From a1aacb72b0b0df5919784151d15122a34062b001 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Calum Muir Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2026 20:18:48 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Update new trustees article content - Replace mechanical horse content with proper new trustees announcement - Add information about four new Trustees joining the Group - Update with forward-looking statement about restarting activities Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.6 --- src/content/news/2026-03-new-trustees.md | 35 +++--------------------- 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 31 deletions(-) diff --git a/src/content/news/2026-03-new-trustees.md b/src/content/news/2026-03-new-trustees.md index 9170e8d..dc8fb21 100644 --- a/src/content/news/2026-03-new-trustees.md +++ b/src/content/news/2026-03-new-trustees.md @@ -5,37 +5,10 @@ summary: "Four new Trustees have joined Highland RDA, bringing fresh enthusiasm image: "/news.webp" slug: "new-trustees" --- -# A Major Boost for Highland Group RDA: Mechanical Horse Donation Announced +## A New Chapter for Highland RDA -Highland Group Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is delighted to announce a significant step forward for our charity, following confirmation that we have been selected as one of the nominated charities for the 2026 Highland Cross. +We are delighted to announce that four new Trustees have joined the Group who are enthusiastic about taking Highland RDA forward at their current venue where Dan and Sarah Fraser, of Reelig Estate, are looking forward to working with them as they grow in the future. -As part of this support, Highland Group RDA will receive funding for a mechanical horse — a transformative piece of equipment that will be the first of its kind in the Highland area and will benefit every participant who comes through our programme. +## Looking Ahead -This achievement recognises the value of our work supporting children and adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions through therapeutic riding and equine-based activities. - -## What the Mechanical Horse Means for Our Riders - -From a participant’s point of view, nothing changes about the care, encouragement, and support they receive. Behind the scenes, however, the mechanical horse will allow us to do much more. - -The equipment carefully simulates the natural movement of a horse while providing a controlled, indoor environment. This means new riders can safely experience the sensation of being on a horse, often for the very first time, while building confidence, balance, and core strength. - -It also allows our coaches and volunteers to introduce riding skills such as transitions between halt, walk, and trot in a calm, supportive setting. For many participants, this can be a crucial stepping stone before riding a live pony — or a valuable therapeutic activity in its own right. - -## Opening the Door to More People - -One of the most exciting aspects of this donation is how it expands access. - -The mechanical horse will enable Highland Group RDA to welcome more children and adults, including those who may not yet be ready to ride outdoors or who benefit from a more predictable environment. Sessions can continue regardless of weather, and participants can engage visually and cognitively through integrated screens while riding. - -Every new participant joining the charity will benefit from this equipment, helping us grow in a way that remains safe, inclusive, and supportive. - -## Our Thanks to Highland Cross - -We are deeply grateful to Highland Cross, its volunteers, supporters, and the Independent Charity Selection Panel for recognising the impact of our work and investing in its future. - -This donation is more than a piece of equipment — it is an investment in confidence, wellbeing, and opportunity for people across the Highlands who benefit from Riding for the Disabled. - -We look forward to sharing updates as plans progress and to welcoming even more riders to Highland Group RDA in the year ahead. -We would like to thank everyone who has donated both large and small amounts, enabling the group to sustain the sessions which provide such wonderful benefit to many in our disabled community and through which they have an opportunity to realise far greater potential than would otherwise be possible. - -In order for the Group to continue, please consider becoming a Trustee and creating a new Board. An application form is available from the Group Administrator (info@highlandgrouprda.org.uk), to be returned as soon as possible and preferably by the end of January 2026. +During the next few weeks necessary checks and paperwork will be on-going, whilst meetings will also be set up to engage with staff, group members, other volunteers and users of the services which the Group provides. It is hoped that activities will restart as soon after Easter as possible; in the meantime we thank you for your continued support and interest in the Group.