Hello, my name is Orly Landeck and I have been a rider at Penniwells for over ten years! I’ve been asked to write a little introductory article about myself and the riding school. I am an A level student currently in my first year, doing English literature, Religious studies and Sociology and have a massive passion for writing, which I hope will eventually help me go into journalism. What better way to start that journey than writing about a community I love and have spent more than half my life in.
Penniwells is part of of a larger organisation called Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and in my humble opinion one of the absolute best! Their aim is to help disabled individuals across a wide spectrum ride horses. Whether it’s to just enjoy weekly rides with the horses or go to riveting events and competitions (we have a particularly good success rate).
The team that facilitates all this joy and success is made up of the main head honchos, who are Sara Healing and her daughter Olivia, who help me ride every week and have been there since the beginning, and also Lucy Stephen, Maddie Woods and Vanessa Andrews. Together with a wonderful bunch of volunteers. This brilliant team is also joined by our Chairman Trix Summerfield, who makes an appearance almost every week and clearly has her whole heart in this place! All the staff and volunteers make Penniwells feel extremely welcoming and very well loved. Everyone involved has huge passion and enthusiasm for the organisation. They laugh and talk with each other and the students — their joy fills every corner and crevice so you can’t help but laugh and smile along with them.
Of course, I can’t speak about the team without mentioning the most crucial part of it, the horses! They are all so perfectly suited to their roles, whether it’s competitive or casual. Some of my favourites, in no particular order, are Bleu, Dougal, and Beauty. Beauty being the second horse that I would ever ride. My first horse, who will always hold a special place in my heart, being Socks who sadly passed away. All these horses have been able to connect with me in a very special way and I’m sure I’m echoing many of the same sentiments that all riders have about many other horses.
Places like Penniwells are not only fun to be a part of but vital to have, helping with both physical and mental health. Additionally, creating spaces and communities for disabled people that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience.
Penniwells is a beautiful place that has been a staple throughout the majority of my life and I sincerely hope it can become one of yours too. Throughout the coming months I hope I will be writing a lot more about it.
So, without further ado, welcome to Penniwells.