The Highland Riding for the Disabled Association (HRDA), celebrating its 50th anniversary, offers therapeutic horse riding sessions that significantly benefit individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Through tailored lessons led by experienced coach Bridget Ogle, participants—including children from Dingwall Academy and adults with various needs—experience improved confidence, physical strength, and emotional well-being. The program emphasizes not only riding skills but also life lessons such as trust, safety, and anxiety reduction, with horses often intuitively responding to riders’ emotional states.

Among the success stories is 14-year-old Samantha Slaven, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus; horse riding has helped her build strength and mobility, complementing her participation in wheelchair basketball. The charity relies on donations, grants, and dedicated volunteers to sustain its growing programs, including new sensory sessions for pupils with special needs. Despite challenges in expanding facilities, HRDA remains optimistic about its future impact, continuing to transform lives through the unique bond between horses and riders.