Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled has had a successful weekend of fundraising events in the lead up to the festive period.

The charity, based near Ugborough, offers horse-riding and therapy for children and adults with a range of differing disabilities and additional needs and is wholly reliant on donations and fundraising. Last weekend, the charity was lucky enough to reap the benefits from three separate fundraising events held both at the charity’s venue, and across the South Hams.

On Friday evening, the charity held their first Christmas Ball at the Ivybridge Rugby Club. The evening was an opportunity for riders, families, volunteers, and friends to come together in a fun and social environment to celebrate festivities and another successful year at Erme Valley RDA. Organised by young volunteer Zoe Walters, the evening was a huge success and not only raised in excess of several hundred pounds, but also brought the charity together in an all-inclusive evening of fun and music.

On Saturday, Erme Valley held their first virtual unicorn mile event, hosted by online company Race the Distance. The fundraising event brought together riders, families and volunteers in a mile-long challenge to be completed in any chosen way.

The challenge was completed in a variety of differing means – several were on-board hobby horses, two volunteers bounced their way around on unicorn space-hoppers, several were pushed in wheelbarrows and many walked and ran their way around the unicorn mile.

The first competitors included Janis Milford, Sophie Morgan and Kirsty Mabin, who rode their mile on horse-back and raised £300. Noah Loomes, pupil at Manor Primary School in Ivybridge, raised £600 in sponsorship for his unicorn mile. Noah rides with the charity weekly and his fundraising efforts saw him presented with an award for the highest fundraiser. Altogether, the event raised in excess of £1,500 for the charity.

Finally, Sunday saw the Ivybridge Young Farmers Club complete their annual charity log chop and this year, Erme Valley RDA were lucky enough to be one of the chosen charities alongside the Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund. The event raised £665, half of which will be donated to Erme Valley.

You can find out more about the Erme Valley RDA on the website: www.ridingatthebrook.co.uk