AN organisation which gives people with developmental and physical disabilities the chance to learn to horse ride in the North-East will mark its tenth anniversary this week.

Wear Valley Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), based at Escomb, Bishop Auckland, was formed a decade ago with three trustees and half a dozen riders.

Now the riding school has 11 trustees and 100 disabled people using the service on a regular basis.

Chairman Kath Scales, who has been involved from the outset, said: “It’s wonderful to see how it’s developed and progressed compared to what it was like when I started - especially in terms of the facilities.”

Part of the national RDA charity, the riding centre is based at Three Lane Ends Farm, owned by Nick and Chris Barrett-Atkin, and offers horse-riding and carriage-driving for people with disabilities from across County Durham and further afield.

It has indoor and outdoor riding arenas and has hydraulic lifts and hoists to help riders onto horses and into carriages.

However, the Wear Valley RDA is a charity in its own right and is responsible for operating, funding and maintenance.

“The facilities are the best in the area but we are always looking for funders,” added Ms Scales.

“The group is run entirely by volunteers and nobody gets paid.”

One of the founders, Mrs Barrett-Atkin is one of two fully qualified instructors who works alongside a number of younger instructors learning on the job.

Those riding at the centre currently range from four years old to pension age.

And as well as ten horses used for riding, there are also goats and dogs to pet.

Ms Scales said: “Riding is a rally valuable therapy and not just a sport. It develops confidence as disabled people are often looking up at people and on a horse they are looking down.

"Physically it’s very good because it develops muscle tone and strength, as well as balance and coordination. "It gets people out of what could be a very sedentary lifestyle.

"The enjoyment is wonderful.” An open day will be held at the farm on Sunday to celebrate the group’s ten years in operation.

From midday until 4pm a range of family-friendly activities, a raffle, tombola and refreshments will be on offer.

For more information about Wear Valley RDA call the stables on 10388-604637.