A BRADFORD disabled riding school has been forced to move locations after 25 years to make way for housing.

Throstle Nest Riding for the Disabled Group has been based at the riding school in Fagley Lane, Fagley, for a quarter of a century.

But it is now having to up sticks and relocate to Wilsden Equestrian Centre in Wilsden, more than seven miles and a half an hour drive away to make way for a housing development.

Ahead of the move later this year, Throstle Farm is holding an open day at its new base in Wilsden on Sunday, April 23, to give existing customers and supporters the opportunity to visit the new premises, and people interested in joining the group the chance to see what the riding school has to offer.

Ahead of the move in June, the group is looking to recruit new volunteers, and Wilsden’s dedicated disabled area will people more regular sessions for riders.

The group will also be holding a ‘Farewell to Fagley’ party at the riding school in Fagley Lane on Sunday, June 4, to allow the scores of people who have ridden at the centre the chance to say goodbye.

Sarah Hamilton, fundraiser for the group, said: “The new riding school will open in June and we will be taking our fabulous arena with us.

“This move was forced on us by the fact that our current site is needed for new housing but we are determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity to make the group even better.”

Jeannette Wheeler, the proprietor of the Riding School, has been teaching people to ride from Throstle Nest Farm for over 30 years and started the RDA group to help local disabled people to get enjoyment and therapy from riding 25 years ago.

She said: “We have got a lot of horses so we can keep people interested in learning to ride.

“Often it’s the only time they are not looked down on.”

Victoria Cotter’s daughter Isabel has been riding at Throstle Nest for three years.

She said: “Since starting Throstle Nest Isabel has fully embraced horse riding and enjoys being part of a riding school.

“She has progressed so well and is now steering the horse by herself. She won’t be the next Paralympian but is a very happy girl who looks forward to her lesson every week.

“Without the help and support of the staff and volunteers at Throstle Nest this wouldn’t have been possible.”

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