A NEW installation will make a big difference for riders near Tenbury.

Local Riding for the Disabled Association group Kyre RDA has just installed a new training mirror in its riding school at Grafton Farm to enhance the rider experience.

The large mirror is mounted high on an end wall to allow both children and adults to see themselves as they walk or trot towards it and to improve their balance and riding skills.

The purchase and installation of this mirror and other training aids have been made possible by the very kind and generous donation made recently by the Freemasons Lodge of St Michael in Tenbury Wells.

Kyre RDA group coach Jackie Forrester said: “ Seeing yourself ‘in action’ as you participate, is always a very effective way to critique and improve your performance; just as a mirror helps ballerinas in a dance studio.

"Regardless of their physical or mental disabilities, all of our riders can now see and better understand the coaching instructions they receive to improve for example, their posture, hand or leg positions in the saddle. Some of the children just giggle and wave to themselves in the mirror! But either way, it is a great way for us to engage with them; more productive and more fun for everyone.”

Most of the sessions provided by Kyre RDA are held on Thursdays and Fridays during school term time and more local volunteers are sought as an important anniversary approaches and other events are planned for 2024. Volunteers need little knowledge of horses and riding to begin with as training will be provided.

Anyone interested in supporting the groups charitable activities should contact Jackie and Helen at kyrerda@gmail.com