HAVE you always wanted a pony, but don't really have the time or space to keep one?

Or maybe you have a horse-mad friend or member of the family desperate for their own four-legged equine friend? Well this could be the solution you've been looking for

The Wilton group of Riding for the Disabled, in conjunction with the Journal, has announced the launch of their Adopt-a-Pony scheme, with five friendly horses and ponies (pictured, right) to choose from.

Adoptions last for one year, and you will receive an adoption pack which includes a certificate, photograph and newsletter.

Adoptions are a fun, low cost way of enjoying horses and helping a very worthwhile local charity.

All the money raised from the Adopt-a-Pony scheme will go towards looking after the horses and ponies at Wilton RDA.

Wilton has one of the largest RDA groups in the country, based at The Pembroke Centre on the edge of the Wilton House Estate. The centre is run almost completely by volunteers, and they have a total of 15 horses and ponies, catering for over 250 riders.

The aim of the RDA movement is to provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride, in order to benefit their health and well-being.

Riders are of all ages, from two to 80, with a wide range of conditions including physical disabilities and learning difficulties, as well as behavioural and emotional problems.

Riding can be a therapeutic and enjoyable positive experience for children and adults alike.

No charge is made for riding, and all helpers are volunteers. Wilton RDA receives no statutory funding, and relies entirely on donations and fundraising activities.

There are lots of ways that you can help support Wilton RDA:

Fill in the form below and adopt a pony;

become a helper - no experience is needed as training is given, just patience and a sense of humour. There are all sorts of non-horsey positions as well, such as fundraising and maintenance;

you or your workplace could consider the Horse Sponsorship Scheme. For just £300 for a pony or £500 for a horse, sponsorship will cover its feed and care for a year.

Current sponsors include Reeve the Baker, J Fry & Son (Broad Chalke), Wilton Rotary Club, Salisbury Charities Quiz League, the Dixon family and the O'Hara family.

To adopt a pony for one year costs just £15. This includes an adoption pack containing a certificate, photograph of your chosen horse or pony and a newsletter.

Wilton RDA at The Pembroke Centre is open during school term time Wednesday to Friday 10am-3pm and weekends 10am-1pm.

If you would like to visit, please call first, on 01722 744822, to ensure someone is free to meet you.

Adopt-a-Pony form

(Block capitals, please)

I would like to adopt ....................................... for myself / as a gift

1. Name and address of person making payment:

Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms First name: Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

2. Name and address of adoptive parent (if different to above):

Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms First name: Surname:

Date of birth:

Address:

Postcode:

3. Message for adoptive parent (only complete if required - message will appear on certificate)

Please send adoption pack to address 1 or address 2 (tick as appropriate)

I would also like to make a donation of £5 £10 £20 £Other

Gift Aid: If you are a UK taxpayer (excluding businesses), we can reclaim the rate of tax on every pound you give - helping your donation go even further. Please tick this box if you would like to complete a Gift Aid declaration.

Cost per adoption is £15. Please make cheques payable to: Wilton Group RDA. Send your completed form, together with payment, to: Adopt-a-Pony Scheme

Wilton Group RDA

The Pembroke Centre

Home Farm Lane

Wilton, Wilts SP3 8PJ