Disabled offered riding classes (From The Northern Echo)

Disabled offered riding classes

3:12pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Middlesbrough News

DISABLED youngsters can saddle up to learn a new hobby.

The Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre is offering half-day horse riding and horse care classes tomorrow, and on Thursday and Friday, for the discounted price of £5.

The sessions, subsidised by the Middlesbrough Aiming High Short Breaks fund, are open to young disabled people aged between five and 18 who live in Middlesbrough.

The activities will include riding lessons and tactile sessions such as grooming, tack cleaning and feeding the ponies. All participants will receive a rosette and certificate.

Claire Pitt, centre manager, said: "This grant means that we can offer taster sessions of horse riding and care to disabled young people at a bargain price.

"Maybe this will be the beginning of a great new activity for them - horse riding has been proved to be really beneficial in improving balance, concentration and communication. It also gives parents a childcare break, which is so important for families."

More classes are scheduled to be held in March. For more information, contact the Unicorn Centre, in Stainton Way, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, on 01642-576222 or visit rdaunicorncentre.co.uk