Appeal for volunteers to help disabled riders (From The Northern Echo)

Appeal for volunteers to help disabled riders

6:06pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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A RIDING school that caters for disabled and able-bodied riders has appealed for voluntary helpers after an increase in users.

The Riding Centre for Special People, based in Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, provides riding therapy to disabled people from across County Durham, and recently installed a hydraulic lift and overhead hoist to enable people with severe disabilities to benefit from horse-riding.

The new equipment has resulted in more riders using facility, causing the Wear Valley Riding for the Disabled group to launch an appeal for more volunteers to help disabled riders at the centre.

Trustee Bonnie Johnson, who has been volunteering at the facility for 18 months, said it was a rewarding experience.

"I cannot stress enough the pleasure you get from helping others to really enjoy themselves, and sharing their laughter and success," she said.

"I have made friends with the customers, and can see the difference riding makes to them."

Volunteers should be aged over 14, and do not need previous experience of horses, as full training will be provided.

The centre hopes to introduce carriage driving for disabled riders later this year.

Anyone interested in volunteering, or taking part in riding lessons at the centre should call 01388-604637 or email cbarrattatkin@hotmail.co.uk.

For information, visit www.ridingcentreforspecialpeople.co.uk.