Riders young and old came together to open a new sensory walk at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in June.

Michael Wooley, aged 61 from Tewkesbury, and Mandy Brown, 48 from Gloucester, cut the ribbon alongside twins Otis and Ely, aged 4 from Cheltenham.

They were supported by Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter.

The brand new sensory walk and countryside trail are part of an expansion of the facilities at Cotswold RDA, which currently supports 225 riders per week, delivering more than 6,000 lessons every year.

The popular centre, which is based at the Jackie Brutton Riding School at Cheltenham Racecourse, currently boasts an indoor arena and outdoor ménage and has expanded its operations last year to include sensory sessions, after school clubs and school holiday riding.

The new sensory walk has been designed to offer existing riders the experience of a hack in the gorgeous countryside but in a safe environment.

Charity Manager Claire Jenkins said at the official opening: “This is such an exciting day for all the staff, volunteers and riders at the centre as we’ve seen the garden and trail come to life.

“We are always looking at ways to enhance the experiences of our riders and the sensory walk provides a beautiful space which will allow us to extend our activities during the summer months.

Thank you to everyone who got involved in fundraising for the garden and to the volunteers who will help our riders to enjoy it in the future.”

The surfacing – funded by Barnwood Trust, Gloucestershire Disability Fund, Active Together and Greggs Foundation – has areas of rubber, chippings, compacted stone and paving.

It is designed to be pony and wheelchair friendly giving different sounds and feeling through the hooves and wheels.

The planting is fragrant and tactile with a splash through area and beach, with many plants donated by The Butterfly Garden.

Teams of volunteers from local companies worked with the team from Men in Sheds, based in Cheltenham, to create the area using recycled items including tyres and a 6ft sculpture made of old CDs.

The opening of the garden also marks the start of National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK.

Cotswold RDA relies on the support and dedication of its volunteers to stay open six days a week, with more than 160 volunteers supporting the centre.