A CHARITY launched as a passion project in an area where there isn't anything similar has been delivering bespoke programmes to dozens of participants every week.
Opening just months before the pandemic, the East Liverpool Riding for the Disabled group had a difficult start to life in Rainhill but now attracts almost 100 people to its School Lane stables every week.
With another 100 people on the waiting lists, the charity has blossomed into an inclusive community hub that offers horse riding programmes for children with disabilities and social meet-ups for vulnerable or isolated adults.
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Founder and chair of East Liverpool RDA, Natalie Burns, said: "I've ridden horses for more than 30 years, and after losing family members and having others diagnosed with cancer, I realised that they have always helped to keep my head on my shoulders.
"It is a passion of mine and I realised that there is nothing like this in the area, so I wanted to bring this to the community and help break down the stigma that horse-riding is an elitist sport.
"Especially after covid, we realised how many people were isolated, so we've been trying to do a bit of everything to help the community, and it has been doing wonders for people's mental health and giving them a purpose."
While still working in finance throughout the week, Natalie and her dedicated team of volunteers tweak different courses for the variety of members at the Rainhill stables.
Throughout the week, this involves horse riding and therapy sessions for people with mental or physical disabilities, as well as more bespoke programmes such as 'Tea and Talk' and 'Tea with a Pony' for the vulnerable or isolated.
There is also a great community of volunteers both young and old at the stables and the charity will be offering further sessions such as 'Men's Mind' and horse carriage sessions later this year.
Natalie, originally from Huyton, added: "We tweak each programme to help with different needs, but mainly we just want to create a safe outside space where people can come to meet up.
"The uptake has been absolutely amazing so far and it's become something I never could have imagined. It's grown so much and that's what we want to continue doing."
With a growing list of programmes, Natalie urged more volunteers and horse-lovers to come down to the School Lane stables. More information about East Liverpool RDA can be found here.
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