New evening session proves a hit with disabled riders

The Mid Antrim RDA Group have successfuly introduced an evening ride at Galgorm Parks Riding School by kind permission of Mrs. Sara Kyle.

A spokesperson for the group told the Guardian: “We are so grateful to her for allowing us to use her facilities at this time of day to allow children to access this valuable activity after school, and also to our trusty team of volunteers who turned out on cold winter evenings to make this possible.”

The Group has been providing services to local schools for children with special needs for some fifty years but this is the first time they have been able to provide a therapeutic riding session to children who may not be able to access this through school.

The spokesperson added: “The photos show the first group of children receiving their certificates and badges at their final session before Half Term.

“Unfortunately, the fourth member of the group was unable to attend that evening but will receive his certificate in the post.

“We will be starting up again with a new group of children next Thursday and we are looking forward to meeting them all and introducing them to their ponies.

“Therapeutic riding activities are well known to be helpful for all sorts of conditions which affect humans ranging from physical problems to neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD as well mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

“We regularly see improvements in balance, coordination, motor skills, behaviour, communication, confidence and relationship building skills in our riders which in turn makes this a rewarding experience for our volunteers.

“ If you would like to know more about our service or would be interested in becoming a volunteer please get in touch with Julie Frazer julietclare54@gmail.com and we will do our best to help.