Following many successful years of taking a number of our pupils for horse riding lessons at local riding schools, we wanted to offer this opportunity to more of our pupils. The physical benefits of horse riding are vast, particularly for our pupils with physical disabilities. Riding can develop posture, core strength, improve balance & head control and is a great motivator for communication. ‘Tonto’ our horse riding simulator, enables almost all of our pupils the opportunity to ride and this is incorporated into their personalised curriculum. Tonto sessions are led by a qualified riding instructor, and a specially adapted saddle and hoisting equipment enables pupils to ride safely. The simulator, means that Tonto moves and is controlled like a real horse, whilst the rider is able to choose a virtual environment for their ride, which they can see on the screen in front of them. Pupils are able to gain accredited AQA awards for their progress in riding Tonto. For some of our pupils, who access horse riding at a local riding school, Tonto sessions enable them to continue to develop their riding skills in between off site riding lessons.