A MENTAL health charity in Bradford collaborated with a riding centre in the district to look at the benefits horse riding can have on mental health.
Mind in Bradford and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) partnered for a six-week pilot project that operated from the Cliff Hollins Riding School in East Bierley.
It took place in September and October, with the help of the RDA coaches, and volunteers who had no previous horse or pony experience took part.
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Participants took part in a range of activities from learning how to approach and handle a horse to aspects of their care such as grooming or picking out feet.
A Mind in Bradford client said: "I would like to thank Mind in Bradford, the stables and the RDA for allowing me to go on the initial open day and to do this course.
“Before I came to Mind last summer, I was in a very bad way with my anxiety and depression.
“I have always loved horses and it was nice to meet people on the course who were understanding as they have similar difficulties themselves. I enjoyed being with the horses and ponies, as they don’t judge.
"I liked learning how to care for them and enjoyed learning to ride properly, being out in the fresh air."
The project was the idea of Andy Gray, RDA Regional Coordinator for Yorkshire and Cleveland, who has been a long-time advocate of Equine Assisted Activities.
Andy was keen to raise awareness of RDA and approached Mind in Bradford with a proposal for the two charities to work together to impact more people and enable individuals with mental health challenges to participate in regular sessions at the Cliff Hollins Riding School.
“I was delighted with the response from Mind in Bradford," he said.
“Working with a like-minded charity to support the mental health of the participants by connecting them with horses was a very rewarding experience.
"The team at Cliff Hollins were brilliant, led by their amazing instructor Chelsea."
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