A CHARITY that helps disabled youngsters, by getting them in the saddle, welcomed a top horsewoman, who entertained the children and their families with a routine set to music.

Alice Krasno, a member of the UK Under-21 Dressage Squad performed at the Dummer branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), where she has been volunteering for two years.

The national charity helps children with all kinds of disabilities, both physical and mental, through horse-riding lessons, which strengthen the body and focus the mind.

Each child is accompanied by four adults – one leading the horse, two who walk either side and a trained instructor, who gives direction.

Miss Krasno, 18, who performed the routine on horse ‘Bug’, said: “It’s a wonderful charity. You see real improvements in the children who come here.”

The teenager, from Old Basing, added: “The children love the horses and it’s incredibly good exercise.”

Bob Jenner OBE, chairman of the RDA Dummer branch, said “It’s wonderful for our members to be able to see Alice ride. It’s inspirational and it gives the children something to aspire to.”

Parents at the event agreed that the horse-riding sessions, which are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, had resulted in a marked improvement in their children’s health.

James Allen, nine, suffers from arthrogryposis – a rare condition which causes joint problems and muscle weakness. He has been riding at the Dummer venue for nearly two years.

His mum Lorraine Allen, 49, of Farleigh Wallop, said: “There has been such a difference in James since he started riding.

“It’s great for helping with balance and for building up core strength and he absolutely loves it too. It’s like physiotherapy, but he doesn’t realise it because he’s enjoying himself too much.”

For more information about RDA, visit riding-for-disabled.org.uk.