The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
We Can Do It Too
Children with disabilities gain strength and confidence on horseback. Film of the early years of Riding for the Disabled - including jockey Lester Piggott and family at home.
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Overview
The start of horse riding to empower disabled people is captured in this film by supporter, the Rev. Tony Smith. He had help from Susan Piggott who filmed her husband Lester mowing the lawn at home and her father's Newmarket stables. At Forest Lodge Riding School near Epping, Essex, Mrs Jacques worked with Gerry Van Der Gucht to develop the therapeutic riding programme. The film shows construction and opening of the specialist centre at Grange Farm, Chigwell, Essex 1964.
Inspired by 1952 Olympic silver medallist Lisa Hartel of Denmark who had polio, in the UK Mrs Norah Strang of South Shields and Mrs Norah Jacques of Essex won recognition for the benefits of their pony riding sessions with volunteers. The specialist centre at Grange Farm, Chigwell opened in 1964, close enough to London to benefit children referred by the capital's hospitals. In 1970, Rags the pony was donated by the Blue Peter Christmas Appeal. The film maker, the Rev Tony Smith served various Essex parishes and made film an essential part of his church and community work.
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