NHS Lothian patients, supported by volunteers, including staff from NHS Lothian, who attend Muirfield Riding Therapy (MRT) swept up numerous awards at this year’s Riding for the Disabled National Championships in Hartpury.
The team including six juniors and one adult, competed against seven hundred other participants from across the UK in a range of disciplines including dressage, countryside challenge, endurance, performance showing, best turned out and arts and crafts.
One of the juniors to compete was Elliot Hogg (age 10). Elliot was born with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) (Clubfeet) and has faced surgeries to improve his condition. To support his care, Elliot was referred by NHS Lothian to MRT to improve his core strength. He first started riding regularly there in June 2022.
Amongst many other awards won over the weekend, Elliot came first in the Endurance category.
He said: “I absolutely loved this weekend and supporting my friends in their classes.”
“I really enjoyed riding the horse named Bertie from Saxon and I hope I ride him again next year.
“Riding has been the greatest opportunity in my life as it is a hobby which can be adapted for my ability. Otherwise, I would be stuck in my house with nothing to do.”
Vicky Hogg, Elliot’s Mum, explained: “As parents we are proud of every one of his achievements and can’t thank the team at MRT enough for all they do for him. Elliot can be very anxious at times especially with new situations, but they always work with him to overcome his worries.
“Elliot absolutely loves being a part of MRT, riding and caring for the ponies, being part of the MRT family and the laughter he has with the whole team. Riding is not only helping his physical strength but his mental health too. It is fantastic that NHS Lothian works with organisations such as MRT and can refer patients directly to them.”
Based in East Lothian, the service is one of the largest, dedicated Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Centres in Scotland. Lead by volunteers, MRT has been providing life-changing riding therapy, free, for children and adults, with disabilities since 1989. Paediatric Physios in NHS Lothian and staff in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) will recommend patients they think will benefit from Equine Facilitated Therapy.
During the Championship, the team also celebrated coach Isla Stewart receiving the Young Coach of the Year Award presented by HRH Princess Royal.
Isla Stewart, who is just about to qualify as a nurse in paediatrics and has a position in A&E at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People when she qualifies, said: “I started volunteering on a Saturday morning at Muirfield Riding Therapy when I was 14. Last year I decided to further my involvement by doing my coaching qualification. I work as part of an amazing team of volunteers along with coaches Kym and Caroline. Every week I get to coach our riders and see them progress.
“It is an honour to receive the award of RDA young coach of the year. I am delighted that I am being recognised for doing something I enjoy, and I am proud to be part of.”
Michelle Sutton, Chair for Muirfield Riding Therapy, said: “Everyone at MRT is so proud of all of our riders who took part in the RDA National Championships. They did so well and travelled home with a huge haul of rosettes! More importantly experiences like this help to build confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Special thanks go to the team of volunteers, who gave their time to travel south to enable the riders to compete, without their dedication none of this could happen.”
For more information on MRT, visit https://www.facebook.com/MuirfieldRidingTherapy/
