In The Beginning A small Riding for the Disabled Group operated in East Lothian for several years until 1989, firstly at Overhailes and then at Appin Riding School. After a year without a venue, the group started up again in May 1990 at West Fenton: - 8 riders, 4 ponies, 8 helpers - 2 riding sessions every Friday morning. 1990 - The Muirfield Group of Riding for the Disabled Association was born. 1992- Increase to 6 sessions with 13 adults and 11 children riding weekly; 25 helpers, including one Physiotherapist and one Instructor. Helpers attended training courses and the Group gradually became an efficient unit playing its part as a member of the National RDA. 1993- Two new sessions on Wednesdays for adult riders and by then the group was using 6 horses and ponies. Visiting Groups were made welcome and included a party of 20 youngsters from Chernobyl who appeared to have no nerves at all! 1994- The Group fund-raised in order to buy two horses and build an indoor riding arena. Gradually more instructors were trained to supervise the sessions and more helpers to build up the team. The Middle Years Remarks that featured regularly in the Group's diary during this period were "rained off", "To wet again", and "a howling gale but we persevered". In 1995 the Wednesday riding was changed to Tuesday. 1996- Riding restricted to 9 months of the year to avoid the cold weather. Good use was made of the colder months by recruiting new helpers and holding regular training days. 1997- A memorable visit in June to the opening of Napier University's Craighouse with 6 riders mounted to take part in the pageant. The Historical pageant became a hysterical drama as a sword fight upset all the ponies. Compensation-all the riders survived to meet the Princess Royal. Riders increased to 34 adults and 20 children. Many new helpers, now totalling 35 with 3 Instructors. The Millennium Project John Anderson, a popular East Lothian Butcher, led a fund-raising campaign to build an indoor riding arena which would allow riding all year round. John, his family and customers, alongside the Muirfield Group members organised a series of events from concerts to ceilidhs and boat trips to barn dances. In two years they raised £90,000; donations from Trust Funds and friends amounted to £110,000 and the two main Lottery Bodies, Sports scotland and the community Fund each donating £100,000 towards the project. The Result Riding in the lovely new arena started in September 2002 At Christmas Santa attended a series of christmas parties on horseback under cover. A show jumping day for able bodied riders was held in January as a fund raiser. Helpers and riders who work through the week can now help at evening sessions. Weekly riding sessions increased to 13, comprising 36 children and 39 adult riders. Regular training sessions held under cover. Riding now throughout the winter months - short breaks during school holidays. Parents and carers can enjoy the comfort of the clubroom whilst watching the riding. Plans for the future Whilst becoming more professional and increasing the number of riders, the Group maintains its determination to make riding an experience of fun and enjoyment for everyone involved.ed     .