DISABLED riders will get a real lift thanks to the generosity of the ladies of Tavistock Golf Club.

The golfers pitched in by raising a superb £1,300 for the the South Dartmoor Group of the Riding for the Disabled to buy vital equipment for the charity at Bickleigh Riding School, Bickleigh Barracks near Roborough, Plymouth.

The monies were raised as the chosen charity of the outgoing ladies' golf captain Patty Congo. The women held various events throughout the year, including a charity golf day, competitions and off course activities.

The RDA will use the money to hire the ponies and acquire equipment such as sheepskin saddles, helmets, head collars and lead ropes.

The group has 24 riders and a waiting list with ages ranging from six years old to 74. The riders have a range of disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, learning difficulties and blind and deafness.

Margaret Lawrence, the past chairman of the South Dartmoor Group for the RDA, told the Times that the organisation was grateful to the ladies for the generous donation.

She said: 'Without this donation and other fundraising money our disabled people of all ages would not be able to ride. Many of them are from the city and never come into contact with animals. By riding they are doing something on an equal basis with everyone else and you can see their faces light up when they get on a horse.'

Mrs Lawrence said she never forgot one young boy who before he joined the riding class never spoke a word. After a few weeks he began to talk about the pony, much to the surprise of his parents.

'That was an amazing experience,' she said.

Mrs Lawrence added: 'As you might imagine, some riders require quite a bit of help. In fact, riders may need up to three helpers, one to lead the pony /horse and a walker each side to ensure that the rider is quite safe.

'Having enough helpers is always a main area of concern and follows closely after that of having to raise sufficient funds to provide the ponies in the first place.'

Rides are on a Tuesday evening from 6.15pm-7pm and 7.15pm-8pm from April to September and usually take place in the schooling ring.

Riders are given the opportunity to ride at the walk and trot during the ride and a short period is normally given over for exercises, which improve confidence and muscle tone.

If you would like to volunteer please call Margaret on 01822 614080.