Charlie the horse makes a difference to disabled riders

Elderly women in a blue polo shirt with white trousers standing looking at camera. She has one arm on the horse beside her and the other at her side holding a yellow brush. The horse is black with a white face and legs. There is a stable in the background. Caroline Twemlow

Caroline Twemlow with Charlie the horse

Charlie the 18-year-old horse has become a firm favourite at Newtownards Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) over the past seven years.

The Irish cob horse is an old hand when it comes to helping new and sometimes apprehensive disabled riders get to grips with all things equestrian.

He was selected by judges as one of four finalists for the BBC's Make A Difference Award in the Animal category.

Caroline Twemlow has been an equestrian coach for over 35 years said Charlie "makes such a difference to our disabled riders".

Black and white horse with dark brown saddle and black harness. Standing on grey concrete beside a garden with a brown fence and trees. Caroline Twemlow

"We go to him immediately when we have a new rider, because the new rider will be really nervous and we know that Charlie will not do anything to upset them," she said.

"We have riders with different disabilities, including autism, learning difficulties, Down's syndrome, riders with physical disabilities like cerebral palsy or brain injury."

'Gentle giant'

The RDA is a charity which supports people of all ages with learning difficulties and physical disabilities with access to horse riding.

Charlie's "gentle giant" nature has helped him standout amongst his equine fellows, according to Caroline.

"As riders progress, Charlie is the number one to learn to trot and even to canter and jump over small jumps," she said.

"He will never stop, refuse, do anything naughty at all, and the rider's confidence just increases and increases."

Four horse riders smiling at the camera. There is also a women in the background. The four riders are wearing navy tops RDA branded tops and are holding coloured rosettes. Charlie the horse is standing to the left of one of the riders and is wearing a red champion ribbon on his head. Caroline Twemlow

Charlie has helped riders gain the confidence needed to compete for medals

Caroline said: "Charlie is naturally a handsome, solid, well mannered horse", who has benefited the lives of many both mentally as well as physically.

Charlie has provided many of the riders with the confidence needed to compete at the national championships held in England.

Who are the other finalists?

The Animal category includes remarkable animals that improve people's lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

Golden retriever dog standing on the left alongside a black labrador dog. The black dog is licking its face with its tongue. There is blue carpet on the floor and a yellow box in the background. Wendy Smith

Echo, the golden retriever, with her successor Digby, a black labrador

Echo and Digby

Diabetic alert dogs, Echo and Digby have been trained by the charity Hypo Hounds.

Echo recently retired after 10 years service with Digby her successor.

Described as "super sniffers", they have given their owner her independence back by alerting her to fluctuating blood sugar levels that could otherwise go unnoticed and potentially lead to a diabetic coma.

The dogs have also helped bring peace of mind to her wider family.

Black dog with grey harness sitting looking at the camera on a concrete tiled area. St. Kevin's College

Pluto is described as a beacon of strength, companionship, and unconditional love

Pluto

Pluto is a trained therapy dog at St Kevin's College, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh.

He supports students with emotional, physical and special needs, helping reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

He also participates in school activities, including staff meetings, and was trained alongside staff member Ms Gallagher.

Women with short grey hair smiling at camera. She is wearing a heart neckless and a grey jacket. She is sitting down and is in front of a black curtain with the make a difference awards poster to her left shoulder.

Jackie's kindness has saved the lives of cats and kittens across Newtownabbey

Jackie Petrie

An active volunteer with Cat Support Group NI, Jackie is a "local hero" who rescues injured, homeless and sick cats.

She supports trap-neuter-return programs, and helps rehome stray and feral cats.

She also provides financial aid for vet care and advocates for responsible pet ownership.

What is Make a Difference?

Make a Difference is a BBC initiative seeking to recognise and celebrate members of the public who make life better for others where they live.

Since February, BBC teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been asking audiences to nominate the unsung heroes in their local communities who do amazing things.

Finalists have been selected by a panel of judges in each of the eight categories ahead of the Northern Ireland final at the end of September.

The categories are:

  • The Volunteer Awards

  • The Young Hero Award

  • The Great Neighbour Award

  • The Active Award

  • The Animal Award

  • The Green Award

  • The Fundraiser Award

  • The Community Group Award

Overall winners from each category will be announced live on BBC Radio Ulster's Vinny and Cate show on Friday 26 September.

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