A MILITARY stables has been shortlisted for an award for providing horse riding lessons to army veterans, cadets and children with additional needs.

The Brunei Stables at the Sandhurst Military Academy, celebrated being shortlisted for an Animal Partnership Award on February 14.

Coral Webb, Brunei Stables secretary, said: "To be nominated for the Soldiering on Awards was fantastic but to be shortlisted as finalists is completely overwhelming.

"It is fantastic for us to share with others what we do and what we are about.

"Lots of people do not even realise there is a stables within the Royal Military Academy, let alone what we achieve with - not just serving military personnel - but also dependents."

The facility provides chargers for Royal Military Academy Sandhurst parades and also trains officer cadets in horse riding.

As well as this, the stables runs Riding for the Disabled lessons, providing therapeutic horse riding to local children with additional needs.

Coral added: "Riding for the Disabled gives children from four local special needs schools the opportunity to ride.

"This charity takes place every Thursday and is run by complete volunteers who give up their time.

"The Soldiering on Award nomination just goes to show how worthwhile Brunei Stables and all the staff and volunteers are and all the time and effort given which has been recognised."

The stables in Sandhurst also hosts a weekly riding course to service men and women who have suffered from injures, such as: post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and amputees.

She said: "Some have never even been on a horse and by the end of the week are riding independently. The experience rebuilds confidence which has been lost due to the injuries sustained."

"A lot of people who have been on the Battle Back course have even carried on with their riding back in their home towns."

A finalists reception was held at the House of Lords on February 13 and the winners will be announced on April 5 at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.

Visit: soldieringon.org/2019-award-voting/ to vote for the Brunei Stables.