This is fantastic news for Hilary and New Lodge RDA and so well deserved. Hilary has dedicated many years of her life to helping others by offering life changing activities with horses to people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions and neurodiversity. Hilary is the heart and soul of New Lodge RDA and deserves to be recognised in this way.

News article from the RDA website:

Hilary Crawford Honoured with MBE for Services to Disabled People – Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)

Hilary Crawford Honoured with MBE for Services to Disabled People

A warm congratulations to Hilary Crawford from New Lodge RDA, who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for her outstanding services to disabled people. Hilary’s dedication and tireless work at New Lodge Riding Centre in the Greater London Region have made a profound impact since the centre first opened in 1978, later joining the National RDA in 1984.

Hilary’s contributions have spanned all aspects of the centre’s activities, from mucking out and teaching riders, to supporting riders competing at the national level. She was awarded the RDA President’s Award in 2021 in recognition of her continuous commitment and leadership.

Hilary’s teaching style is marked by her deep empathy and ability to form a strong rapport with riders of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Her calm and patient approach gives students the confidence they need to thrive. Her influence extends to the volunteers, who are highly valued by Hilary for their time and dedication in lesson assistance, field maintenance, fundraising, and providing much-needed support.

Volunteers, riders, parents, and supporters all recognise Hilary’s ability to bring out the best in everyone. Her exceptional leadership, combined with a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, has fostered a sense of community and pride at New Lodge. Under her guidance, the centre has seen riders achieve success in Regional and National Dressage Competitions, a testament to the collaborative effort she inspires.

Dot Johnson, Chair of New Lodge RDA said: ‘This award is a well-deserved testament to the time and effort Hilary has invested in ensuring that New Lodge RDA and its members reach their goals. Hilary has always been completely dedicated to her riders, volunteers, and the welfare of her ponies. She has kept the group going, often putting others before herself, and truly deserves this recognition for her long and devoted service.”

Michael Bishop, CEO RDA UK, said ‘This MBE is a fitting tribute to Hilary Crawford’s remarkable contribution to RDA and the lives of many, and to the world of disabled equestrianism.’

We are pleased to announce that New Lodge RDA’s eBay page is now live!

Over the coming months we’ll be adding items to sell with 100% of the proceeds from every sale going directly to New Lodge RDA.

Please take a look at the items listed so far: Items for sale by newlodgerda | eBay

The New Lodge RDA Easter Raffle is back to 2024!

Fantastic prizes include…

• Free tour of historical site in Greenwich
• £40 Gift Voucher donated by Speedgate Enterprise
• Photoshoot donated by Paul Gosling photography
• Food and beverage hamper
• Baylis & Harding pamper set
• Red and white wine donated by the Park Tavern, Eltham SE9
• Aroma candles
• Vaseline lipbalm set
• Sanctuary pamper set
• Umbrella and bag with sweets
• Handbag and necklace
• Jigsaw puzzles

Tickets can be purchased from New Lodge so please make sure you bring some cash along when you’re next passing / visiting!

Big thank you to everyone who has generously donated raffle prizes!

We will be fundraising at Pets at Home, Blackheath branch over the the Easter period! We are raising money for our wonderful horses and to keep our beautiful stables running. If you are in the area please pop in a donate what you can – please tell your friends, neighbours, family… everyone!

We are now on Instagram!

Please give us a follow on @newlodgerda to see all your favourite horses and ponies!

The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) scheme funds some of the horse riding sessions for children with ASD and ADHD. These sessions are subsidised by VCS for children who live within the borough of Greenwich.

On Tuesday evening’s there are two 30 minute sessions, at 4.45pm and at 5.15pm These sessions run throughout the year and each child will receive a block of five sessions.

During July 2023 a team of Direct Line Group employees used their corporate volunteering day to help clear ragwort from all the fields at the New Lodge Riding (RDA) Centre. Ragwort is a highly dangerous plant to horses and this time of year it is everywhere. Generally, horses won’t choose to eat it due to its bitter taste however, it can be mistakenly eaten when amongst grazing. This was a long hard day of manual labour but is an important job to help keep the horses healthy and happy! The team have spent their volunteering days over the past few years here. With the hard work they’ve put in, they’ve helped to reduce the ragwort growth and protect the animals which are so important to the charity

24^th March 2020

Local Charity (Charity No: 1073553) call for help after Corona Virus closure

New Lodge Riding for the Disabled in Mottingham  is a charity that provides therapy through horses to local disabled people – all supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

In accordance with the lock-down New Lodge RDA are suspending all activities until further notice. Group Chair Dot Johnson says “We support and work with many people who may be more vulnerable to infection and we must close our doors until the situation with Corona Virus improves. This comes at a big price for us, as without riders we have not got an income.

Our loyal horses will still need feed, hay, and to see a farrier – possibly even care from the vets which all adds up. With no clear idea of when we will be able to start activities again it is difficult to know if we will have enough money to support our horses until riding resumes.”

New Lodge currently has 11 horses who support up to 60 riders – adults and children – each week. Research shows horse riding with RDA is not only fun but delivers physical benefits, boosts confidence, improves communication skills and helps participants to build relationships.  

The impact this will have on some of our riders, who gain so much from attending our sessions, is huge – both physically and mentally. It has never been so clear just how much the time they spend with our horses helps. In a bid to ensure these sessions can continue as quickly as possible we need to keep our horses well cared for, in work and fit.

At this difficult time, we plead with the local community to help New Lodge RDA by donating what you can to help keep the charity running.  Anything you can give would be very much welcome – we spend on average £25 each week on the care of each horse.

If you can support New Lodge RDA please make a donation New Lodge RDA, New Lodge Centre, Mottingham Lane, SE9 4RW; or contact us on phone number  02088516447 for further information, or arrange a Bank Transfer..

You can help us fundraise by using  easyfundraising.org.uk.

They have a large number of organisations that will donate a percentage of what you spend with them on line and pay us quarterly.

Please help us fundraise by registering with them as soon as possible.