Biscuit is the Kennet Valley Driving Group's new recruit
Doug Middlemiss driving BiscuitThe Kennet Valley Driving Group has just welcomed its newest recruit: Biscuit who is being driven out with his new and specially adapted trap. He is a traditional gypsy cob loaned to the group by Elinor Goodman.
He recently passed the stringent test horses have to go through before they qualify to work with a driving for the disabled group.
One of his first drivers was Doug Middlemiss, who has been driving with the group for two years. He is delighted by the way Biscuit is going: “There is a real spring in his step and he doesn’t mind what goes past him on the roads.”
Doug Middlemiss is one of thirteen disabled people who regularly drive out with the Kennet Valley group. All disabled drivers are accompanied by a qualified 'whip' who has a second set of reins and can take over if necessary.
The group - part of the Riding for the Disabled Association network - offers the opportunity for those with disabilities who are unable to ride the chance to drive a horse and carriage on an equal footing with the able bodied. It is an experience that improves drivers' health and wellbeing - providing an interest and fresh air.
Doug Middlemiss takes the reinsOther helpers are needed to go out with the carriages, either on foot, or in cars, to help with changeovers and to warn traffic about approaching horses and carriages - making sure traffic slows down.
The group is always in need of volunteers to go to Lockeridge, where the horses are currently kept, on a Tuesday or Thursday morning.
No experience of working with horses is necessary as there are many ways volunteers can help like assisting the disabled drivers as they get ready to drive, preparing equipment and making refreshments..
The group has two other heavy horses, and has had to buy a new, specially adapted trap for Biscuit. It is always in need of funds.
Its main main annual fund raising event is the plant sale, held at Barbury Castle Racecourse, which this year is being held on April 24 at from 10.30. Entry will be £3 for adults with children under 12 going free.
Specialist nurseries will be selling a range of plants that aren’t usually available in garden centres together with garden accessories and sculptures and homemade cakes and refreshments.
Full details are here.