Save our local pony riding school!

Hi, I’m one of a group of parents of horse mad kids trying to raise funds to renovate the school paddock (ménage) of a much beloved community horse riding stables in East London.

Recent torrential rain and the passage of time mean it’s time for an overhaul - the surface of the school paddock has been considered uneven by the Redbridge Council Licensing department, and Aldersbrook Horses and Ponies cannot operate their regular pony rides and lessons inside the ménage. This decision will naturally affect their income, increasing the strain on already tight finances, making it less likely for them to be able to afford the essential works. It really is a race against the clock to get things back on track!

The people behind Aldersbrook Horses and Ponies have overcome several difficult periods in the last few years due to the dedication, hard work and love poured into the operation by its tireless staff, led by Julie and Cheyenne. Ida Thorne started a riding school on the land 50 years ago, and Julie has worked with Ida for 40 of those years. The warm feeling from this community minded riding school and stables means they have a willing team of young volunteers who spend most of their free time at the stables - working, riding, and generally pitching in. Julie and Chey run projects that include giving disabled and marginalised children the opportunity to experience riding and spending time with a pony, and they work with local groups like Beavers and Cubs, allowing young children from all walks of life the chance to ride, alongside teaching them to care for animals. It would be a loss to a great number of people - and many animals - if they are unable to continue as a riding school. They contribute so much to a broad section of a varied community, please help us give a little back to them. Thank you.