YOUNG riders from two different Furness clubs joined forces to enjoy a summer gymkhana.

Children from Furness Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association and Seaview Pony Club teamed up together for a friendly competition evening.

Both clubs are based at Seaview Riding School, Biggar Village, Walney, and the children worked in mixed teams to take part in the Edward Cup Day.

RDA riders and Pony Club jockeys worked together in their teams to win rosettes in the 'A ride in the country' obstacle course challenge and equitation classes. The overall winning team, collecting up the most points, lifted the Edward Cup, named in honour of veteran Seaview pony, Edward, a former national RDA champion.

Furness Group of the RDA, is a local charity group of a national charity. The organisation puts on riding sessions at Seaview for children with disabilities.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p6bOrIi-5N4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Seaview Pony Club is a branch of the international voluntary organisation, The Pony Club. The branch, which is run by the riding school, teaches young people to ride and care for ponies. The riders also work towards achievement badges.

The rosettes, kindly sponsored by Lakeland Land Rover, were award to all the children. The prizes were presented by RDA volunteer Reg Hartley, who turns 90 next month.

The former head of science at Westshore Secondary - now Walney School - is cutting back on his volunteering now.

As a gift from the group, Mr Hartley was presented with a great caricature of himself, drawn by Jack Richards.

Mr Hartley, who has volunteered with the group for more than 12 years, said: "I'm easing back a bit now. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the RDA. I'm very pleased with my gift.

"Volunteering is very therapeutic. I'd recommend volunteering to anyone, especially young people as it's a way into work." Claire Hayton, the manager of Seaview Riding School, and Judith Stitt, the chairwoman of Furness Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, said the event had been a successful inclusive event for all the riders. They thanked everyone who helped and supported the evening.

Mrs Stitt said: "It was lovely to hold such an inclusive event with the RDA riders having the opportunity to ride alongside the Seaview Pony Club members in mixed teams.

"Thanks to everyone who helped make the event such a big success and Seaview Riding School for being such good hosts and providing such well behaved ponies."

'It's what you can do that counts'

The RDA has proudly been delivering opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities for more than 40 years, with the Furness branch making a real difference to the lives of local children with a range of disabilities. The motto of the charity is: 'It's what you can do that counts'.

The fun sessions allow the children to enjoy a special bond with the ponies. The group ride at Seaview Riding School, on Walney, on a Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings during school term time.

The charity relies on fundraising to run and the volunteers regularly put on charity events. At the end of March the group held its first gala dinner at The Grandstand at Cartmel Racecourse, which raised £7,153 for the group. ​

RDA can be the starting point to golden opportunities. Our multi-Paralympic gold medal winners of equestrian Team GB, like dressage stars Natasha Baker and Sophie Christiansen, started out with RDA groups.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wQsmOH19lo4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>