Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association are on the look out for potential investors to help pay for a much-needed new horsebox.

The Riding School, based at Cheltenham Racecourse, is looking to raise £11,700 to pay for a new horsebox that will allow their horses to be transported to events and competitions as well as routine trips to the vets.

Claire Jenkins, General Manager at Cotswold RDA, has issued a rallying cry to Gloucestershire businesses whose financial support would mean they would be able to afford the new horsebox. She said: “We’re very keen to speak to people who might be able to help us raise the money we so desperately need, whether that’s businesses or individuals.

“We have been successful in raising £16,500 so far with generous donations from The Summerfield Trust, Act Foundation, Gloucestershire Disability Fund and The Barnwood Trust. We still have just under £12,000 to go though, so we’re very keen to hear from anyone who might be able to help.

“We recently competed in the National RDA Competition where we did so well, but we had to borrow the horsebox. I noticed that many other horseboxes had advertising on them, which is where we’re hoping local businesses can help us. Any donation over £1,000 will have the name sign written on the refurbished horsebox thanking you for your sponsorship. This will be seen by many thousands of people over the next ten years when we are out and about competing, off to the ponies’ holiday homes and on our base at Cheltenham Racecourse.

“All our riders have a disability whether physical, mental or a learning difficulty, and we are here to help them achieve the very best they can whatever the disability or the age. We know our work has a huge impact on our riders’ physical ability and horsemanship, but we also see benefits in other areas of their lives such as their ability to communicate, to build relationships and engage with education.

“If you’re interested in donating or require further information please get in touch. We’re a charity that depends on the generosity of sponsors and volunteers, the sooner we can sort the new horsebox out the better it will be for everyone associated with us.”

Anybody interested can contact Claire on 01242 584420 or email Claire@cotswoldrda.org.uk