Children at Saffron Walden & District Riding Club for the Disabled are celebrating the unveiling of their new £10,000 clubhouse

DISABLED children are set to benefit from a new £10,000 clubhouse allowing them to ride ponies in all weathers.

From left, Sara Andrews, business partner for Saffron Building Society, Penny Potter, events and charity fundraiser for Press Relief, Chantea Mcaeilage, chairman of Riding for the Disabled, Mayor and Mayoress David and Susan Watson and Sue Hayden, community development officer at Uttlesford District Council.

Members of Saffron Walden & District Riding Club for the Disabled took part in the unveiling of their refurbished clubhouse – complete with educational materials, tables and chairs, and a new kitchen.

Chairman Chantek McNeilage told the Reporter the long-term aspiration was to turn the building at Barnard’s Farm, Debden, into an teaching hub, allowing youngsters to learn alongside their weekly riding visits.

“We are absolutely thrilled to open the clubhouse because it means sessions won’t have to be cancelled because it is wet and cold. Instead it can be used for teaching the children about horses and ponies in a classroom environment.”

The RDA was also chosen by Saffron Walden mayor Cllr David Watson as one of his charities of the year. He said: “I’m pleased youngsters will no longer be left disappointed because this means riding will never have to be cancelled due to the weather.”