New ponies allow disabled children to aim high

Bristol children with disabilities will have the opportunity to take part in a range of horsey activities especially for them this summer.

The Aiming High project has recruited three new trained ponies for youngsters from the city to ride.

Squiggle, Foxy and Mario are living at Avon Riding Centre and the government scheme is aiming to provide another two ponies later in the holidays.

Chief Executive of Avon Riding Centre, Kevin Hateley, said: “Riding brings so many benefits for young people with disabilities. Thanks to the support of the Aiming High project we will be able to buy five new ponies, so even more children and young people can enjoy riding sessions.”

The Aiming High project enables children with disabilities to take part in activities and short breaks.

Mother Emma Hooper’s daughter, Natalie, aged 13 has severe learning difficulties and a visual impairment. She says that it is ‘great news’ that the project is funding even more horses for youngsters, allowing their confidence to grow.

Emma said: “Natalie has been riding at Avon Riding Centre for some time now and she absolutely loves it. It gives her a sense of freedom of movement, which is hard for her to experience otherwise because of her visual impairment.”