SNUG AS A PONY IN A RUG
10/03/2008

Twenty horses and ponies that help children with special needs are keeping warm against the winter storms thanks to brand new weather-proof rugs from GoodFund.

The Riding Centre for the Disabled’s Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough provides riding therapy for disabled children and young adults.  They currently have 16 students who are studying for their NVQ in Horsecare full-time as well as 170 registered volunteers.

Every week, the centre accommodates over 200 disabled riders from local schools in the Teesside area.  The riders experience positive riding therapy which can mimic the movement of the pelvis when walking with the slow, rhythmic movement of the horse around the arena.  Each rider is supported by a leader who directs the horse around the track, keeping control at all times ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for the rider.

Claire Pitt, centre manager, said:  “We are very grateful to GoodFund for their generous donation.  This means the horses can spend time in the fields in all weathers.  We now have 20 horses and ponies that are happy, healthy and a whole lot cleaner thanks to their new rugs.”

The award of £2,500.00 was generated by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery which provide GoodFund with regular income to distribute to North East charities.

Manuela Wendler, executive manager at GoodFund, said:  “The Unicorn Centre is a great example of one of the many charities we have helped which focuses on children’s wellbeing in the North East.  Over the past few years, we have given over £1.2 million to local charities and community groups in Middlesbrough and Teesside including Children North East and the Daisy Chain project.”

For more information about the Unicorn Centre please ring Claire on 01642 576222 alternatively e-mail
enquiries@unicorn-centre.freeserve.co.uk.