It's therapy on the hoof as Raghav goes riding with Ginger

Published on Wednesday 30 December 2009 09:00

LESS than a year ago, Raghav Sandeep struggled to kick a football.

But the four-year-old, who has growth problems, has come on leaps and bounds over the last six months – and his progress has nothing to do with doctors, but rather a 34-year-old pony by the name of Ginger.

Raghav, who lives in Midlothian, has been riding Ginger – a resident at Edinburgh's Drum Riding School for the Disabled – since June, and already his parents have noticed a huge difference.

Raghav's mum, Bindhu, explained: "Riding was suggested by Raghav's physiotherapist as a good form of exercise for him. His physical strength is quite poor so we thought it would be a good exercise to build up his muscles and improve his strength.

"Ginger has made such a big difference. Raghav's physical stability has really improved and his muscles have gained in strength and tone. He didn't play sport much before but even the way he kicks a ball has improved so much. He can run faster now too.

"Raghav has become much more confident because of Ginger. He loves Ginger and looks forward to visiting him every week."

Raghav was born premature, weighing just 700 grams (1.5lbs), and has struggled with growth problems ever since. He weighs less than he should for his age, and is shorter in height than the average four-year-old.

Ginger, a 13-hand palomino, was born in 1975 into a family where he was regularly ridden by children who fondly called him "The Gingerbread Man" because of his colour.

He was bought soon after by the Nisbett family who founded the riding school, on Drum Street, 51 years ago. Ginger has been a resident at the Gilmerton stables since 1984, where he is the oldest and smallest pony.

Assistant manager at the riding school, Karen Glasgow, 49, said: "We decided Ginger would be the best pony for Raghav because he is a very quiet pony and he is quite small. We match the ponies to the children's personalities, and we could just tell straight away that Ginger was the right one. There is this definite connection between them – there's a real bond.

"Because of his age, Ginger is a real gentleman and your typical old man – the sort of chap who would open the door for you! He's such a caring wee pony and he has a real fun side too."

The mother-of-two from Morningside added: "Ginger has made a huge difference to Raghav. When Raghav first came to the Drum he couldn't walk very upright, but that has all changed now. His core strength has improved tremendously, and his walking, balance, and co-ordination have improved too.

"Riding helps with core stability by using the pelvis area to strengthen the core muscles."

As the longest-serving pony at the riding school, Ginger – who is around 90 years old in human terms – is the grandfather of the stables. In recognition of 20 years of service at the Gilmerton charity, Ginger was visited by HRH The Princess Royal last year.

Joy Glass, Partner of Scott+Co – which sponsors Ginger – said: "We're delighted that Ginger has helped so many children to develop skills and confidence."

Mrs Glasgow, who urged volunteers for the charity to come forward, added: "I think that Ginger is just one of these horses that you come across once in a lifetime."