Riding charity boosted by fund-raising (From Worcester News)

Riding charity boosted by fund-raising

3:04pm Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Equestrian

WORCESTERSHIREbased Countrywide, the rural supplies giant, has made a major donation to a national riding charity. It has presented a total of £80,000 to Riding for the Disabled, which gives disabled people life-changing experiences through horses and horse-riding and which last year celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The money, raised during 2011, was awarded to the charity during a special event at Countrywide’s new head offices in Evesham attended by RDA and Countrywide staff, including RDA chief executive Ed Bracher, Countrywide chief executive John Hardman and special guest Ricky Balshaw, a 2012 British Paralympic hopeful.

Ricky, who is 25, has cerebral palsy. He has qualified for the British Dressage National Disabled Rider Championships every year from 1998 and won his first Paralympic medal when he won silver – Grade Ib Freestyle – at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

“My physiotherapist recommended I take up riding when I was four as it helped me to learn to balance and stretch my muscles,” he said. “I don’t use any special tack except jumping reins as my grip is not great.

“I also use elastic bands on my stirrups to hold my feet in place as I can’t get the stirrups back if I lose them.

“The RDA is a wonderful organisation, giving disabled people across the UK the opportunity to experience the joy of being around horses and the thrill of being in the saddle.

“I have much to thank them for and it’s only through donations such as this from Countrywide that more people will be given the opportunities afforded to me.”

John Hardman said: “We have been delighted to be able to support RDA as our chosen charity of the year and it gives me huge pleasure to present a cheque for £50,000 to go alongside the £30,000 already donated earlier this year.

“Countrywide and RDA are a good fit. Equine products and services make up a significant proportion of the Countrywide business.

“Many of our customers, and indeed our staff, are horse-owners and riders so there has been a huge amount of commitment and passion across the business to raise funds and awareness for such a worthwhile organisation.”

Money has been raised during numerous fund-raising activities, including silent auctions, a golf day and special fund-raising focus weekends.

Countrywide has also held special farmer, equine, pet and smallholder events throughout the store network, with all proceeds being donated to RDA.

Mr Hardman said: “Due to the strong bond between both organisations, I am pleased to announce that RDA will continue as Countrywide’s charity of the year for 2012.

“We are already planning a charity bike ride in the spring, which I have agreed to take part in, cycling to all Countrywide stores in one week – which is about 75 miles each day.”

Ed Bracher said: “Many congratulations and thank you to Countrywide for all it has done in the last year.

“The money will be used to support more than 500 RDA groups across the UK and continue to grow and develop the charity in order to provide disabled people with a fulfilling, enjoyable and sensory experience through horse riding and other equine activities.”