A RUNNER who dressed up as a horse to take part in a winter race has donated £840 to a charity which helps disabled children learn to ride.

Katya Fenn from Steynton took part in the Broad Haven Christmas Pudding Run at the end of last year to raise money for Pembrokeshire Riding for the Disabled.

The charity helps children with disabilities to exercise, bond with animals and make friends.

Katya said taking part in the run was “quite a challenge” but was worth it to help raise money for the riding charity.

She said taking part in the Christmas Pudding Run was made easier by many early mornings of training with her friend Nico, who encouraged her to keep running despite having been to hospital for an operation.

“I really wouldn’t have done it without him,” she said.

Katya plans to raise more money for the charity next year.

“I don’t know what I am going to do next year. They have asked me to go do it again but I have said I am going running for pleasure now,” she said.

Milford Mercury:

The Riding for the Disabled Association is a national organisation with almost 500 member groups, one of which is Pembrokeshire RDA.

In 2018, Pembrokeshire RDA had 40 riders, helped by 41 volunteers and ponies and staff at Bowlings Riding School, Rudbaxton.

The children and young people who ride with the charity see both physical and mental benefits to taking part.

This includes improving their core strength and fitness, better motor skills, learning to communicate as part of a team and building their self-confidence.

Jo Goldsmith, who volunteers with Pembrokeshire RDA and helps to run the group, said the organisation was grateful for the support of Dr and Mrs Gibson who own the riding school.

See rdasouthwales.org.uk for more information.