Disability riding school rode off with Scottish Charity Awards rosette

Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled has been named the winner of the one-off special Sporting Chance award at the 2014 Scottish Charity Awards.

Celebrating this summer’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games the award was launched to recognise community and charitable sports groups that are helping people achieve their goals through the joy of sport.

The award acknowledges the team spirit, dedication and commitment of all the riders, volunteers, ponies and supporters of the group

Ralverig Riding for the Disabled based in Balerno, Midlothian offers people with mental, learning, physical or emotional disabilities the opportunity to learn to horse ride for free and enjoy the physical and mental benefits connected with the sport.

It is run entirely by a team of 120 volunteers who give their time and skills to make the service available in a safe and stimulating environment.

On receiving the award at the annual awards dinner and ceremony, organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms, Joan Alexander, group instructor at Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled said horse riding and all the activities connected with it are proven to have therapeutic benefits for people with disabilities.

“Ravelrig Riding for Disabled is absolutely delighted to win this award,”

“The award acknowledges the team spirit, dedication and commitment of all the riders, volunteers, ponies and supporters of the group.”

The Scottish Charity Awards aims to recognise the life-changing work of charities, community groups and individuals dedicated to making Scotland a better place.

Shulah Allan, convener of SCVO, said: “All of this year’s finalists are remarkable examples of how Scotland has one of the most vibrant and innovative third sectors in the world.

“The awards are all about celebrating the endless energy that these people channel into making Scotland a better place to live.”