I started riding with the group in 1995 after a mystery virus had left me with spinal damage resulting in partial paraplegia. The first time I went to Borlum I was still using a Zimmer frame and well remember the feeling of terror at being so high off the ground as two helpers held me on, and another led a lovely gentle Highland mare called Ailidh around our indoor school. I had previously been very keen on water sports and hill walking so it was a completely new venture for me.

Fortunately I took to it like a duck to water and with the help and encouragement of our instructors and helpers was soon able to go riding out and also to start riding different horses in lessons. As our chief instructor has always taken the view that it’s what you can do that matters, any problems, such as not being able to keep my feet in the stirrups, have, sometimes with great inventiveness, always been overcome and this has enabled me to have had some wonderful experiences many able bodied riders would envy.

Our ponies, though varied in size, breed and temperament are extremely well schooled and just being around them brightens the gloomiest day. Twice I have had the opportunity of going trail riding in Portugal, an experience that will always be treasured. I enjoy dressage, especially Novice Dressage to Music, and love exploring the hills above Loch Ness, noting the changing of the seasons by the different wild flowers in the woods.

Best of all is being able to ride through Loch Ness and also one very hot summer day 2 years ago I got to go swimming with the horses in Loch Ness!

I belong to the committee who run the group and spend a lot of time fundraising. It has made me more confident as a person especially when writing to or meeting people from different organisations to ask them for money to fund ‘one off’ projects like a new outdoor school surface. We also have fun producing calendars, tea towels and other items for sale to raise funds for the group, as well as organising quiz nights, ceilidhs, talks by the local vet and fun dressage competitions.

Physically, the beneficial effects of riding mean that, although I walk with the aid of sticks and use a calliper on my left leg, my balance and build-up of muscle tone is still improving ten years later, although I had initially been told I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Away from the yard I enjoy swimming, reading and catching up with friends, my life is far busier now than it ever was and sadly housework is often neglected!

Leaving the best till last, in 2003 I was offered the part time loan of Teasle, a 25-year-old Highland X Arab. He had always been my favourite horse at Borlum and has totally taken over my life. It came at a time when I had to take medical retirement from my job so I am sure it was fate.

Luckily husband and 16-year-old son are football- mad so they are used to me spending most of my time at the yard. Having Teasle wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of friends, met through the RDA as helpers, instructors, staff or other riders and it has enabled me to do so many different things and completely transformed my life.