Following a funding boost of more than £3,000 from the HFD Charitable Foundation – the charitable arm of Scotland’s leading commercial property company – a group of pupils aged 6-11 from Hampden Primary School were among those to benefit from the riding sessions during the most recent school term.

With 15 horses currently cared for at the purpose-built centre, classes are designed to teach people new skills and foster independence by encouraging riders to take charge of their horses. Equine therapy has several physical and psychological benefits, making it an appropriate tool for supporting people with a very wide range of disabilities, from autism and Asperger’s to cerebral palsy, visual or hearing impairments and learning disabilities.

The centre is run by a team of over 100 volunteers and coaches, with donations and grant funding allowing the charity to provide accessible classes for schools all over the West of Scotland.

Marianne Prentice, trusts and foundations fundraiser at the Glasgow RDA, said: “Generally speaking, we see the same group of children for a 10 or 12 week block and it is great to see the progress they make during that time. Depending on their disability, they might start off with a leader or side walker helping with balance and direction but by the end they can be going alone. In some cases, we also see kids coming back much more regularly after the first block of classes and it is great to see them developing and growing up over the years.

“Support from volunteers and corporate fundraisers is essential for keeping the riding school going and allowing us to support primary school children from all over the Glasgow region to take part in therapy sessions. Horse-based therapy is more than pony rides; we aim to help participants to build confidence, improve physical health, and enjoy new activities within a welcoming and inclusive environment.”

Lauren McKenzie, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation, added: “Our ambition is to provide funding to local organisations that are making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Having visited the Glasgow RDA stables and seen the enjoyment on the children’s faces as they are taking part in a riding session, it is clear that the centre is making a huge impact on their mental health and physical wellbeing. We are pleased to have been able to support the valuable work of the volunteers and coaches.”