Blairgowrie Riding for the Disabled has been given a power-up thanks to SSE Renewables, who have given us a fantastic £5000 grant from their Drumderg Community Fund.

Our chairperson Rhona Christie, said: “The fact that Blairgowrie RDA is still going strong more than 50 years on is very much down to the incredible support we receive from the local community, our hard-working volunteers and generous support from organisations such as SSE Renewables.

“This significant grant from SSE Renewables has enabled us to continue to provide valuable services to people who have a range of physical and learning disabilities and autism.”

Rhona explained: “In a typical school term week, we aim to cater for 25-30 children with various mental and physical challenges and we also offer lessons for adults with disabilities.

“Many of our participants say that RDA activity is their main way of accessing physical exercise and we have a positive, long-term impact on confidence levels, relationship building, communication skills, enjoyment and physical ability.”

Sarah Ashley, principal teacher in intensive support provision at Coupar Angus Primary – whose pupils have benefited from the grant – said: “The opportunity for the pupils to participate in this healthy, social, and physical activity outside in the fresh air has greatly enhanced the life experiences of our pupils and their families.

“Our pupils are very excited every week to attend the sessions and we can see enormous benefits to them.”

Rhona added: “Here at Blairgowrie RDA, the emphasis for our riders is very much on having fun while improving fitness, skills development and therapy. We know our activities support our clients’ education and learning and that having the opportunity to join in improves confidence in daily life.

“We appreciate that many of the people who benefit from our activities have been impacted by financial pressures such as reduced local authority funding and the cost of living crisis. This grant from SSE has quite simply been a lifeline for them – without it, many of our participants would be unable to attend our lessons.

“We are extremely grateful to the Drumderg panel and SSE Renewables for their support.”

Craig Mullen, senior community investment manager at SSE Renewables, said: “This fantastic project continues to demonstrate that valued activities can be delivered locally. The Drumderg panel were happy to help sustain the service for the children, who seem to really enjoy the interaction with the animals and the wonderful volunteers at the Blairgowrie RDA.”