A CHARITY on the Flintshire/Wrexham border that supports riding for the disabled, has thanked its dedicated volunteers.

Earlier this month, trustees of the Clwyd Special Riding Centre (CSRC) hosted a Volunteer Supper to say 'thank you' to all those that selflessly donate their time and skills to the charity.

This annual event is also about recognising volunteers' length of service to volunteering to RSRC and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). The overall total of years for long service awarded on the night was 166. Special awards were also presented to volunteers for their unique contribution to the charity.

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As an affiliated RDA and British Horse Society (BHS) Centre, CSRC, in Llanfynydd, provides life-changing equine assisted therapy activities to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs, including mental health and wellbeing.

Volunteers are a vital part of the success of CSRC. Without their support, the centre simply could not deliver the weekly therapy sessions, maintain the site, or grow the services needed to allow even more people to access the benefits of equine assisted therapy.

Their RDA sessions are run solely by volunteers, and often require up to three volunteers per rider.

CSRC Trustee and current High Sheriff of Clwyd, Kate Hill-Trevor, presented the awards for Volunteer of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year, which went to Sue McDougall and Katy Cowan, respectively.

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Kate Hill-Trevor said: "Our volunteers are truly amazing. We are extremely lucky to have such a dedicated team of volunteers, who, every week come together to run the riding, carriage driving, hippotherapy and equine assisted therapy sessions. Every one of them makes a real difference to peoples' lives, and this evening was about recognising their contribution.

"We are always looking to expand our team of volunteers, not only to help in our sessions but also to help maintain the site. The centre has been established for over 40 years, and before that it was a working farm. So, as you can imagine, between the buildings and land, there is a constant flow of maintenance jobs! We'd love to hear from experienced, qualified individuals or companies who are keen to volunteer their skills to support a local charity.

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"Of course, not everyone has the time to volunteer, but people can still support us at one of our fundraising events. We have some exciting events planned for this year including a barn dance, tennis tournament, drinks party and our charity race day at Bangor-on-Dee Races on September 6, to name a few."

Volunteers were asked what volunteering at the centre meant to them, and here's what some of them said:

"I am humbled to witness the difference we as a team can make to participants and their families. Donating my time and skills to help others enjoy equine related therapy and activity gives me much loved equine contact."

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"It gives me a purpose later in life. Being able to help and give joy to others by passing on my knowledge."

"It's great to feel part of something big, friendly and happy. Being able to do something fun on a weekly basis that makes a difference."

"I know we are there to make other peoples' lives better – which we certainly do – but I feel it has had a really magical effect on mine too!"

If you are interested in volunteering, out more by contacting volunteering coordinator Sara Henney on 01352 771899 or email volunteering@clwydspecialridingcentre.co.uk