Hereford Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is campaigning to raise £5,000 in order to fund the purchase of a therapy horse it desperately needs in order to continue its vital work.
It is due to one of the RDA centre’s therapy horses, Jelly, being retired at the end of the summer.
“Jelly really is a star horse. She stands quietly at the mounting block for all riders, doesn’t flinch with any loud noises and is loved by all she meets,” said trustee Tammie O’Leary. “It is going to be tough finding her replacement. We require a horse of approximately 15.2hh that is mid-weight carrying and they are in great demand.
Jelly is looking for a new home and the RDA urgently needs to find her successor
“We would expect a similar horse to cost in the region of £5,000. Our fundraising campaign is now urgent. We have a Just Giving page which we urge people to share and donations are gratefully received, no matter how small.”
Tammie added that the charity is also seeking a retirement home for Jelly.
“She has stiffness in one of her legs which is gradually getting worse and currently prevents her from doing lot of fast work with her riders. We are looking for a quiet home where she will make a great asset for someone.”
Hereford RDA provides riding therapy sessions for people with additional needs, ensuring they can enjoy horse riding and a physical activity.
People that attend range from five to 85 years old and have a wide range of disabilities or additional needs.
“The benefits of attending an RDA session are numerous and we hope to improve not only riding skills but also core strength, through a supportive community and of course equine enjoyment,” said a statement.
“Our sessions run through the week and after school and we also provide sessions for a number of special schools in Herefordshire and the surrounding counties.”
Donate to the campaign here.
