Securing the Future of a Riding Centre for People with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs
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Margaret Haes Riding Centre has been offering life-changing experiences to children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities for over 50 years. However, the centre, in the North West of England, faced an uncertain future when the landowner decided to sell.
Acquiring the site, will ensure local people are still able to experience the benefits of being with horses - empowering children and adults with learning disabilities, physical and mental health disabilities, and emotional and social challenges, to lead active and fulfilling lives through equestrian activities.
Making a difference in the community
The riding centre has 12 horses suitable for riders of all abilities, available for use in both indoor and outdoor arenas, as well as for local hacks on country lanes and moors. By securing the future of the Centre, up to 160 vulnerable children and adults in the local community will have the opportunity to engage with the horses and develop their equestrian skills.
Debra Batchelor, a trustee at Margaret Haes, said:
"The response to our funding appeal from the community and wider, has been incredible, showing how much riding, or simply being with horses, at the riding centre has touched the lives of so many over the years…. The future is secure, and we can now unlock so many exciting opportunities to develop our facilities, and further benefit our community."
As part of the Community Ownership Fund (COF) application, the team are working to bring an old store room into use as a flexible community space. This community room will enable the riding centre to better accommodate visitors, host events, and bring additional revenue into the business.
Funding the project
The Margaret Haes Riding Centre was awarded a £150,000 capital grant and a £21.5k revenue grant through COF. The capital grant was matched by a combination of a crowdfunding campaign and a donation from a benefactor, with the money used to secure the purchase of the facilities. The crowdfund attracted contributions from more than 400 people, raising over £30, 000.
The revenue grant will help reach the milestones set for the next 12 months which are focused on growing the centre as a cultural and wellbeing hub. This will include renovating the community room and hosting other activities such as theatre events in the outdoor arena.
Getting the right support
Although the Riding Centre had begun their application before the Community Ownership Fund support programme was in place, they believe the process was beneficial to their project.
Submitting an Expression of Interest was valuable for the Riding Centre, even though it did not guarantee success. It helped the team to focus and commit time to the project. Additionally, it gave them a tangible discussion point for the landowner, who needed reassurances that their offer was progressing.
Preparing supporting documents for the full application. such as the business plan, also made things easier once the award was granted.
Advice to other groups
- Reach out beyond your normal network. Talk to the wider community and bring people in as partners and supporters. Many will stay with you beyond the campaign.
- The best stories come from beneficiaries. Work with the local media to amplify their voices.
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