More horses needed for disabled riding charity in Wilton
They're expanding to help those suffering with mental health issues and long term effects of Covid-19
Wilton Riding for the disabled are looking for more horses to expand their services.
Owners looking for a new home for their horse will be helping those suffering from the long-term effects of Covid-19 and mental health issues.
All the riders are taught to ride and sit on the horses proficiently.
Learning this new skill is proven to boost both the mental and physical well-being of those attending the centre.
The charity have a long list of people waiting to use the service but not enough animals to help. Trustee Jackie Worrall explains more.
"We have a growing waiting list of disabled riders that wish to benefit from the riding therapy classes that we offer. We are also keen to offer our equine therapy to those traumatised by the impact of Covid. Our centre provides a safe and positive place for clients and of course the horses themselves just offer fantastic solace to those that are facing difficult challenges.”
Horses can help people overcome conditions such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PSD), and mental health problems. The RDA horses are very calm and non-judgemental and riding or just being in in the company of horses can have a very positive outcome by boosting people’s confidence and skills.
Jackie continues: “To effectively extend our service to clients, it is essential that we increase the number of equines that we have at our centre in Wilton, particularly larger horses that are capable of weight carrying. We therefore desperately need to hear from people who wish to find a new home for their horse, preferably measuring in the region of 14.2hh to 15.2 cob type horses.
"This could be on a permanent loan basis or on a term-time loan agreement. In certain circumstances, the Wilton RDA will also purchase horses, which are guaranteed to have a good life, and home with much love given to them by the many volunteers that run the centre as well as those benefiting from riding therapy.”
The RDA’s centre has over 140 disabled riders, aged from 3 years old and upwards, benefit from the sixteen horses and many well-trained volunteers, who together make up the Wilton Riding for the Disabled centre.
As well as extending the service to clients, volunteers are always welcome to help support the RDA in this rewarding and fun environment.
For those wishing to discuss the riding therapy offered by the RDA or if anyone has knowledge about a friendly, healthy horse with a good temperament that needs a wonderful new home, please visit: www.rdawilton.co.uk