Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association delighted by £7k windfall
A charity which provides free term-time therapeutic riding sessions for children with disabilities has been overwhelmed by the generosity of local organisations and fundraisers who have raised over £7000 in recent weeks.
Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association, which has its base at Miltonduff, Elgin, delivers weekly term-time sessions for children from local primary and secondary schools with instruction provided by qualified instructors on carefully chosen and well-trained ponies.
“The group is the only one in the UK which does not make any charge to the riders or the schools despite each session costing just under £700 per week,” said chairperson Sonia Howell.
“We don’t receive any external funding and cover expenditure through active fundraising.
“The start of a new school year is always challenging as we welcome not only pupils new to our riding sessions, but also new volunteers and on some occasions new ponies.
“The children have settled in very well – it can be challenging for some of them as they become used to having riding hats fitted in unfamiliar surroundings. 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.”
Sonia continued: “Fundraising is absolutely critical to what we do. And a fantastic total of £7325.58 has been raised in just a few weeks. We are so grateful to everyone who has made this happen. Ten weeks’ riding sessions covered.”
The total has come from the endeavours of both individuals, teams and a band of invaluable volunteers.
The group’s qualified instructors and their team raised £2600 from their Sponsored Drill Riding Competition and support has come from local clubs including the Highland Classic Motorcycle and Scottish Country Dancing Groups.
Local girl Laura Carter completed the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, raising £960, and there has been income from coffee mornings, jumble sales and £2265 from the Co-op Local Community Fund.
“We are so very, very grateful to everyone and can look forward confidently to guaranteeing the riding sessions for this school year. What a great start!”
