VOLUNTEERS at Weelsby Riding School's Riding For The Disabled Association (RDA) are riding high in their 25th year.

The team of 14 from Cleethorpes and Grimsby RDA provide a service on two mornings each week, Wednesday and Thursday, and now want to round up some more helpers.

They walk on both sides of the rider for safety and help them enjoy the experience and learn to keep their balance on the horses.

As reported, Mark Griffin and Emma Wells took part in a British Dressage Para-Equestrian Talent Spotting in Leicestershire and regularly represent Cleethorpes and Grimsby at RDA national equestrian events.

Mark, 43, of Holton-le-Clay, suffered head injuries in a crash 12 years ago at Caenby Corner.

He is also chairman of Headway Grimsby, which supports families of those with head injuries.

He said: "Riding with the RDA has provided me with ongoing help with my many problems and has also given me the self-esteem to compete at this high level.

Emma, 47, of Coskills, near Barnetby-le-Wold, who is a relative newcomer to the group, has muscular dystrophy.

She said: "I joined the RDA in 2008 and they have given me the ability not only to ride again, but to take part in competitive dressage."

Both said they were grateful to the Cleethorpes and Grimsby RDA for allowing them to use Sam, one of the group's horses, for the para-dressage event and to Glenys Woodhead and all of the staff at Weelsby Riding School.

They were two of the six riders the association took to Arena UK in Grantham to take part in a para-dressage, which is obedience riding.

All six qualified for the Hartbury championships in Gloucestershire on July 8.

As well as Mark and Emma, they are Julie Holmes, Carol Panchal and junior members Lewis Tucker and Harvey Hotson.

RDA chief instructor Shirley Kay, who was a founder member of the group, said: "We try to prepare the riders for better things. They get a lot out of their riding.

"For many of them it is the first time in their lives they are looking down at people and not up at them from a wheelchair."

She added: "They learn different movements, riding up and down. We have all abilities. Not everyone is able to go on to championships, but everyone benefits on a personal level – riding is good physio for them."

The RDA group also hosts young riders from Cambridge Park School.

Cerebral palsy sufferer Gareth Baskomb – known to his friends as Gaz – rode Sapphire, a dark bay horse, for the first time.

He said: "I enjoyed it. I have not been on a horse since I was about eight years old. I like trotting and was glad to stay on. I stayed glued to the saddle.

"It is not too challenging. I hope it will help my back.

"I would not mind mucking out the horses. If you are going to do the riding side, you might as well do it properly and look after the horses."

The RDA group needs financial support to pay for equipment, including special stirrups, which stop the rider from getting stuck.

They also use multicoloured reins and ladder reins for those with visual impairments.

Riders can also enjoy the safety of a Tonga saddle, designed for disabled riders.

The group will be fundraising at Brocklesby Country Fair on Sunday, June 26.

Roy Hampson, Cleethorpes and Grimsby RDA chairman, said the group would like to buy a mechanical simulator, which could cost up to £20,000.

He said: "We will be getting on our hands and knees asking for help. The machine would help all our riders."

He thanked Weelsby Riding School for their help with the group, adding: "They are a great support to our group. They look after the horses. We could not do what we do without them."

The chairman said volunteers would not need horse experience to join the group.

He said: "It is the number of volunteers that dictates how many riders we can have along."

Roy can be contacted on 01472 588107 and Shirley is on 01472 822180.