Nairn horseriding charity welcomes £3000 in fund boost for 2024
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A Nairn horseriding charity were delighted for two generous donations which will support the costs of their activities helping children and adults with disabilities.
Forres, Nairn and District Riding For the Disabled was awarded £2000 from the Adam Family Foundation and £800 The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation.
The local branch of the charity delivers weekly term-time therapeutic riding sessions for children with disabilities from local primary and secondary schools.
Chair Emma Gregg said they were busy behind the scenes over the festive period to secure the grants"We were absolutely delighted to get two early Christmas presents when both the Adam Family Foundation and The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation awarded us vital funding.
“With annual running costs of circa £27,000, the award from the Adam Family Foundation was very welcome. In addition, their additional funding of just over £500 will pay for all the Tea With A Pony sessions during the months April to June. This is great recognition for the value derived from contact with our ponies for those with dementia.
“We are very gratified that our work for those less fortunate is recognised as valuable. There are numerous funds available which we will continue to pursue avidly. And the required match funding will be raised through our own fundraising events, pony sponsorships and donations. It is critical that we do not take our foot off the pedal; continuity is so important for our participants.”
Adam Family Foundation manager, Lisa Nairn, said: “The physical and mental benefits of being in contact with horses are well known and this group works so hard to make sessions available for local young people with disabilities, ultimately enriching their lives.
"We are delighted to have offered support towards running costs for the current term. We are equally pleased to have helped fund a number of upcoming Tea with a Pony sessions, which are specially designed to provide fulfilling experiences for people living with dementia.”
Ms Gregg explained that funds are vital both for running costs and maintaining their equipment and facilities. The contribution from the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation enabled the charity to replace safety barriers and purchase storage crates.
Sarah Rollo, manager of The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, said: “Over the last 40 years, this group has provided hundreds of young people with safe and managed contact with horses, with all the benefits that these therapeutic sessions bring. In addition, they are now helping those with dementia through the fantastic Tea with a Pony initiative. We are delighted to be supporting this hard-working team by providing new barriers as well as storage for their essential equipment, which we know will be put to good use.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor a pony or donate can visit their website or contact Zillah Jamieson (07831 768349 or zillahj@btinternet.com).
