RIDING is a common hobby for horse-mad youngsters — but for one group at a Westhoughton stables it is proving more a source of therapy.

Landlord’s Farm in Westhoughton has grand plans to expand its provision for disabled children after scooping a £25,000 grant from Sport England.

Unlike must children, these youngsters require constant assistance during their riding lessons and set themselves more modest targets, such as picking a ball up while on horseback and dropping it into a bucket.

But Landlord’s Farm’s friendly staff are enticing more and more people with disabilities to give riding a go.

Christian Dunnington, aged 16, suffered a severe brain injury in a road accident five years ago and father Mike says horse riding has given his son, who has severe memory problems, vital therapy.

Mr Dunnington, who lives in Westhoughton, said: “It’s not about winning gold medals, it’s a therapy for Christian.

“His right side is a lot weaker than his left. He cannot remember things, it’s not like one week he will be able to things with no assistance then will be able to the next. He will forget by the next week.

“Landlord’s have been absolutely fantastic with him and they are doing a lot of work to make things even better.”

Mr Dunnington is striving to make his son, who attends Rumworth Special School sixth form, as independent as possible.

A platform for disabled riders to mount their horses has already been installed and Landlord’s hopes to use their £25,000 grant to build an outdoor arena and disabled toilets.

Veronica and Joseph Graham travel from Wigan with grandson Alex Eastham, aged 8, who is autistic and suffers from a brain condition, which means he cannot eat or swallow. Mr Graham said: “It’s good therapy for him and he likes the social side. The staff appreciate that he is disabled and treat him accordingly.”

Friends of Landlord’s Farm, the charity which raises funds for the stables, is through to the final of a competition for a £3,000 Community Fund Award from Lloyds Bank, which will be spent on new equipment.

To vote for them, text ‘VOTE WDN’ to 61119