A charity that allows people with disabilities to experience horse riding has been handed a cash boost.

The Newcastle and District Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) group was handed a £300 donation from Team-Valley based copy, print, and scan company SOS Group.

The donation will help the group, which has a base at Mount Huly near Ovingham, pay for new games, jumping equipment and tack.

The association is run by volunteers, and holds sessions each week for around 25 riders.

As well as being very enjoyable, horse riding therapy helps improve fitness and posture and builds confidence and self-esteem.

Avril Lomas, group chairwoman and coach at the RDA group, explained the benefits.

She said: “Simply being more active reduces anxiety and improves our physical health, and spending time with animals can really lift our mood.

“For people with disabilities, it can be even more beneficial and we can use the movement of the horse to achieve a specific response.”

SOS Group has been supporting the national Riding for the Disabled Association for several years.

Andrew Skelton, director at SOS Group, explained why the company chose to support the local group.

He added: “We’ve supported the association nationally for three years now.

“We know very well what a difference riding can make to people with disabilities.

“It offers a chance to take control and make decisions as well as interacting with these beautiful animals.We’re very proud to help support a local RDA group. It’s a pleasure to see the smiles on the faces of the riders here.”