Disabled riders a credit to Unicorn

Sep 13 2008 The Journal

YOUNG disabled riders from the Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre, based at Hemlington near Middlesbrough, won numerous medals and rosettes at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury, Gloucestershire.

Last year nine riders qualified for the championships but this year the Unicorn Centre took one of the largest contingents of riders and horses in the Yorkshire and Cleveland region.

Their fantastic victory followed months of training and success in the regional qualifiers and is the best result the Unicorn Centre has ever achieved at national level.

A successful Press appeal ensured sufficient funds were available to sponsor the riders and cover transport and accommodation for the weekend.

The riders were accompanied to Hartpury by their families and friends, six horses, three instructors and a team of volunteers. Yard manager Heidi Hutchinson said: “All the riders worked so hard and performed way above expectations.

“We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to their success, particularly Kay Brandon and Judy Preston who spent many hours coaching the riders.

“Their success has really inspired us now and we believe that we have the talent within the group to compete beyond national level and who knows where the next four years will take us.”

The Unicorn Centre is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

To commemorate this the Centre Trustees have set up a bursary called “Ten” to provide support for some of the centre’s disabled and disadvantaged riders.

The aim of the bursary is to help them achieve their full potential in riding therapy or the sport of horse riding with the emphasis on inclusion with able bodied riders.

This may take the form of sponsorship for riding tuition, travel subsistence, riding holidays, equipment or clothing.

Local companies, organisations and individuals are being asked to pledge support to the appeal by making a donation to the bursary and help support these talented youngsters and adults.

For further information and entry forms, telephone (01642) 576222 or visit www.communigate.co.uk/ne/unicorn