AN equestrian charity near Selkirk is to benefit from $1,000 each year after being remembered by ex-pat Souter.

The late Jennifer O'Flaherty (nee Hogg) has left the annual sponsorship to Stable Life.

Jennifer was born in Selkirk in 1950.

Although she emigrated to Australia following her marriage to Pat O'Flaherty, she never forgot the town where she was born or her early introduction to riding by Miss McGowan at Ettrickbridge, a forerunner of the Stable Life project.

And she returned to her roots regularly during the Common Riding celebrations as a supporter of the Selkirk Colonial Society, which her father, Bill, represented as Standard Bearer in 1933 as well as chairman from 1959 to 1982.

Jennifer is survived by her husband Pat and their three children in Australia as well as her two sisters, Isobel (Oliver) and Margaret (McDonald) in Selkirk.

Both Isobel and Margaret joined Ian Clapperton from the Colonial Society at Stable Life over the weekend to launch the Jennifer Hogg Memorial Sponsorship.

Ian said: "Jennifer and Isobel, as youngsters, received riding lessons from Miss McGowan, who was well known for her support of children with special needs.

"This sponsorship of Stable Life is one which brings back memories to the family and is very much in line with what Jennifer wanted."

Since 2008 Stable Life has supported disadvantaged young people and their families by working together using the horse and its environment.

Dozens of youngsters with with social, emotional or behavioural issues are referred to the charity each year.

The sessions at the Dryden stables help the young people discover a sense of self, learn transferable life skills and look to a healthier and happier future.

The Jennifer Hogg Memorial Sponsorship will provide for an annual donation of $1000 (Australian) to provide support to a young person who is experiencing personal challenges in their life.