A Harrogate charity which helps disabled children and adults experience horse riding is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group (FPDRG) will mark the milestone with a free Open Day at Follifoot Park Riding Centre on Sunday 20th September.
The charity was founded in 1986 by Julie Pedley, from Follifoot Park Riding Centre, and local rider Rosie Towers.
It began as a small Riding for the Disabled Association group before becoming an independent charity and has since supported thousands of riders.
Around 150 volunteers now help FPDRG each year, providing riding sessions for children and adults aged two and above from Harrogate and the surrounding area.
The charity works in partnership with Follifoot Park Riding Centre, with members able to ride within the centre's grounds and along local routes.
Among those currently benefiting is three-year-old Wren, who has Down’s syndrome and joined FPDRG last September.
Her mum Lizzie Yates said:
“Wren absolutely loves her riding sessions and gets excited every week when it's time to go to the riding centre.
“Since joining FPDRG, we've seen a remarkable improvement in her core strength, and the sessions have become a highlight of her week.
“The support, encouragement and sense of achievement she gets from riding are invaluable, and all the riders seem to really enjoy being around the horses.
“It’s a hugely positive and social experience for her and us as we get to know other families too.”
Morag Bennett, Chair of Trustees at FPDRG, said:
“Reaching 40 years is a remarkable milestone for our charity, Julie Pedley and the brilliant team at the Riding Centre without whom we could not deliver the support we provide.
“FPDRG has grown from a small group of passionate volunteers into a thriving organisation supporting hundreds of riders every year, and we're excited to celebrate this anniversary with everyone who has been part of our journey over the past four decades.”
Lucy Longden, a retired physiotherapist who has volunteered with the charity for more than 35 years, said riding can provide a range of physical and mental health benefits.
She said:
“We're incredibly proud of the difference riding makes to people's strength, confidence and social skills, in addition to their physical and mental wellbeing.
“Our charity's ethos goes through everything we do to give people with disabilities equal access to the many health benefits from riding.”
The anniversary Open Day will include riding demonstrations, carriage rides, games and refreshments, as well as celebrating the history of the charity and Follifoot Park Riding Centre.
Current and former riders, families, volunteers, supporters and local residents are invited to attend.
The free event will run from 1.30pm until 4pm on Sunday 20th September at Follifoot Park Riding Centre on Pannal Road.
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