Latest news with #RidingfortheDisabled
7NEWS
01-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
‘Devastated': Disabled riders mourn beloved RDA horses
A series of violent wild dog attacks has claimed the lives of beloved therapy horses, leaving both volunteers and riders devastated. The team at Riding for the Disabled (RDA) at Hervey Bay has been forced to say an emotional goodbye to five of their beloved horses, all of whom suffered traumatic injuries and illnesses caused by wild dog attacks. 'We believe that the dogs are chasing and attacking the horses.,' said Emma Pearson from RDA Hervey Bay, Queensland. 'Our horses have developed stress-induced colic.' The volunteer-run organisation is offering essential services to those with physical and mental disabilities. For the riders, the gentle giants are more than just horses — they are vital partners. Engaging with horses through RDA not only enhances physical abilities but also fosters emotional growth and confidence. 'These horses are more than just animals — they're partners, teachers, and companions to people living with disabilities,' Pearson said. Thirty riders use the therapeutic service at Hervey Bay each week, with many more on the waiting list. RDA offers a rare opportunity for independence, joy, and healing, while building a tight-knit community of support. The recent attacks have devastated the community. For many riders, their time at RDA is a moment to escape the challenges they face daily. But unfortunately, the wild dog problem is not new. Pearson explained that while they have always been an issue in the area, their presence has become more frequent and prolonged in recent months. 'We have had the council out to set traps,' Pearson said. 'But it's been an ongoing struggle, and it feels like we're fighting an uphill battle. 'If anyone sees dogs in the area, please take photos, contact us, and let the council know.' The charity is now calling for help. To cover mounting veterinary bills, rebuild fencing, and eventually bring in new horses, RDA Hervey Bay has launched a GoFundMe campaign. 'We set a $3000 goal as our starting point,' Pearson said. 'But if we could wave a magic wand and make funds appear, we'd love to raise closer to $8000.'
Leader Live
29-04-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Financial crisis at Clwyd Special Riding Centre near Wrexham
Sam Rowlands has joined the call for immediate help with saving Clwyd Special Riding Centre. Clwyd Special Riding Centre, based at Llanfynydd, near Wexham, is facing a critical financial shortfall. The charity has annual running costs of £365,000 per year and urgently needs to raise funds to remain open after May 1. The centre supports a wide range of therapeutic activities, including hippotherapy (physio on horseback), mechanical horse therapy, Changing Lives Through Horses Programme, Equine Assisted Learning, and Riding for the Disabled (RDA) sessions. Read more: They have launched a Crowdfunder, which at the point of writing had raised almost £70,000, but more support is needed to hit the £365,000 target. If the target isn't met, donations will be returned. Sam Rowlands MS said: "The Clwyd Special Riding Centre is a wonderful charity, which has supported countless individuals over the last 43 years. "The centre is now facing an unprecedented financial challenge, and it's not for a lack of trying on their part. "I would encourage everyone to get behind the centre and support them so they can stay open, and continue to support people for decades to come." • To donate online, visit:
Wales Online
26-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
North Wales riding centre says will close in days unless emergency funds are secured
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A riding centre says it will close in days if it does not secure emergency funds. Clwyd Special Riding Centre, a charity based in Llanfynydd, near Wrexham, has announced that it faces potential closure on May 1. They said that despite "tireless efforts" behind the scenes - including cost-cutting, grant applications, and partnership outreach - the Centre is now facing a critical financial shortfall. With annual running costs of £365,000, the team is urgently seeking pledges and donations to stay open. 'For 43 years, this Centre has changed lives,' says trustee Victoria Everall, daughter of the Centre's founder. 'We are not giving up. We're launching a final, united push to rally support and secure the Centre's future.' Clwyd Special Riding Centre is a registered charity offering life-changing equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs, including mental health and well-being - helping to build confidence, connection, and independence. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The Centre supports a wide range of therapeutic activities, including hippotherapy (physio on horseback), mechanical horse therapy, Changing Lives Through Horses Programme, Equine Assisted Learning, and Riding for the Disabled (RDA) sessions. 'We're not just asking for charity in the commercial sense. We're asking you to believe in what we do – and to continue to stand with us today,' said Centre Managers Caroline Dingwall and Sophia Greenwell. 'A one-off gift, a corporate pledge or an introduction to someone who can help - every action counts.' To galvanise support, the Centre has launched a Crowdfunder. - which has so far raised over £40,000. The charity said: "If we don't reach our target of £365,000 your money is safe and will be returned to you by Crowdfunder."
