A SWINDON riding centre provided a free fun day to help autistic children that raised hundreds of pounds for charity.

Hoof Club, part of Rein and Shine equestrian centre in North Wiltshire ran a free equine- assisted learning day for autistic children in support of the National Autistic Society.

The day raised £600 for NAS and 45 children attended, which included 45 minutes of horse riding and grooming.

Johanna McDonald, owner of Rein and Shine said: “The day was even more successful than we could have imagined - children with autism can hugely benefit from horses.

“We wanted to give them a chance to experience this whilst we raised money for a worthwhile cause at the same time.

“It takes a lot of work and resources to run a day like this and seeing the children enjoying the benefits makes it all worthwhile. We hope to see lots of the children return to Rein and Shine so we can help them in the future.”

This opportunity was organised through the children’s schools and proved to be very therapeutic and educational with each child being awarded a rosette at the end of the day.

The National Autistic Society is the leading UK charity for people with autism, including Asperger syndrome and their families.

It provides information, support and pioneering services, and campaigns for a better world for people with autism.