HORSES and ponies that help disabled people will get new shelters thanks to a £5,000 grant.

Abingdon Riding for the Disabled teaches disabled children and adults to ride horses and ponies to the best of their ability, while always having fun.

Chairman of Abingdon RDA Ann Barlow said studies have proven there is a direct correlation between the time individuals ride and their improvement in a range of life skills, including the ability to communicate, gain confidence and build relationships.

The group has a very long waiting list and riders range from two to 70 years old.

Mrs Barlow applied to the Gannett scheme for a sum of £5,000 for two new field shelters, which she was overjoyed to receive. She said: “We are absolutely thrilled. I got straight on to the builders. We will be getting the shelters as soon as we get the money through.

“When it’s pouring with rain we need these shelters really badly.

“Our horses and ponies are essential to providing our service, and their welfare is of prime importance to us. Both in the winter and in the summer months these shelters are vitally important to our ponies to protect them from wind, rain, snow and very hot sun.

“Everyone is so pleased. Everybody who knows about it is delighted. It’s the sort of money we just don’t have at the moment.

“It was a really lovely surprise.”