THE owner of a riding school is appealing to local businesses for sponsorship for special needs pupils to have lessons for a year after being inspired by the Paralympic Games.

Gill Sims, owner of Miniature World Riding Academy at East Layton, near Richmond, said that, while she already teaches special needs and disabled riders, she wants to encourage more to take up the sport.

Ms Sims said: “We are having an open day at the stables on Tuesday from 1pm until 5pm just for special needs and disabled riders to see if they enjoy it.

“We have already had a pledge from a Suzuki car dealership in Darlington to sponsor a child for a year’s worth of riding lessons, which works out at around £600 a year if they have one £12 lesson a week.

“We will put all the names of children into a hat on the open day to pick a winner of the sponsorship.”

Ms Sims said one of her young riders, Tamara Ullyart, 11, suffers from cerebral palsy.

“Tamara watched the Paralympics and was so inspired she wants to work to get to that level,” said Ms Sims. “I want to help her in any way I can – she needs to start going to competitions so I will train her up and hopefully she will go far.”

Tamara had a major operation last year on her legs which involved breaking her femurs, and she said the only thing that kept her going was the thought of getting back on a horse.

Ms Sims added: “She is a very inspirational little girl.”

Ms Sims hopes to attract more local businesses to sponsor special needs riding lessons to make it easier for parents.

For more information, contact Ms Sims on 07870- 204396.