| Horse riding is something that is enjoyed by tens of | | | | past 40 years. It now has 500 member groups across |
| thousands of people right across Britain every single | | | | the country that in turn help in excess of 20,000 people |
| week. To some people it is a sport that they take | | | | take part in horse and carriage riding and vaulting |
| extremely seriously in order to take part in | | | | activities. |
| competitions across the globe, while to others it is | | | | Contact with animals alone can be enough to benefit a |
| simply a wonderful way to get out into the countryside, | | | | person, but many disabled riders get much more out of |
| stay fit and spend quality time with an animal. | | | | their riding sessions. From achieving personal ambitions |
| For a number of people though, horse riding means | | | | such as sitting on a horse for the first time, right up to |
| something more. There are thousands of people in the | | | | improving posture and developing muscle groups. |
| UK who suffer from a mental or physical disability, for | | | | Horse riding can have a massive range of therapeutic |
| whom horse riding is not only a source of immense | | | | benefits. |
| pleasure, but a form of therapy, providing a | | | | Anyone who is thinking about taking up horse riding, |
| tremendous boost to their general health and wellbeing. | | | | whether they are able bodied or disabled needs to |
| There are groups across the country who run | | | | make sure they have the right kit before getting onto a |
| specialist riding centres and while riding benefits | | | | horse. Safety must always be the top priority, and |
| different people in different ways, everyone who | | | | wearing a suitable riding helmet whenever you get on |
| attends the courses is better for it. Some people will | | | | a horse is right at the top of the list. |
| benefit physically from riding, while many others will | | | | Using the internet to find riding gear is one of the |
| grow in confidence – something that is quickly | | | | easiest ways to get hold of the kit you need. Online |
| reflected in other parts of their lives as they interact | | | | merchants stock everything from horse saddles to |
| with other people. | | | | equestrian clothing, and by shopping on the internet you |
| In the UK, the Riding for the Disabled Association has | | | | are much more likely to find a bargain. Have a browse |
| been creating opportunities for disabled riders for the | | | | around and see what deals are available now. |