A CHARITY has received a £1,000 boost from Cross Hills-based developer Skipton Properties.

Haworth Riding for the Disabled has been awarded the money as part of a new charity scheme launched by the firm.

The Riparian Way company is giving away £1,000 a month to good causes in areas where it is building homes.

Haworth Riding for the Disabled (RDA) will use its grant to help fund the salary of a coach to teach more children on the charity’s mechanical horse simulator, Penny.

The machine is currently used by 12 riders. But with an increase in the coach’s hours, an additional 16 people will benefit.

Jane Lawrence, fundraiser at Haworth RDA, said the group was delighted with the donation and she thanked Skipton Properties for its support.

“Horse riding builds core strength, improves balance and coordination, makes a person more flexible and increases motor skills,” Jane added.

“Many of our participants also feel isolated because of their disability and struggle to find recreational and social outlets that understand their needs.

“Riding the mechanical horse and becoming involved in RDA activities addresses these issues and allows our riders to become part of a community where they can build new skills and gain confidence.”

Haworth RDA has 95 regular riders every week, a dozen horses and more than 40 volunteers – with a desperate need for more people to help out.

Provision includes group and private lessons, pony and after-school clubs, a luncheon club for adults and sessions during the school holidays.

Caroline Verity – sales, marketing and design director at Skipton Properties – said: “Haworth RDA provides such a valuable service to local disabled people, which is why we’re thrilled to award it £1,000 from our charity fund.

“Increasing the availability of Penny through the dedicated coach will allow the charity to offer more disabled people the well-known benefits of horse riding in a safe environment.”

The company would like to hear from other charities, in areas where it has current developments or is planning to launch in the next year, interested in applying for funds. Visit skiptonproperties.com/charity for more details and to apply.