A horse-riding centre will be holding an open day to showcase and encourage less-abled bodied children to take the reigns in a new hobby.

Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs on Grange Farm Centre, Chigwell, currently welcomes 160 riders each week to their stables to ride specially trained horses and ponies.

Established in 1964 as the first ever riding centre in the world for people with disabilities and special needs, the Trust has helped thousands of youngsters.

A statement from Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs said: “Not only will visitors have the chance to watch some riding demonstrations from the Trust’s riders and hear about its work, people will also have the chance to meet some of the centre’s 15 horses.”

Club member, George, who has a disability which affects his mobility, has been coming to the riding centre for nearly a year.

Unable to walk unaided, the budding horse rider has now been taking a few steps independently

George’s mother, Danielle. said, “He looks forward so much to his lesson on Tansy - his favourite pony - every week.

“It’s his special time where he can be free and the huge smile on his face says it all. I’m so grateful to the Trust for giving my son the chance to ride”.

It is hoped the open day will encourage more school visits and attract more volunteers and supporters to gain practical experience of working with children and animals.

Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs Open Day will take place on Sunday, June 23, from11-4pm. Entrance is free.

For more information, contact Deborah Hall on 020 8500 6051.