Two horse riding clubs joined forces and have won praise from the Riding for the Disabled Association's (RDA) chief executive.

Youngsters from Furness Group RDA and Seaview Pony Club teamed together to have great fun and win rosettes for a countryside gymkhana event.

Both groups, which are based at Seaview Riding School, on Walney Island, were delighted to welcome Ed Bracher, the Chief Exec for the RDA, to see their wonderful collaborative celebration.

Mr Bracher got the event started by officially opening Furness RDA's new hydraulic mounting platform.

The £25,000 project has been kindly supported by the local community including BAE Systems, Sir John Fisher Foundation, Dail a Ride and also the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The platform will assist the riders to mount more efficiently and independently therefore giving them more time on the ponies.

Mr Bracher congratulated the riders and ponies, presented rosettes and chatted with the families and volunteers on the fun-filled and well attended night.

Gaining the facility is “a massive achievement, that will make a big difference,” and Mr Bracher thanked everyone involved in making it happen.

The collaboration of RDA and Pony Club riders really impressed Mr Bracher. He said: “This is so brilliant.

"It happens at a few but not enough RDA centres.

"We would like to see more of this.

"We are talking to the Pony Club to try and make that happen.

"There is so much that both organisations have to offer.

"The idea of an inclusive gymkhana, I haven't come across it before specifically stated like that, but what a brilliant idea.”

Siblings Charlie and Courtney Crowe took in the event.

Charlie, 14, has been with RDA for nine years, while Courtney, 10, is in the Pony Club.

Their parents were proud to watch them ride at the event.

The family loves to now see him riding tall on a horse

As a baby medics warned that Charlie may not walk or talk, so his family loves to now see him riding tall on a horse.

His mum, Carolyn Crowe, said: “It's amazing. RDA means so much to us. It has helped Charlie so much with his core strength, balance, socialising and confidence. Riding is something him and his sister can both do.

Charlie said: “I love coming riding. I love riding Hector.”