A brief history
The Trust was formed in 1958 by Mrs. Norah Jacques as 'Pony Riding for Paralysis' but this name was changed to 'Pony Riding for the Disabled Trust' in 1960. This was changed to 'Chigwell Riding Trust For Special Needs' in 2000.
The original inspiration came from the the Champion Lady Dressage Rider of Scandinavia, Mme. Lis Hartel who, although severly paralysed by poliomyelitis, insisted on riding again and reached Olympic standard. Mrs. Bodtker of Oslo was so inspired by this success that she began teaching disabled children to ride.
Forest Lodge riding school, 1962. Second from left is Mr. Gerard van der Gucht.
Mrs. Jacques, while on holiday in Scandinavia, saw the success that Mrs. Bodtker was achieiving and was determined to start similar work in the United Kingdom. She approached Mr. Gerard van der Gucht of Forest Lodge Riding School, Epping for help with facilities and tuition and he, an amputee himself, was willing to lend ponies each Monday morning and to teach in his indoor school.
On Monday 13th November 1958 the first polio patients were brought from St. Margaret's Hospital, Epping and the first riding lesson took place. News of this new venture spread quickly and very soon St. Thomas's Hospital, London was sending patients to the school. Children from special schools in the East of London soon followed.
Her Grace, Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk took a great interest in the Trust and agreed to become President. Dr. Brian Wilson represented the Board of Governors of St. Thomas's Hospital. Many other influential people became involved with the Trust.
As demand for riding lessons grew it became necessary to establish a purpose built centre. The Trust was offered the present site in Chigwell and due to a generous grant of £20,000 from the London Parochial Charities work started on the riding centre. Mrs. Norah Jacques organised the project throughout.
The building of the centre was completed in 1964 and on 15th September the first purpose built riding centre for disabled people in the world was opened by the Duchess of Norfolk.
In 1998 the new indoor school and brick built stables were opened by HRH The Princess Royal. In 2000 the Trust entered the new millennium with a new name, 'Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs'.