At present, the assessments, medical permission and parental authority are being organised with a view to starting on the first Friday in October.

For the programme to work, volunteers are needed as all the riders require someone to lead the pony or horse, plus some riders need a side walker or communicator.

Volunteers need to be physically fit, a good walker and able to run short distances (yes the kids love the trot!). Skills in handling ponies and horses and speaking Portuguese are desirable but not essential. Good hearing is a must and the ability to teamwork, plus the desire to help the community and young children and adults with impairments who may benefit from this valuable therapy.

You would need to be present at Pinetrees, Almancil, on Fridays from 10am until 11am or until 12pm if doing a longer session.

If you would like to know more, contact the co-ordinator for the volunteers, Sue Moulding on Tel (WhatsApp) (+351) 918 831 551 or Bev (+351) 919 363 190 at Pinetrees.