Local Riding school is crowd funding for a horse simulator for disabled riders

Barnfield Riding for the Disabled is a small, friendly charity working in association with Barnfield Riding School, based next to Richmond Park.



Founded in 1987, they are one of the most active RDA groups, offering riding therapy to local disabled children and adults. The benefits are numerous, both psychological and physical, including improved calmness, concentration, motivation, muscle development, strength and balance, co-ordination and more.

Whilst many disabled can ride a real horse with the support of riding support volunteers, some of them with more severe disabilities need additional help. The school believes the use of a horse simulator would help in a way they currently cannot and also develop the ability to safely progress to a real horse.

All of the staff are qualified BHS instructors and are DBS checked, child safe guarding and first aid trained. All our volunteers are fully trained and DBS checked.

A spokesperson for the school said: "With no central funding, we have a constant challenge to raise funds for what is a pretty expensive facility! The last couple of years we have been fundraising to acquire a mechanical horse and have finally decided to crowdfund in the hope we can benefit our disabled riders sooner.

"By adding this to our facilities we will be able to offer a simulated riding experience to the most disabled child where sitting on a live horse would not be possible or practical. Your donation will help to us to buy a Mechanical Horse".

For full details:www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mechanical-horse-to-bring-joy-to-disabled-children

September 13, 2019