All set to hoof it
Riding for Disabled team to do Kiltwalk
Seven volunteers from Equi-Power Riding for the Disabled Group are aiming to net £3,000 by taking part in the sponsored Kiltwalk in Edinburgh.
The group is raising funds so that more people with disabilities and facing disadvantage in the area can continue to benefit from horse-related activities.
It follows the closure in 2014 of the Bannockburn RDA Group at Sauchieburn, which provided opportunities for more than 350 adults and children, with help from over 250 volunteers.
Equi-Power is a member group of the Riding for the Disabled Association. and was set up following the devastating closure, which resulted from a controversial dispute with the new landowner.
A team of trustees, volunteers, and sessional workers launched services in the local area in April 2016 in a bid to continue to cater for those involved in the charity and to allow more people with disabilities to continue to reap the benefits of equestrian activities locally.
The annual Kiltwalk, which takes place across four venues in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh on September 16, is split into three abilities - the ‘Wee Wander’ (five miles), the ‘Big Stroll’ (15.5 miles) and the ‘Mighty Stride’ (24 miles).
Equi-Power has put forward volunteers to participate in each category.
Those taking part are Lyn Dumbleton, Angela Stewart Mair, Gillian McCready, Julie-Anne Griffith, Sue Dumbleton, Dr Dianne Theakston and her guide dog Merlin, and Emma Parry.
Equi-Power has a temporary base in Plean where they currently provide opportunities for equestrian vaulting, horse riding, equine assisted learning and volunteering.
They are also working with Stirling Council to establish a permanent long term home for the charity at a new purpose built centre on land at Kildean.
They are walking the Kilt Walk to raise money to help cover the costs of planning permission for the new centre.
David James, chair of the board of trustees, said: “Whilst we are delighted to have secured a superb new temporary base for the charity which will enable services to continue during the winter months, in order to grow Equi-Power in a sustainable and cost effective way, the board of trustees is committed to working with Stirling Council and other partner organisations to make the dream of a new centre in Stirling a reality. This will enable the charity to improve the lives of many more people facing disadvantage in the local area.”
To follow the Team Equi-Power Kiltwalk journey or to donate visit https:// edinburghkiltwalk2018.everydayhero. com/uk/team-equi-power/members.
Further information on the group at www.facebook.com/CentralScotlandRDA/ and on www.equi-power.org.