A college’s equine centre has been expanded with the addition of two new horses, courtesy of a £6,000 grant.
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has awarded the funding to enable Oaklands RDA group in St Albans to buy two new horses.
Max and Robbie have already joined the group which is based at the Smallford campus of Oaklands College, where they are proving a big hit with riders and volunteers.
Oaklands RDA group organiser Sarah Moreland said she felt “quite emotional” about the funding as it was the first time such a sizable grant had been secured from the association.
She added: “To be able to have such super horses for our riders is a privilege.
“Our riders work so hard with such determination it is great we can support them with such horse power.”
Since forming in 2008, Oaklands RDA now provides horse riding opportunities for about 80 people with a range of disabilities, some of whom have won competitions at national level.
Those taking part gain a sense of achievement while benefiting from the therapeutic exercise and educational aspects of riding.
Many also benefit from the social support which breaks down isolation and builds confidence.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here