Uttoxeter Racecourse is always keen to make a difference in the community – which is why we are incredibly proud to have sponsored Scropton Riding and Driving Centre in their great endeavours at the RDA National Championships last weekend.
Scropton ensures that several hundred disabled adults and children enjoy the fun of regular horse and carriage riding. For many it’s the highlight of their week, and for a few it is a life-changing experience. The centre’s incredible work fits in completely with our own ethos that equestrianism should be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
While some people ride for leisure, others enjoy the element of competition. We believe people should be able to follow their dreams, which is precisely why we jumped on board when it came to supporting a Scropton team at the RDA National Championships.
After a great weekend, the riding centre can now boast a national champion in Matt Dalley, who won the Grade 2 Para show-jumping class. But, as ever, it’s not just the winning but the taking part that counts, and every Scropton competitor reported having the best of times. As the RDA motto goes, ‘it is what you CAN do that counts’ – and for sure everyone did their absolute best.
“It was fantastic to see just how positive and confident all of our riders were,” says Scropton charity manager Mark Hopwell, “with many of them competing for the very first time at national level. They all performed to a really high level for such a big event and all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“Of all the many thousands of RDA riders across the country, only a couple of hundred get the chance to compete in the finals. The experience alone for our riders is more than worth the hard work involved in taking horses, riders and support staff down to Gloucestershire for the three day event.
“Thank you so very much for your sponsorship for our team. It has made a big difference to some very special people to experience something they will remember for the rest of their lives. Without the generosity of supporters like yourselves, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer our riders opportunities of this kind.”
For Uttoxeter, sponsorship of Scropton, just down the road in Derby, means helping to maintain one of the finest facilities of its kind in the country. Scropton has the experience to cater for a wide range of disabilities, be they physical, mental, sensory and multiple. Its expert staff support all ability levels from therapeutic riders through to para, offering an experience tailored to individual needs.
“We couldn’t have been more delighted to hear what a wonderful few days the Scropton riders enjoyed at the National Championships,” says Uttoxeter Racecourse executive director David MacDonald.
“It comes as no surprise to us that Scropton enjoyed such success – they have been producing incredible results for years.
''Facilities such as these, and the people who run them, are the lifeblood of sport. They ensure that horses, and the amazingly positive effects of being around them, working with them, riding them, can be experienced by all.
“Long may that continue.”
For more information on Scropton Riding and Driving Centre, go to www.scroptonequestrian.com
