Funds needed to keep Wilton Riding for the Disabled going
It costs £80,000 to run the charity every year
A charity that runs horse riding therapy for disabled adults and children in the Salisbury area is hoping to raise some funds
Wilton Riding for the Disabled doesn't receive funding from the government, as they are a ring-fenced charity, so are fundraising themselves.
The pandemic has led to a tough year for the centre financially, but they still need to pay for the upkeep of the horses.
The initiative costs them £80,000 to run every year.
Alex Thomas is a Trustee of Wilton Riding for the Disabled, she told us what that covers:
"That money goes to all of our costs, we have 16 horses and ponies onsite and as you can imagine, they don't come cheap.
"They need shoeing, feeding, their vets bills need to be paid for and the electricity, they are just some of the overheads."
Over 140 people are supported by the centre and those taking part in the riding therapy take a lot away from the sessions they take part in, Alex tells us what that is:
"It is just a really happy and wonderful thing, it provides muscle strength, balance co-ordination and it helps improve self-confidence and self esteem.
"The rider and the horse also build a trusting relationship, there is just nothing nicer than seeing a smile on someone's face when they come and ride with us.
"Sometimes it is not the most direct consequence, for example we've had parents say this really helps with speech development."
"A LIFELINE FOR MY SON"
Emma Claydon's Son Charlie attends RDA and started when he was just three-years-old.
He has down syndrome and it was recognised that riding would be beneficial for him as it would help with his communication and sensory skills.
At first, he was going once a week but shortly after he was diagnosed with leukaemia and spent six months in Southampton Hospital. Half a year later, the pandemic started and Charlie had to go in to isolation as his immune system was very weak.
Emma explained how the horse riding has been a lifeline for him:
"He couldn't attend nursery or normal social gatherings, but he could go to RDA riding as it is socially distanced and the risk of him picking up something from a horse was very minimal.
"That was one of the first things he could do as part of his recovery, so we took him once a week to help with his core stability, self-confidence and communication skills.
"We have gone sporadically ever since then, as there aren't enough spaces for everyone to attend all the time. But, whenever we have the opportunity we take Charlie along and he absolutely loves it. You can see the calming influence it has on him, and he spends the rest of the day much more secure in himself and his communication is better."
WILTON 100 CHALLENGE
This June Wilton Riding for the Disabled are looking for 100 volunteers to do 100 of something active to help raise money for the centre.
100miles of cycling, walking round a park 100 times or even 100 back flips can be done but the participant has to raise £100.
Alex Thomas said, "We do not want to limit people's imagination for what they can do to raise funds. Just think of the wonderful Captain Tom and what he achieved. People can be incredibly clever at coming up with great ideas. We just ask that they get sponsorship to raise £100.00."
All funds raised will go to the 16 horses and ponies benefitting the riders that use the centre.
To take part RDA's 'Wilton 100 Challenge', please register your interest by emailing: wilton100challenge@gmail.com