The country’s economic downturn has hit the voluntary sector hard and the Horse Rangers Association is one of those charities feeling the pinch.

Since 1954, it has provided training and education in horse riding for the poor and disabled in the community.

It was set up by Raymond Gordon who believed no financial or physical barrier should prevent children benefiting from the experience of being around horses.

Today, it stays true to its founding principles, and an important part of its work is with its special needs section, which runs eight classes a week for children and vulnerable adults.

The special needs classes are delivered entirely by volunteers, in the Royal Mews, Hampton Court, with more than 80 dedicated helpers coming every week, but despite the goodwill, the charity is struggling.

Jackie Bryans, director of Horse Rangers said: “The past few years have really stretched us."

The amount charities can claim in Gift Aid has gone down three per cent, with VAT up 2.5 per cent, which has had a huge impact on the charity's budgeting.

The price of a bale of hay doubled in the course of 12 months last year, and the hungry horses get through about 150 bales a month, with it costing a further £1,000 a month to get rid of what comes out the other end.

Mrs Bryans said: “What it boils down to is that every penny we have has to stretch further and further. There are only so many cuts you can make before you have to start cutting what really matters.”

Horses are expensive to keep, but what they offer is unique in terms of exercise, balance and coordination.

They also improve behaviour - an autistic child who struggles to speak with people can form a different bond with a horse, a non-threatening and unconditional one.

A recent failed world record attempt by Riding for the Disabled Association, which Horse Rangers’ is part of, had a fraction of groups signed up compared to previous years - highlighting the difficulties.

Anna McCrum, a coordinator at Horse Rangers, said: “It’s hard to put the effort and resources into organising an event like this when you’re so overstretched, but for us a bit of imagination and ingenuity resulted in a great event.”

It is that ingenuity that has prompted helpers in the special needs section to take matters into their own hands and make Christmas cards to be sold at local fairs and events.

You can support Horse Rangers by voting for them in the NatWest Community Force competition, which has three prizes of £6,000 up for grabs in each area.

To vote for the charity, visit communityforce.natwest.com/project/1333.

Alternatively, make a donation by texting 70070, quoting HOOF11 followed by the amount.