North Wales Live
26-04-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
North Wales riding centre says will close in days unless emergency funds are secured
A riding centre says it will close in days if it does not secure emergency funds. Clwyd Special Riding Centre, a charity based in Llanfynydd, near Wrexham, has announced that it faces potential closure on May 1. They said that despite "tireless efforts" behind the scenes - including cost-cutting, grant applications, and partnership outreach - the Centre is now facing a critical financial shortfall. With annual running costs of £365,000, the team is urgently seeking pledges and donations to stay open. 'For 43 years, this Centre has changed lives,' says trustee Victoria Everall, daughter of the Centre's founder. 'We are not giving up. We're launching a final, united push to rally support and secure the Centre's future.' Clwyd Special Riding Centre is a registered charity offering life-changing equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs, including mental health and well-being - helping to build confidence, connection, and independence. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The Centre supports a wide range of therapeutic activities, including hippotherapy (physio on horseback), mechanical horse therapy, Changing Lives Through Horses Programme, Equine Assisted Learning, and Riding for the Disabled (RDA) sessions. 'We're not just asking for charity in the commercial sense. We're asking you to believe in what we do – and to continue to stand with us today,' said Centre Managers Caroline Dingwall and Sophia Greenwell. 'A one-off gift, a corporate pledge or an introduction to someone who can help - every action counts.' To galvanise support, the Centre has launched a Crowdfunder. - which has so far raised over £40,000. The charity said: "If we don't reach our target of £365,000 your money is safe and will be returned to you by Crowdfunder." Clwyd Special Riding Centre will still hold its planned Open Day on Monday April 28 10:30am – 4:30pm - renamed 'Save our Centre Day'- and is inviting the public to meet the team, the horses, and the community that make the Centre so special as well as witness the impact of its work first-hand.
Leader Live
25-04-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales charity launch Crowdfunder appeal to save centre
Despite tireless efforts behind the scenes - including cost-cutting, grant applications, and partnership outreach - Clwyd Special Riding Centre, based in Llanfynydd, near Wexham, is facing a critical financial shortfall. With annual running costs of £365,000, the team is urgently seeking pledges and donations to stay open. "For 43 years, this centre has changed lives," says trustee Victoria Everall, daughter of the centre's founder. "We are not giving up. We're launching a final, united push to rally support and secure the centre's future." Read more: Clwyd Special Riding Centre is a registered charity offering life-changing equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs, including mental health and wellbeing - helping to build confidence, connection, and independence. The centre supports a wide range of therapeutic activities, including hippotherapy (physio on horseback), mechanical horse therapy, Changing Lives Through Horses Programme, Equine Assisted Learning, and Riding for the Disabled (RDA) sessions. Centre managers Caroline Dingwall and Sophia Greenwell said: "We're not just asking for charity in the commercial sense. We're asking you to believe in what we do - and to continue to stand with us today. "A one-off gift, a corporate pledge or an introduction to someone who can help - every action counts." To galvanise support, the centre has launched a Crowdfunder, which you can visit here: Read more: Caroline and Sophia added: "This is an 'all or nothing' appeal. In other words, if we do not reach our target of £365,000 the centre will close on May 1, and you will receive your funds back directly from Crowdfunder. We do not want donations to go into a big black hole and in six months' time be in the same situation. It is literally a now or never situation. "If we don't reach our target of £365,000 your money is safe and will be returned to you by Crowdfunder." • Clwyd Special Riding Centre will still hold its planned open day on Monday, April 28, from 10.30am-4.30pm - renamed Save Our Centre Day - and is inviting the public to meet the team, the horses, and the community that make the centre so special, as well as witness the impact of its work first-hand.
