Horse honours memory of long-standing councillor

Rachel Parker said riding Bernie made her feel "free"

A riding centre, which offers lessons for disabled riders, has named its new horse in honour of a long-serving councillor.

Actor Bernard Atha CBE, who died at the age of 94 in 2022, served on Leeds City Council for over 50 years and was also Lord Mayor.

He was a champion for people with disabilities getting involved in sport and helped to establish Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, which works with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

The horse, named, Bernie was bought with a grant from Wade’s Charity, the oldest charity in Leeds of which Mr Atha was a trustee.

Rachel Parker, who has cerebral palsy, spends two hours a week in the arena with Bernie and said riding him made her feel "free".

Ms Parker explained the only help she needed when horse-riding was getting on the horse.

"Once I’m on, the only help I need is his," she said, pointing to Bernie.

"It's the only time I don’t need help, I usually need help doing everything but getting dressed.

"I’m free basically, I can do what I want."

Bernard Atha, who died aged 94, helped to set up Middleton Park Equestrian Centre

Tim Barber, from Wade's Charity, remembered Mr Atha as a "gregarious character", who impressed everyone with his energy, despite being in his 90s.

Mr Barber praised Mr Atha's charity work and added: "He was just passionate about the city he lived in".

As well as being recognised with a CBE for his services to the community, Mr Atha was a Leeds City councillor for 57 years.

His niece, Sue Atha, said he was particularly "humble" about his achievements, many of which she did not find out about until he had died, aged 94.

The equestrian centre works with the RDA to deliver the lessons.

Charlotte Bromet, from RDA, recalled meeting Mr Atha in the yard, where he told her he would go down there when he was "feeling down" to meet the "lovely animals and people".

"He said he goes away a happy man and I think that says a lot," she added.

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