Emirates Skywards is helping to make a horse-riding center for disabled riders a reality, with the handover of funds raised by its annual “Thanks a Million” draw at this year’s Dubai World Cup.

Skywards raised Dh300,000 (US$82,000) in the draw to aid the Riding for the Disabled Association in Dubai (RDAD).

This is the fourth year that Skywards has donated funds raised by the draw to RDAD’s campaign to build an indoor arena to enable the young riders to continue their therapy during the hot summer months. So far, Skywards has raised Dh937,000 (US$255,000) for the campaign. RDAD will shortly be appointing building contractors and construction is expected to start later this year.

Dubai newcomer Melvyn Ford won the top prize of 1 million Skywards Miles at the world’s richest horse race on March 27.

RDAD teaches therapeutic horse riding to children and young adults with disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy. The movement of the horse’s body exercises the young riders’ muscles, helping to strengthen them. In addition to having fun, they learn balance and co-ordination while gaining self-confidence.