Barbara champing at the bit to get started

Barbara Johnson from the Riding for the Disabled Association joined Paco the horse at the proposed site of its new indoor riding arena.

The group, at Balerno, is working to raise £1.6 million to build the arena on land donated by developers CALA Management Ltd.

It has been forced to close over the last two winters because the frosty conditions made it unsafe to ride.

The development will include a 20m by 40m riding ring and a viewing area for people to go and watch.

Its current wooden huts will be replaced and there will be a club room, meeting room and physio space for riders to be assessed.