A NEARBY charity has been busy raising spirits this festive season by putting their disabled participants in the saddle.
The RDA National Training Centre in Shrewley is home to 13 specially trained horses which help to deliver therapy through riding to more than 100 local disabled people who travel from all over the region to ride at the centre.
This year has been a difficult one for the charity Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and their participants – with many unable to attend their weekly sessions and benefit from the many advantages of spending time with horses.
The positive impact of these sessions include significant improvements in physical and mental wellbeing, verbal and non-verbal communication, relationship building and confidence.
Now the RDA is raising money to cover essential costs of caring for its horses.
Zia Clayton, who has cerebral palsy and lupus, said: “I live alone so it has been very lonely without my weekly sessions.
“I ride at the Centre for the physical therapy but this year I have needed these sessions so much more for my mental health too.
“I just hope we can raise enough money to help cover the costs of caring for the horses so we can keep coming.”
To make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/NTC-ChristmasAppeal2020
