Former St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown is to launch a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) service at his Kinfauns stable.
The idea came about when the GS Brown Construction boss was trying to find ways of keeping his retired horses active.
He quickly realised that the thoroughbreds were unsuitable for the project and was able to secure the donation of four ponies.
However, the former race horses will still play a role in the venture as he plans to fund it by giving private lessons on them.
Geoff has converted a former cow shed into a top-notch riding centre and RDA ponies Blue, Jigsaw, Bernie and Scooby will give their first lessons to members of Perth Autism Support on Wednesday.
Geoff said: “I wanted to put something back into the community. I have 130 acres so I’m not exactly short of space to graze horses.
“I’ve had horses since 1984. I’ve raced and bred thoroughbreds right from that time.
“People believe that racehorses are highly strung and almost unmanageable but that’s not the case.
“Some of my racehorses were coming to retirement age and I wanted to give them a job after that but the RDA is fitted around ponies.
“You have to be a charity to be a member of the RDA so I’m looking to do riding lessons and hacks with the thoroughbreds and that will fund the RDA.”
The Kinfauns centre will be able to cater to adults. The nearest centre to Perth offering this service is the Brae at Dundee.
Angie Ferguson, chief executive officer of Perth Autism Support, said having a centre close to the city meant less travel time for riders.
She said: “Horse riding can be one of the most beneficial activities children with autism can get involved with, not only for the emotional and sensory benefits, but for the improvements in motor skills, and cognitive functions.
“Although we have been trying to secure regular lessons for our children since our organisation began in 2011, we have been unable to find a facility that is close enough for our children to attend after school that doesn’t add too much travel time on to their day, so to have RDA Kinfauns 10 minutes away from our centre in Perth is fantastic.
“Some of our children have already been out to the centre to assist the staff with RDA requirements and we will continue to support the team with autism training and as we do with all of our activities we will provide autism trained staff and volunteers to assist in the lessons.
“We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with RDA Kinfauns.”