Scropton Riding for the Disabled is celebrating a heart‑warming success story after support from the Severn Trent Community Fund helped the charity overcome a challenging setback and welcome a much‑loved new horse to its centre.

Scropton Riding for the Disabled uses horses to support the health and wellbeing of people with additional needs, with its horses playing a central role in every session delivered.

In early spring 2025, the charity received a grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund to purchase a new horse, strengthening its ability to support children and adults through therapeutic riding.

Soon afterwards, the team welcomed Spot, a seven‑year‑old, 14.1hh Appaloosa cross with a calm temperament and ideal size for children and smaller adults. Spot settled in quickly and became a firm favourite with participants. However, staff began to notice signs that he was uncomfortable.

Following extensive veterinary investigations, Spot was diagnosed with suspensory disease, a degenerative condition affecting the ligaments in both hind legs, which had not been detected during pre‑purchase vetting and only became apparent once his workload increased.

Despite exploring every possible treatment option, it became clear that Spot would need to retire from ridden work.

With participants disappointed to lose a horse they had quickly grown to love, the charity contacted Severn Trent to explain the situation and the response went far beyond expectations.

In a remarkable show of understanding and generosity, the Severn Trent Community Fund offered to fund the purchase of a replacement horse, ensuring the original grant could still deliver the life‑changing impact intended.

Thanks to this additional support, Scropton Riding for the Disabled welcomed Bella. She was slightly larger than Spot, and is perfectly suited to working with older children and adults and has adapted to her new role with ease. Her gentle nature and strong connection with participants have quickly made her an integral part of the centre.

Glynis Dalley, Trustee and Centre Manager at Scropton Riding for the Disabled, said: “Bella is a wonderful addition to our centre and there’s no doubt that she is making the difference that we’d all hoped for. We are incredibly grateful to Severn Trent for their amazing support.

“Despite the ups and downs, the support from the Severn Trent Community Fund has been truly heart‑warming, and Scropton Riding for the Disabled is looking ahead with excitement to the future with Bella firmly part of the team.”

Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, added: “At the Community Fund, we know that things don’t always go to plan, particularly when charities are working with animals and people with complex needs.

“When we heard what had happened, we wanted to help ensure that the funding could still make the positive difference it was intended to. It’s been a pleasure to see Bella settle in so well and to see the impact she’s already having at Scropton.”

Members of the Severn Trent Community Fund panel were welcomed to the centre, where they were able to meet Bella in person and see the happy conclusion to what had been an emotional journey.

There was also a positive outcome for Spot, who has since returned to the family who raised him as a foal and is now enjoying life as a much‑loved companion horse in a caring home.