AN appeal has gone out for people to help disabled children and adults boost their fitness and confidence during horse riding lessons in Snowdonia.

The Riding for the Disabled organisation, which has been based at Treborth, near Bangor, for the past 37 years, has fully completed its move to the Snowdonia Riding Stables at Waunfawr.

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Although the group has plenty of people to take part in the activities, they now need anyone who could offer to be volunteer helpers. Sidewalkers help accompany riders on each side of the horse and others are needed to lead the horses on the reign.

The Treborth Riding for the Disabled group, is run by stalwart volunteer for the Riding for the Disabled Association Mary Axford MBE.

Mary said: "It's been a big move for us after 37 years, but we are very happy to be up and running again and would love to hear from anyone who can offer help. No experience is necessary as full training will be given."

The riding stables had closed in March while it looked for a new venue. The Treborth group originally started out in 1976 in the grounds of Penrhyn Castle as the Tal Y Bont group.

In 1981, it moved to Treborth School, where it served school groups, and held sessions for disabled children in mainstream education and disabled adults living in the surrounding community.

However, the Treborth School was later closed and the site prepared to be sold.

The future of the riding school hung in the balance for a while, but the Snowdonia Riding Stables, run by Alex and Melissa Hickey stepped in to help.

Former vet Mary, received her MBE for services to disabled people in North Wales. She also received the President's Award, the the most prestigious volunteers award within the Riding for Disabled Association.

Anyone interested please contact Mary Axoford on 01248 450 618.