AQW 28910/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 28/01/2022
Answered On Date: 24/02/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities (i) to detail the extent to which non-competitive horse riding as a leisure activity has been supported by her Department during the current mandate; (ii) to outline any forthcoming projects or schemes in which her Department will be involved; and (iii) for her assessment of the social and physical benefits of leisurely, non-competitive horse riding for children and young people.

Answer:

During my mandate funding totalling £45,038 has been provided to support organisations who provide opportunities for people of all abilities to experience horse riding in a non-competitive and competitive setting. That funding has included awards to a range of riding for the disabled facilities including for example the Riding for the Disabled Association (Coleraine & District Group) Ltd and the NI Polo Club. In addition, 13 Covid Safe Sports Packs with a total value of £4,875 have been provided to this sector.

In terms of the current financial support available, Sport NI has a small grants programme called Project Re-Boot: Activate (awards up to £5k) which is open for applications from eligible organisations, including community/voluntary organisations that deliver or enable sport and/or physical recreation as its primary activity. Further information can be found at: SPORT NI | Project Re-Boot: Activate.

The new Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity, which is currently being finalised for launch, recognises the important contribution that participating in sport and physical activity can make to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of children and young people, adults and older people. That includes those taking part in non-competitive horse riding. The extensive research that supports the Strategy clearly demonstrates the benefits of being physically active include improved social skills and physical and mental wellbeing.