A riding for the disabled scheme has thanked its volunteers and those who have helped the charity to survive the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Woodside Farm Stables Riding for the Disabled – now based at Eastfield Farm, King’s Clipstone, after a move from Rainworth – in particular singled out the support it has received from the Sir John Eastwood Foundation.

It has donated £10,000 towards the charity’s development and trotting costs and a spokesman for Woodside said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the foundation for their faith in us.

“2020 has been a tough year for us because our plans and aspirations were thwarted by lockdown.

“Our expenses in feeding the horses stayed the same, our bills soared with the need to buy in anti-viral products and we had some unexpected veterinary bills for a horse that needed to go to hospital.

“Our potential to raise riding donations has dwindled.

“But through a careful choice of riders, a bit of ingenuity and family bubble support, we have contrived to carry on offering riding for some of our disabled young clients.

“Family members have been trained and involved in ways they never thought possible and have kept smiling through the unexpected exercise.

“The fresh air at the farm nd a plentiful supply of sanitisation products dotted around the premises has enabled covid risk-managed sessions to continue.

“We are all volunteers. We would not have been able to achieve any of this without the dedication of our volunteer team, new and old. Hats off and three cheers for your commitment.”

Pictured is trainee coach Ayla Johnson with one rider, thrilled to be off the lead rein for the first time.