Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association grateful for support to allow free sessions for local pupils
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
FREE horse riding for local children is thriving thanks to the support of the area's community.
Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) depends on fundraising and donations to pay for morning sessions for school pupils which each cost just under £700 per week.
RDA chairwoman, Sonia Howell, confirmed, now in its second month, the winter term is going well with new pupils, volunteers and ponies.
She said: "Alfie is so far hoof perfect!
"The children have settled in well - it can be challenging as they get used to having riding hats fitted in unfamiliar surroundings but they have all done brilliantly so far. The smiles and the hugs they give their ponies at the end of each session are heart-warming!"
She added: "Being the only RDA group in the UK that does not charge the riders or schools means fundraising is critical.
"And what a start we have had this year - a fantastic total of £7,325.58 has been raised in just a few weeks. That's 10 weeks’ riding sessions covered!
"We are so grateful to everyone who has made this happen."
RDA's qualified instructors and their team raised £2600 from their sponsored drill riding competition. All of the teams train fortnightly between February and September - this year, team 'Let The Horse Be With You' won on the day.
Local clubs have always supported RDA - Highland Classic Motorcycle and Scottish Country Dancing Groups provided donations of £200 each.
Having nominated the group as her charity for the event, local girl Laura Carter completed the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in September, raising £960.
And as well as acting as leaders and side walkers during Monday morning riding sessions, the volunteers raised £420 at a recent jumble sale, and a further £680 at a recent coffee morning. Both events were held in St Leonard’s Church Hall.
Sonia finished: "There are so many people to thank including: those who initiate fundraising activities; those who make them happen; and sponsors who give so generously, especially at the moment when pennies are tight.
"This is never truer than for the phenomenal £2,265.58 raised through the Co-op Local Community Fund - only possible because so many people nominated us.
"We are so very very grateful to everyone and can look forward confidently to guaranteeing the riding sessions for this school year."
More information on volunteering, donating and business sponsorship can be found at https://forresnairnrda.org.uk/
