The RDA Riders
In addition to disabled youngsters from the bases community, there are several institutions that send residents for weekly horseriding at the RDA, as a supplement to the regular therapy that they provide.
Theotokos Foundation
The foundation was established about 40 years ago with the aim of sheltering disabled children. At that time disability was often viewed as a curse, or with shame. Fortunately times have changed and there are now about 20 mentally and physically disabled permanent residents receiving a high level of care in the main building in Pano Polemidia. The age of these residents ranges from 15 to 60. A further 20 less disabled residents live in specially designed apartments within three external units. Also at the foundation is a recently opened art workshop and occupational therapy unit which together aid fund raising efforts.
Pre School Unit
The Theotokos Foundation also has a pre school unit currently located within a section of the Old Limassol General Hospital. Here 10 to 15 disabled children are looked after on a day care basis by a qualified team which includes Psychologists, Speech Therapists and Pedagogists. They also attend RDA alternately with the adults from the Theotokas Foundation.
Red Cross
The Cyprus Red Cross Home For Sick Children provides our second largest contingent of riders. The home has a well organised programme of rehabilitation through physiotherapy and psychological assistance. It helps about 30 children on a day care basis and is located just behind the Theotokos Foundation Home in Pano Polemidia.
The Association of Parents and Friends of Children With Special Needs
This organisation hosts male and female teenagers with minor mobility problems and medium mental disability on a day care basis. The Association has been using the RDA facilities for about four years and has seen encouraging results from the physical stimulation and social interaction that horse riding provides. This is particularly the case with a number of the autistic teenagers who from being utterly withdrawn have, after a period of time with us, demonstrated great enthusiasm and enjoyment.
