Horse riding has long been used as a therapeutic tool for people coping with a variety of issues.

The Equestrian Association for People of Determination (EAPD) uses therapeutic riding to help children develop their physical, cognitive and emotional abilities, and allow them to maximise their potential by focusing on ability, not disability.

It’s a kind of holistic therapy, delivering mental, physical and emotional benefits to the rider.

Prior to COVID-19, the centre worked with over 70 children with a variety of physical and developmental issues, including autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and spina bifida.

But the pandemic has brought huge financial strain.

The EAPD was launched thanks to the generosity of centre’s patron HH Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who donated three horses to be used for therapeutic riding in 1998. This weekend, jockeys William Buick, Antonio Fresu and Tadhg O’Shea will be donating their Dubai World Cup riding fees to the organisation.

And this is only the start, with more jockeys offering their riding fees on the day itself.

This is a wonderful Dubai initiative and one we should all support as it finds its feet post-pandemic and continues to help so many children.

You can learn more about the EAPD here.