A RIDING centre for the disabled has come up with an unusual solution to the "What shall I get them for Christmas" dilemma.

The Unicorn Centre, at Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has launched Adopt a Pony, where individuals can "adopt" one of 18 horses or ponies, from Scilla, a Shetland pony, to Gren, a Dales/Clydesdale cross.

For £2 a month, they receive a certificate of "ownership" with a photograph, regular newsletters and a small personal present from their pony.

The Unicorn Centre provides riding and therapy for 150 disabled riders a week. It was opened in 1998 by Princess Anne.

Adopt a Pony will help it pay for the upkeep of horses and ponies, which cost up to £2,000 a year to feed, shoe and keep healthy.

Chairman Julie Elphee says: "Raising sufficient funds to care for all these horses and ponies is a huge task, so we hope Adopt a Pony is a success. We plan to put plaques on each pony's stable door so everyone will know who is helping to sponsor its upkeep."

For more information about how to Adopt a Pony, contact Chris Ray on (01642) 576222.