Friday, 17 February 2023
East Yorkshire’s North Ferriby Riding for the Disabled Centre (RDA) have put their award from British Equestrian’s Together Fund to excellent use for a project designed to engage young people and their families who have been struggling after covid, and with some amazing results.
The centre focusses on helping those with mental health problems, long term health conditions and disabilities. Jill Spriggs from the centre explains, “We have many individual journeys which show the positive impact that animal therapy provides, with our main focus being on equines. But, as an organisation, we never underestimate the therapeutic powers of any of our animals...even our yard cats Oreo and Smartie often offer the warmest welcome and help people feel at ease the moment they step through the gates!”
Those that attend the sessions are immersed in many different activities at the centre, from animal care to horse riding, the participants learn so much about themselves through these activities, “It has been our pleasure to be able to run the Together Fund project at our centre, it has allowed us the ability to help children and young adults who have experienced challenges with their mental wellbeing.” Jill said, “We have so many young people within our community who would like to access our services which the Together Fund has helped enable.”
Adam Hughes, Strategic Lead for Relationships at British Equestrian, visited the centre last week to see how the sessions have been going, “The commitment and dedication from Jill and Debbie to provide the best possible experience for all visitors to the yard as well as their time spent ensuring the best welfare for all the animals at the centre was incredible to see. The grant they received from the Together Fund has enabled them to help even more young people receive the benefits from spending time with the animals at the centre.”
The Together Fund has helped the staff at North Ferriby RDA introduce horses and animals to those who may never have previously had access to an environment like this. With a goal to improve physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, these sessions are vital to support those who need a little support in taking a step in the right direction.
British Equestrian is grateful to Sport England for their support of the Together Fund. More information about the Together Fund and how to apply can be found here.
Read more about North Ferriby RDA's Together Fund project.