Our History

The group was originally formed in 1986 and became an independent Charity in 1994.  Julie Pedley, the owner of Follifoot Park Riding Centre, and our founder, Rosie Towers, wanted to offer disabled riders the unique benefits of horse riding, so Rosie decided to recruit the necessary helpers.  Thanks to her dedicated efforts we now have 150 volunteers who help to provide 16 regular rides each week in groups of up to five disabled people.  During the tenth anniversary year Rosie purchased a carriage to offer rides to wheelchair users and those not able to ride a horse. In 2004 STAN our mechanical horse arrived and in 2010 he moved into his new home with hoisting facilities.

During the past 33 years hundreds of riders, both young and adult, have enjoyed this opportunity. Our continuing aim is to provide more opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the unique benefits and pleasures of riding and carriage driving with us.

Sadly Rosie Towers passed away in August 2005 but her legacy and her dream live on.  We hope that you will find the inspiration in our website pages to help us continue to fulfil that dream.

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Rosie Towers, our founder, with her pride and joy
‘STAN the mechanical horse’.