A woman left disabled by a car accident has told of the lifeline offered to her by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Diane Balman broke her back in the accident in 1999 and since then has been restricted in what she can do.

Never having ridden before, Diane heard about Riding for the Disabled two-and-a-half years ago through her physiotherapist, and went along to the Duchy College group in Stoke Climsland. 'I'd never ridden before but my physio recommended it to help strengthen my core muscles. To be honest, I was terrified when I first went – I was frightened of horses,' said Diane, 53.

'Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and there was all the support there I needed. Before I started going, I was in the house seven days a week – but it's given me so much confidence and I've made some good friends. At the time, for me, it was a lifeline.'

Diane, from Dobwalls, quickly grew more confident and discovered a talent for riding.

This summer, along with Claire Poole, of St Cleer, Diane qualified to compete at the national RDA competition in Gloucestershire – and both riders came second in events.  

The Duchy College group includes schoolchildren and adults.

'RDA Duchy Group has been running for 25 years, offering riding and therapy for disabled adults and children,' said chairman Juliette Snelgrove.

'The group has nearly 40 volunteers, who include three instructors, and we currently have 18 children and adults riding with us.

'Riding has many benefits for them and helps improve confidence and self-esteem. It helps with many physical disabilities as well by improving muscle tone, balance, co-ordination and strength.

'It is also huge fun and very rewarding to ride a horse and enjoy the independence, especially if the disability means life is otherwise spent in a wheelchair.'

The RDA relies on fundraising and donations to carry out its work – and Diane and her daughter Kirsty are now organising a charity auction to support the local group.

'It's an amazing service, it's given me so much. Now I feel well enough to give something back,' said Diane, who has already secured around 100 lots for her auction, including a helicopter ride, an adventure horseriding trek across Dartmoor, photo-shoots, and a programme signed by the British able and disabled dressage team.

'Duchy College has given us the indoor sand school for the night, which was another generous offer,' said Diane.

The charity auction takes place on Friday, September 27, at 7pm.?