This project was proudly funded by the Scottish region of Spoon. The Riding for the Disabled Association centre gives disabled children and young people the opportunity to ride in a safe and fun environment. Riding is a wonderful form of physiotherapy and the riders experience great enjoyment from the activity, as an alternative to floor exercises. They are also participating in a sport, which improves their self-esteem; the riders feel they are the same as their able-bodied friends, brothers or sisters.
Many disabled riders have never been near or touched a pony and it is wonderful to see a rider's confidence increase as they stroke or in many cases 'cuddle' their favourite pony. The centre now provides weekly riding lessons to over 60 disabled riders of all ages. These riders come along in groups from a number of special-needs schools and centres in the area, as well as individuals brought by parents or carers. Before the opening ceremony the children demonstrated their skills with a riding display and the morning's events were rounded off with a jolly picnic in the farmyard, which everyone enjoyed.
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