Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, which offers equestrian activities for people who have restricted physical mobility or are wheelchair bound, is to expand after receiving a grant of more than £8,000.

The grant was awarded by the Manx Lottery Trust as part of its dormant assets fund and will go towards the costs of getting a third pony capable of pulling wheelchair-bound members and heavier weights.

It had already fundraised for some of the money but it needed additional funding to cover the annual expenses of keeping a pony, which includes purchasing livery, tack, harnesses, shoeing, therapy, nourishment and treatments.

It was awarded £8,300 to cover these costs which means the charity will now have the resources it needs to welcome a third pony.

Martin Sewell, volunteer fundraiser at Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, said: ’We are very grateful for this grant. It is just what was needed to ensure we can look after a third pony and provide all-important extra capacity, enabling us to be truly inclusive and not have to limit the number of members.

’Thank you to Manx Lottery Trust for making this possible.’

Sarah Kelly, chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ’Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled is a wonderful local charity which offers unique and enjoyable experiences for its members.

’We were pleased to award this grant which will allow it to expand its offering and increase capacity.’

Established in 2014 and based at Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, the charity offers opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy carriage drives with ponies.

All sessions are conducted under the supervision of an experienced carriage driving coach to make sure drivers have fun at the sessions and stay safe.