Berry Burn Community Fund allows Riding for the Disabled Forres, Nairn and District to host ‘Tea With a Pony’ sessions until 2027

Natural energy has generated four-figure funding for animal grooming sessions designed to help people’s wellbeing.

Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Forres, Nairn and District has been awarded £3404.80 by the Berry Burn Community Fund to help provide “non-riding sessions designed for those living with dementia”.

Zillah Jamieson, an RDA spokeswoman, confirmed ponies can stimulate memories and feelings, and have a calming effect.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted by the award. The fund was heavily oversubscribed; so to say we were speechless when we received the notification is an understatement.

“The Berry Burn trustees have confidence in our ability to deliver activities professionally and regard them as beneficial for those less fortunate.”

The initiative involves non-riding sessions for people living with dementia and other cognitive impairment.

The participants enjoy a cup of tea and cake before grooming or stroking the ponies, depending on how comfortable and confident they feel.

A qualified RDA instructor tailors activities to meet individual needs.

The funding covers RDA’s ‘Tea With a Pony’ sessions from January 2025 to June 2027, and sessions will have the support of professionals caring for people with dementia.

RDA regularly liaises with the Moray Dementia Advisor for Alzheimer Scotland, who is also one of their trustees.

Zillah added: “This, together with other funding we’ve already received, means that we are able to plan ahead and develop the initiative knowing our costs are fully covered for the next three years. There are not many charities that can say that.”

RDA’s trustees and volunteers are enjoying the summer break after a school year which proved challenging. Inclement weather regularly affected its Monday sessions.

“Nevertheless,” said Zillah, “with the excellent facilities at Muiryhall Equestrian Centre, we were able to deliver grooming and horse management sessions for the children if outside activities were curtailed.

“Activities continue now, however. We’re making sure that everything is in place for the schools return”