Herefordshire Riding for the Disabled offers riding therapy to over 100 adults or children with a physical disability, learning disability or additional needs each week. Most beneficiaries come from within the county of Herefordshire. Service users range from 5 years to 75 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds including supported living, foster care, school and family groups. We have a dedicated Equestrian Centre with 10 horses and ponies that runs sessions all year round. Our sessions are not just ‘riding lessons’ where service users are led around on ponies - each session has a structured plan aimed to the specific need of the participants. Our coaches aim to improve balance, core strength, mobility and communication through specially constructed riding sessions and we have seen clear results. Our service is also volunteer based and we need volunteers to undertake a variety of tasks to ensure riding therapy sessions go ahead. This includes leading horses and ponies, sidewalking beside clients to encourage engagement, helping with the care of ponies on the stable yard. We have over 50 volunteers that come to us each week.