We need more horses!

A RIDING group for disabled children and adults is appealing for more horses.

Emley Moor Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Group offers both riders and volunteers time with horses from April to September.

Sally Crossland, a riding instructor and one of the charity’s trustees, said: “We had what feels like a run of bad luck with horses.

“We lost a horse called Jester at the end of last year. It was a bit unexpected because he wasn’t the oldest in the group. It set us back a bit.

“Then we had to make the decision to retire our biggest horse, Tinker, due to his arthritis.

“So we started the season with just four ponies.

“Then about a month ago, our pony Loulou died very suddenly of liver failure.”

Sally and her mum Pat Hampshire, 77, run the charity, which is based at Factory Farm on Emley Moor, along with the other trustees. (LINK: http://www.examiner.co.uk/ news/west-yorkshire-news/ examiner-wish-2013-emleymoor-6176627)

Between 2010-2015, the charity spent an average of £5,314.60 per year, but its average income was £1,800 per year. Based on those figures, they face an annual shortfall of over £3,500.

“There can be quite a large price tag on a horse and we haven’t the funds to buy something outright,” Sally said.

“We can’t apply for grants either because we’re struggling financially as it is so to accept a grant and buy a horse while facing closure wouldn’t be right.”

Call 01924 848219.