A charity that gives riding lessons to children and vulnerable adults has been hit hard as the cost of bales of hay for its hungry horses has double.

The Horse Rangers Association was set up in 1954 by Raymond Gordon, who believed nothing should stop children being around horses.

Today an important part of its work is the special needs section, which runs eight classes a week for children and vulnerable adults.

Classes at the East Molesey stables are run by volunteers, with more than 80 helpers every week, but despite the goodwill, the charity is struggling.

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

The price of a bale of hay doubled last year, and their hungry horses get through about 150 bales a month.

It costs an extra £1,000 a month to get rid of horse dung.

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 an autistic child who struggles to speak with people can form an unconditional bond with a horse.

Anna McCrum, who co-ordinates the special needs section 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."

Jodie Savill, 12 whose mother was also a horse ranger 39 years ago, said: "In the school holidays you can come down and help out which is brilliant as it gives you something to do and it's horsey.

"If Horse Rangers closed I don't know what I would do. I would be so bored and distraught, but hopefully it will never come to that."

Helpers in the special needs section are taking matters into their own hands by making Christmas cards to sell at fairs and events.

It is also entering the NatWest CommunityForce competition.

Visit communityforce.natwest.com/project/1333 to vote.

Or text 70070 quoting HOOF11 followed by the amount you wish to donate.