Joshua Brooks, 16, of Bury St Edmunds, finds independence through Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) in Barrow

A teenager living with brain damage has gained confidence and independence thanks to a charity providing horse therapy.

Joshua Brooks, 16, of Bury St Edmunds, first went to Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) in Barrow in 2018 as a passionate animal lover, looking to took part in the charity’s horse riding sessions.

Joshua suffered brain damage at the age of two due to a rare case of chickenpox. The condition affected his speech and mobility in his early years, making him feel isolated as he found it difficult to socialise.

Hoping to find an activity that could boost her son’s confidence and help him connect with others, mum Judy discovered the RDA — and she said it made an instant difference.

She said: “When Joshua started riding he instantly became happier and calmer, feeling a huge sense of belonging and being part of a team.

“When he grew too tall to continue riding the ponies, we knew it was essential that he still attended the RDA and continued to build on the incredible relationships and confidence he found there.

“As a SEND parent, life can be very difficult, full of battles and often lonely. The West Suffolk RDA has given me a place where I see my child achieving, where he is content and empowered and where life makes sense.

“The RDA and horse riding aren't just hobbies, they are a lifeline for so many and funding and volunteering are imperative to keeping the RDA operating.”

When he grew too tall to continue riding, Joshua’s connection with the charity did not stop.

He instead became a dedicated volunteer, and now spends every Tuesday at the stables helping lead horses during lessons, grooming and tacking ponies and keeping the stables clean.

To give back to the charity, Joshua has also taken on his own fund-raising efforts — including delivering presentations about the RDA centre at the rugby club in Bury, as well as at Beaver and Cub Scout groups.

“I don’t know what we’d do without him really,” said Susan Price, chairman of the charity’s West Suffolk branch. “He is an incredible young man and it has been an honour to watch him grow into the capable and competent person he is today.

“We are all so proud of him.”

The RDA supports more than 25,000 disabled people across the UK each year, relying on donations and volunteers to continue its work.

In a boost to the charity, equestrian brand Harry Hall has named RDA as its exclusive charity partner for 2025 and has already raised more than £5,000 to support families like Joshua’s.

Liz Hopper, managing director at Harry Hall, said: “Joshua's experience with the RDA illustrates why we collaborate with remarkable charities each year, enabling us to support our incredible community.

“It’s incredible to witness Joshua thrive in his volunteering role, and vital funding is essential to continue supporting the RDA's incredible services.”