in October and the organisation’s longest-standing rider – Theresa Rippey – has made her intentions clear.
“I’ll never give up horse riding, I love it.”
Having ridden there for all but four years of the organisation’s four-decade history, she’s not going anywhere.
Formed in 1983, Cambridge RDA’s first home was the Leamington Pony Club grounds.
Theresa began riding at RDA just four years later, aged seven.
Those riding sessions were held fortnightly on Saturdays in Hannon Rd and Theresa went along because – Margaret says – her daughter initially caught the riding bug two years prior, when she first jumped into a saddle.
There’s been no stopping Theresa since.
“I never miss a day and I love all the horses. Magic is my favourite at the moment,” Theresa says.
Theresa, who works at Achievement House, is quick to add she treasures the special bond she has developed with the many horses she has ridden over the years – even keeping a list of their names.
“Theresa’s become friends with so many amazing people in our time here,” Margaret said. “This is her happy place and I’m really grateful to everyone who’s played a part in her riding story.”
Margaret says she often marvels at how far RDA has come.
“It’s amazing and it’s still growing. When we first started coming along, there were probably eight or nine riders each fortnight.”
Now, RDA operations manager Vanessa Donnelly – who herself has a 20-year association with the organisation – said rider numbers sit at just over 50.
Cambridge RDA has five coaches, and roughly 12 horses on its books and runs weekly riding lessons Tuesday through Friday.
“We’re really fortunate to be in the position where we don’t have to graduate riders,” Vanessa says.
“Otherwise, we’d never have been able to observe Theresa’s amazing progress.”
Vanessa added she’s always admired Theresa’s passion.
The RDA moved to its Alpha St premises in 2000, and prior to an indoor arena being added in 2010 – a project given a significant financial boost thanks to racing legend Sir Patrick Hogan’s charitable trust – riding lessons were held outdoors.
Some years, wintry weather wreaked havoc.
“If, on some days it was raining early on riding day, we’d be forced to cancel the sessions,” Vanessa says.
“But then, it’d often clear up when it was too late – meaning it was a whole month until we could ride again.
“Rain or shine though, Theresa would always want to come any way. We ended up not cancelling on wet days, we’d just wait and see who came along. It was always Theresa.”
“That’s so true, rain, hail or shine we had to be here,” Margaret says.
Theresa’s now shifted into a weekly Wednesday morning riding session after Saturday sessions stopped about 18 months ago.
So, what’s the biggest lesson Theresa’s learned in her time at RDA?
“To bond with a horse, it’s about treating them with care and talking to them nicely.
“I’ve really grown in confidence and learned to not worry around horses. If I’m nervous, they’ll sense that and be nervous too. Now I’m relaxed and I really love them all.”
Cambridge RDA will mark its 40th anniversary over two days on October 28 and 29.
