Nairnshire horseriding charity welcomes funds boost
A Nairnshire-based charity supporting disabled people through horseriding has received an unexpected funding boost.
The Barratt Foundation – created through Barratt Developments’ group – has recently awarded the Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association (FNDRDA) a windfall of £1,500.
Emma Gregg, FNDRDA’s chair, commented: “Faced with the challenge each year of raising £32,000 to ensure our activities continue, we were bowled over with the award from the Barratt Foundation – out of the blue. To be nominated for an award by Barratt’s local representative is testimony to the value of our activities for those less fortunate.”
David Palmer, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Forres, Nairn & District Riding for the Disabled Association, a charity that is going above and beyond to give young people access to horse riding and the well-being benefits associated with it.
“We understand how vital donations like this are in helping fund the day-to-day of local organisations and to keep them afloat. As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, with a national footprint, we’re committed to giving back to the areas in which we build and are assured that our donation will help many young people living locally.”
Ms Gregg added: “We strive each year to ensure that we have sufficient funds to maintain our level of activity. “Over the last 40 years, our group has provided hundreds of young people with safe and managed contact with horses, with all the benefits that these therapeutic sessions bring.
“In addition, we are now helping those with dementia through the fantastic Tea with a Pony initiative. We also work extremely hard to maintain our profile in an increasingly competitive area for both funds and volunteers. And are very fortunate to receive donations from sponsored events, events organised by others and our own events. Continuity is so important for our participants, both old and young – and our aim is certainly to be around for another 40 years and longer.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor a pony or donate can visit the charity’s website or contact Zillah Jamieson (calling 07831 768349 or zillahj@btinternet.com) for further details.