THE new Kirkby group of Riding for the Disabled hopes to have raised £500 in sponsorship for its first-ever ride on the August bank holiday weekend. The money will go to buy equipment for disabled riders.

There were about 20 entries, some using the eight ponies and two horses provided free by Emmersons riding school, where the group is based.

Spokeswoman Rose Bennison thanked all who helped make the event a success.

She said: "The biggest thank you goes to Nigel Stonehouse, who spent three evenings trying to find suitable bridle paths for horses around the Wainstone hills.

"Most of the paths are so overgrown, they are nearly inaccessible. Some have been blocked with stiles instead of gates and the ones through the forestry have been covered with hardcore, making it difficult for horses as it bruises the soles of their hooves.