There’s nothing new about horses on our beaches but when a horse is pulling a buggy adapted for wheelchair users, then it’s something a bit different.
This pioneering mode of transport was at Prestwick Beach recently, the first time this kind of modified buggy has been seen on a Scottish beach. And only the second time the buggy has been used north of the border. South Ayrshire Council was contacted by Simon Mulholland who’s company Pony Axe S is already established in England and receiving wide acclaim for giving wheelchair users access to all types of landscapes and terrain. Keen to help, the Council checked there were no issues with buggies using our beaches and recommended Prestwick Beach which is one of a number of beaches in South Ayrshire with excellent access…it was then full steam ahead. Third sector organisation PAMIS, who were keen to use Simon’s innovative horse drawn buggies, arranged for several people with disabilities and their families to come down from South Lanarkshire & Glasgow to enjoy the beach courtesy of Obama, Simon’s horse! Commenting on the trip to Prestwick, Simon said: “It was a great day, the sun was shining and everyone in the group had a brilliant day out. We met lots of local people and they were really welcoming and interested in what we were doing.” Ian Cochrane, Sustainability and the Environment Porfolio Holder at South Ayrshire Council said: “I am so glad the group had a great time on Prestwick Beach and I hope the warm welcome received from locals draws them back again. We have some of the best beaches in Scotland and we are always looking at new ways to ensure they are accessible and can be enjoyed by everyone.” Lesley McLaren, Director of PAMIS said "We had a fantastic day at Prestwick Beach, introducing people with multiple disabilities to the beautiful South Ayrshire coast. With the aid of a specially designed wheelchair accessible kart, our participants were able to head right into the surf. My thanks to South Ayrshire Council who helped find the ideal location and we hope to return very soon.”