THE Southborough & District Lions Club have provided Wellgrove Farm Riding Stables in Pembury with a ramp to allow disabled people to enjoy riding.
Wellgrove Farm, in Kings Toll Road, offers equine opportunities through the Riding for the Disabled Association [RDA].
Lion Sylvia Fuller met local volunteer Liz Mead last autumn to find a way to help handicapped people of all ages to mount a horse.
As a result, the Southborough branch has provided £500 of funding to help with the construction of a ramp which brings riders to a height that makes it easier to get into and out of the saddle.
Wellgrove Farm supervises up to 60 RDA riders from local schools each week, and also six adults from the region.
Their involvement in horse riding proves beneficial for their health and general wellbeing, cognitive and social skills.
Liz, who has worked as an instructor at the stables for four years and is a trustee, said: ‘The benefits horse riding can offer riders through balance, emotion, communication, fun and freedom is what drives me to champion its cause.’
PICTURE: HELPING HANDS: Southborough Lions President Peter Mersh with volunteer Liz Mead at Wellgrove Farm Riding Stables
