MSP Emma Roddick recently visited the Highland Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) near Inverness

The charity offers fun activities to disabled children and adults giving them the chance to be more active and spend time around horses.

They are in the process of building their first ever independent, dedicated centre in the Highlands at Sandycroft, Kirkhill and already have horses.

Miss Roddick said: “It was great to meet with the Highland RDA to find out more about how they’re supporting disabled folks with leading happier and more fulfilled lives.

“It’s not uncommon for disabled people, like myself, to find ourselves excluded or unwelcome at events and activities because someone hasn’t made the accommodations required for us to be able to comfortably attend.

“A hoist for getting on a horse is not something I even knew existed, but it was a real joy to hear about this and everything else they’re doing to cater for a wide variety of needs, from a rising platform that helps you get up to the height of the horse to multicoloured reins that aid with giving instructions.

“It’s really uplifting and exciting to see spaces like this exist for anyone with physical and learning disabilities and autism with no age restrictions, and it was amazing to hear all about their future plans.

“They have ambitious plans to get back to pre-pandemic levels of activity and more. I would highly encourage checking them out and supporting their work, and I can’t wait to come back soon to see their vision for a new centre realised.”

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